Quick overview:
A Dual Boot of Windows 8.1 and 7 is suitable for all users who do not want to switch blindly from Windows 7 to Windows 8, but first want to compare both versions extensively and then decide. Here is an installation guide - so that you can access both operating systems parallel .
Dual Boot: Create new partition
In order to install Windows 8.1 and 7 in parallel, we recommend using an additional hard disk partition. You can also carry out the installation on a single partition, but this makes the process unnecessarily difficult.
Here are the necessary steps:
- Go to "Computer Management" under Windows 7. The quickest way to get there is to enter "Computer" in the search field of the Start menu and then click on "Computer Management".
- On the left, under the menu item "Data storage", you will find the item "Disk management". Click on it and select "Volume (C:)" in the top center.
- Now right-click on "Volume (C:)" at the bottom and select "Shrink volume" from the menu that appears.
- In the "Storage space to be reduced in MB" field, enter how much capacity you want to use for Windows 8.1 and 7 in parallel operation. You will need at least 20,000 MB (i.e. just under 20 gigabytes), so it is better to use a little more.
The "Disk Management" then shows this storage space as "unallocated". Right-click on it and click on "New simple volume" in the menu. A wizard opens, click on "Next". Follow the instructions and enter a drive letter, for example.
Install Windows 8.1 and 7 in parallel
Now you can set up Windows 8.1 and 7 in dual boot:
- Insert the installation DVD or insert the corresponding USB stick. Restart the computer.
- Press the space bar when restarting so that the computer starts from the installation medium.
- Select the language and enter the license key.
- In the next step, you must opt for the user-defined installation, otherwise Windows 8 will replace Windows 7.
- Specify the partition you have created as the destination. This completes the process, and from now on the computer will display both partitions for selection when starting up.
What speaks for a parallel installation
A Windows 8.1 7 Parallel Dual Boot is not only recommended for extensive testing of both versions, where you can identify the advantages and disadvantages in practice. You may also still have programs that only work on Windows 7. If you want to continue using these, you should not delete this version.
Article images above (Windows 8 and Windows 7 logos): Microsoft Corporation
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