Dual-booting Windows 7 and Windows 8 (Step By Step Detailed Guide)

Hello Guys, this is our very first post in guiding you how to dual-boot Windows 7 and Windows 8 in your Windows machine.

In this example, we are going to guide you to install a 90 Days Trial Windows 8 RTM version. You can go download the RTM version iso here :

Windows 8 RTM

Step 1 :

Create a bootable USB. Use at least 4GB/8GB USB memory (Depending on the ISO file).

• Go to this site to download the software (Windows 7 USB DVD Download Tool)  << For Windows 7 Onwards

• The guide for creating bootable USB for Windows OS (You just need to replace the iso file with the Windows 8 RTM iso) : http://www.redmondpie.com/how-to-make-windows-8-bootable-usb-flash-drive-the-easy-way/

PS: This software allows you to make bootable USB of Windows 7 and Windows 8 as well.

Step 2 :

Create a new partition in your Windows machine.

1. Search for "diskmgmt.msc" in the start taskbar as depicted below :


2. Click to open the Disk Management window.
   In my case, there are already 2 partition (C: and Data E:).


3. Choose 1 partition that you want to shrink into another partition for your Windows 8.
   For me, I am going to create another partition from my "DATA(E:)"


4. Right Click on the desired partition (DATA(E:)) and click on "Shrink Volume".


5. You will see a dialog box appearing afterwards. Enter the amount of space that you want to give for Windows 8 partition. (Minimum 20GB, Recommended 30GB for Developer to install software needed).
   30720 MB = 30 GB
   
   


6. Now you will have a 30GB unallocated space.


7. Right Click on the "Unallocated Space" and create a "New Simple Volume".


8. Follow the flow of the wizard.
   
   During the creation of simple volume, You might want to label your volume.
   
   


9. Now you have a new partition! (Windows 8 (F:))
   
   

Step 3 :

Installation of Windows 8 in New Partition

1. Plug in your bootable USB and restart your computer. During bootup, press the required key to enter into "BIOS Setup Mode" (It differs by the machine you're using. Normally, either F2 or F10).


2. Change the Boot-up Sequence as depicted below :
   After you've changed the Boot-up Sequence, Save Changes and Exit BIOS Setup Mode. Your machine will start booting from your USB thumb drive.


3. You will enter into the Windows 8 Installation Wizard. Follow the Installation Wizard.
   
   
   
   


4. Choose the type of Installation you want.


5. Choose the partition you want to install Windows 8. Choose the newly created partition (Windows 8 (F:))


6. Wait for the Installation to finish.


7. After everything is done, your machine will be restarted. If prompted for "Enter any key to boot from [somewhere]", Do Not enter anything.


8. You will be guided to Windows Boot Loader. Choose the Windows OS that you want to boot into.
   You're done for dual-booting!

PS : You might want to change the Boot Sequence back to the Original Hard disk Drive. Repeat the step 3.1 and 3.2 (Move "Hard Drive" to the first in sequence rather than the "Removable Devices").

Windows 8 RTM