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Finally, the time is near when Microsoft launches the new version of its operating system. The Windows 8 is highly anticipated and has been... How to Boot Windows 7 & 8 Simultaneously

Finally, the time is near when Microsoft launches the new version of its operating system. The Windows 8 is highly anticipated and has been generating a lot of buzz from the time it was announced. There are a number of new features and a host of changes. The news from the industry is that it will take getting some used to, especially for new users. This is the reason why some people are afraid to upgrade from Windows 7 to 8.

Well, if you’re apprehensive about making the transition, you can keep Windows 7 while using Windows 8. Yes, it is quite possible for you to do so. This gives you a chance to check out the new operating system and learning how it works. In the meantime, you can keep using the Windows 7 if you want. Here are the steps you have to follow to boot Windows 7 & 8 simultaneously.

How to Boot Windows 7 & 8 Simultaneously

Create a Backup

Moving on to a new operating system doesn’t mean you should put your old files and documents at risk. Create a backup for your hard drive, saving all the contents securely. This ensures that your files remain safe in case of any problems during the booting process. Even if you aren’t booting a new operating system, it is a great idea to keep a backup of the files and documents you have stored on your computer.

Make a Partition

The second step is dividing your hard drive into two. The Windows 8 operating system itself takes 20GB of space plus you need to make the provision for data storage. Try to clean up as much material as you can off the Windows 7 so there is sufficient space to store Windows 8 as well as any new files. Here is how you can make a partition:

  • Open Start Menu
  • Click on ‘Computer’
  • Toggle drop-down menu and select ‘Manage’
  • Look for ‘Disk Management’ and double-click on it
  • Right click on main hard drive (usually C) and select ‘Shrink Volume’

After following these steps, you will have enough space to install Windows 8 on your PC. The final step is clicking on ‘New Simple Volume’. The system guides you through the next steps. Once you reach the Format Partition interface, rename it to ‘Windows 8’.

Install Windows 8

The third and final step is installing Windows 8. Depending on how you obtained your copy of Windows 8, you will either have to install it through a disk drive or a USB. Installation is a tricky process as you may have to reconfigure the BIOS settings of your computer before it can be done. Insert the drive and restart your computer. The booting process is the same as that for Windows 7 from there on in. The installation would take around half an hour at the most depending on your processor speed.

These are the steps you have to follow to boot Windows 7 & 8 on the same PC. Once this is done, you can start using the new operating system.

 

[Image via blog.laptopmag]