Dual Boot Windows 7 and Windows 8 - A Step-by-Step Guide
Dual Booting Windows 8 with Windows 7: A Comprehensive Guide
For those eager to experience Windows 8 but lacking a CPU with virtualization capabilities, a dual boot configuration offers a practical solution.
This method allows you to run both Windows 8 and Windows 7 on the same computer without the need for virtualization.
Understanding the Scenario
Many users find themselves wanting to test Windows 8 while maintaining their existing Windows 7 installation.
However, if your computer doesn't support hardware virtualization, and given that Windows 8 was initially in pre-beta stages with potential instabilities, a full format isn't ideal.
In such cases, dual booting presents the optimal approach.
System Requirements for Dual Booting
The primary requirement for successfully dual booting Windows 8 alongside Windows 7 is sufficient free disk space.
A hard drive with at least 20 Gigs of free space is recommended for the Windows 8 installation.
While it may function with slightly less space, 20 Gigs ensures adequate room for the operating system and its core functionalities.
This setup allows you to explore the features of Windows 8 without compromising your stable Windows 7 environment.
Dual Booting Windows 7 and Windows 8
The initial step involves creating a dedicated partition of approximately 20 Gigabytes, separate from the existing Windows 7 installation. This partitioning process can be accomplished using the Disk Management MMC snap-in.
To access this tool, press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box. Then, type “diskmgmt.msc” and execute the command.
Upon execution, the Disk Management snap-in will load, providing a comprehensive overview of your system's hard drives.
Now, you will need to reduce the size of the C: drive to accommodate the new Windows 8 installation. Right-click on the C: drive and select the “Shrink Volume” option.
A dialog box will appear, prompting you to specify the amount of space to reclaim. The value is entered in megabytes; remember that 1 Gigabyte equals 1024 Megabytes. Therefore, to shrink 20 Gigabytes, enter 20480 (20 * 1024).
After clicking “Shrink,” Windows will proceed to reduce the drive's size. Once completed, Disk Manager will display the newly created unallocated space with a black header, indicating it lacks a file system.
To assign a file system, right-click on this unallocated space and select “New Simple Volume.”
A wizard will guide you through the formatting process. Simply select “Next” on the welcome screen. You will then be asked to specify the amount of unallocated space to use; it’s recommended to accept the default, utilizing all the reserved space.
The subsequent dialog allows you to assign a drive letter. Accepting the defaults is generally sufficient; click “Next” to proceed.
During the format partition stage, you can retain the default settings, but be sure to change the Volume Label to something easily recognizable, such as “Windows 8”. This label will be crucial during the Windows 8 installation process.
Click “Next” and then “Finish” to begin the formatting process. Once formatting is complete, the previously black header will turn blue, signifying that you are now prepared to install Windows 8.
Initiating the Installation Process
Should you not have already obtained a copy of the Windows 8 Developers Preview, it is recommended to download one from this location. After downloading, you can either burn the ISO file to a DVD or utilize the USB Download Tool to create a bootable USB drive. With your bootable media prepared, simply insert the DVD or connect the USB drive and configure your system to boot from it.
Adjustments to the BIOS settings, specifically the boot order, may be necessary. However, assuming you possess the technical proficiency required for dual-booting pre-beta software, this step is presumed to be within your capabilities. Upon booting, if prompted with “press any key to boot from CD or DVD”, promptly press a key on your keyboard to begin the installation configuration.
Following language selection, you will be ready to proceed with the installation of Windows 8. Initiate the process by clicking the “install” button.
The subsequent step involves accepting the license agreement. After carefully reviewing the terms, check the appropriate box and click “next” to advance to the installation type selection. Opt for the “custom installation” option.
A crucial decision now awaits. Selecting the incorrect partition for installation will lead to data loss; therefore, ensure you choose the partition that was previously created.
After selecting the designated partition and clicking “next”, the installation process will commence.
Upon completion of the installation, you will be prompted to assign a name to your PC. Proceed by clicking the “next” button.
The subsequent settings page presents two options: “Use express settings” and “Customize”. While you are free to choose the custom option and define your own settings, we recommend selecting “Use express settings”.
The next choice concerns login credentials. You will be asked if you wish to log in using a Windows Live ID or create a local account. To establish a local account, click the link labeled “Don’t want to log in with a Windows Live ID”.
On the following page, select the option for a local account.
Enter the desired logon name, create a robust password, and provide a password hint for recovery. Once completed, click “next” to create your account and initiate the login process.
After logging in, restart your PC to view the new operating system selection screen. By default, the system will boot into Windows 8 after 30 seconds of inactivity. This behavior can be altered to revert to Windows 7 by clicking the “Change defaults or choose other options” link at the screen’s bottom.
Subsequently, select the “change default operating system” link.
Finally, choose Windows 7.
With these steps completed, you can now enjoy the advantages of having both operating systems available. To explore the new features of Windows 8, consider reviewing a dedicated guide.
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