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In computing, downgrading refers to reverting software (or hardware) back to an older version; downgrade is the opposite of upgrade. Often, complex programs may need to be downgraded to remove unused or bugged features, and to increase speed and/or ease of use. The same can occur with machinery.
An example of a downgraded program is Gmax, a downgraded version of 3ds max used by professional computer graphics artists, free to download and simplified for ease of use.
The term "downgrade" became especially popularized during the days of Windows Vista, with users wanting to return to, or upgrade to (with some even calling it a "downgrade") Windows XP due to Vista's performance and familiarity issues.