Dual Boot: How to install Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 on one hard disk

A Dual Boot from 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 switch to both operating systems parallel can access.

Dual Boot: Create new partition

To install Windows 8.1 and 7 in parallel, we recommend 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:

1. In Windows 7, go to "Computer Management". To do this, enter "Computer" in the search field of the Start menu and then click on "Computer Management", this is the quickest way to get there.
2. 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.
3. Now right-click on "Volume (C:)" at the bottom and select "Shrink volume" from the menu that appears.
4. 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 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

You can now set up Windows 8.1 and 7 in dual boot:

1. Insert the installation DVD or insert the corresponding USB stick. Restart the computer.
2. When restarting, press the space bar so that the computer starts from the installation medium.
3. Select the language and enter the license key.
4. In the next step, you must opt for the user-defined installation, otherwise Windows 8 will replace Windows 7.
5. Select 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 them, you should not delete this version.

Article images above (Windows 8 and Windows 7 logos): Microsoft Corporation