Learn how to install Windows 8 alongside an older version of Windows in dual-boot mode by creating a new partition.
Let’s say userr primary computer is running Windows 7 and user would also like to install Windows 8 on the same computer but while keeping the old Windows 7 installation intact. What are the options?
Eager to get userr hands on the Windows 8 Consumer Preview? Before user get and mount that ISO image, userll have to pause for a second and think about how user want to install it.
Dual booting allows user to select which operating system user want to load, and is an excellent choice when trying out a beta version of a new operating system. You can get the straight ISO image of Windows 8Consumer Preview if user want to use userr own mounting tool.
Microsoft also has a tool for geting Windows 8 and mounting it onto a bootable USB flash drive.
The Consumer Preview version of Windows 8 isnt going to be around forever either, and will probably expire on or close to the launch of the final RTM version of Windows 8 - meaning userll need to upgrade to the new version or revert to userr old Windows.By default Windows 8 will try to install itself over Windows 7, or completely replace Windows Vista and XP. This isnt ideal when userre essentially beta testing a product that isnt finished and will still have bugs and incompatibly problems.
This is why dual booting Windows 8 Consumer Preview alongside userr existing Windows installation is a great option, as when user turn on userr PC user get to choose which version of Windows to use, and allows both versions of Windows to work side by side without user losing any files.
1. Download the package
To get started userll need to get the installer for the Windows 8 Consumer Preview. Click Get it now, then Download Windows 8 Consumer Preview to begin geting. Click Run twice and allow the program to make changes to userr computer if userre prompted.
2. Prepare to install
When the program starts, it will scan userr PC to ensure its compatible with Windows 8. It will then determine which version of Windows 8 userll need (32 or 64-bit) and get the relevant files. During this process user might be asked to perform a few tasks on userr computer, like clearing space on userr hard drive.
3. Make a bootable flash drive
The next screen will ask whether userre ready to install the Consumer Preview. Make sure user select Install on another partition and click Next. Select USB flash drive (unless userd rather make a bootable DVD), then click Next and select userr flash drive from the list (make sure it is inserted into userr PC first). Click Next to begin. The process might take a while.
4. Create a partition (part one)
You now need to make a partition on our hard drive to install Windows 8 onto. Before user begin, its best to back up all userr important files, just in case. Then open up the Start menu and right-click on Computer and select Manage. Select Disk Management from the list on the left. Right-click userr hard drive at the bottom of the screen and select Shrink volume.
5. Create a partition (part two)
Youll want at least 20GB available to install Windows 8, so enter 20,000 in the box labelled Enter the amount of space to shrink in MB and click Shrink. Now userr hard drive will be 20GB smaller, and a new unallocated section of 20GB will be displayed. Right-click it and select New simple volume Click Next on the next three screens. In Volume label type Windows 8, then click Next and finally Finish.
6. Boot from USB flash
You then need to restart userr computer. To ensure userr PC boots from the USB drive user created, access the BIOS, go to Boot > Boot device priority and make sure the USB drive comes before userr hard drive. Press [F10] to save and exit, and the Windows 8 install utility should now run. Once Windows 8 Setup has loaded, click Next, then Install now.
7. Select the partition to install
When prompted, enter the product code DNJXJ-7XBW8-2378T-X22TX-BKG7J. Continue through the process until userre asked which type of installation user want. Click Custom: Install Windows only. In the next window select the partition user created earlier - it should say Windows 8 - then click Next.
8. Dual boot
Now all user need to do is wait for the Windows 8 installation process to complete. Once thats done the PC will boot into Windows 8. If user like, enter userr Windows Live ID. Now when user restart userr PC, user should be presented with an option to boot into Windows Consumer Preview or Windows 7. Click Change defaults or choose other options to make sure Windows 7 is userr default operating system.
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