Create Dualboot System with Windows 7 and 8 Using VHD

Create Dualboot System with Windows 7 and 8 Using VHD is easier to understand when the core ideas are paired with practical examples. The sections below explain the topic clearly, highlight useful steps, and point out details that can prevent common errors.

TipsMake.com - In the following article, we will show you how to create and use Virtual Hard Drive (VHD) to install and start Windows 8 on a working computer with Windows 7. Actually, there are actually many ways to do this, and the way presented below is the easiest and easiest to implement.

To create VHD , open Start Menu> Run and type diskmgmt.msc:

Create Dualboot System with Windows 7 and 8 Using VHD example image 1

The main control panel of the MMC is displayed, along with Disk Management:

Create Dualboot System with Windows 7 and 8 Using VHD example image 2

Select Action menu > Create VHD:

Create Dualboot System with Windows 7 and 8 Using VHD example image 3

Select the archive folder of the VHD file and set the required capacity (minimum of 20GB ), should choose Fixed Mode to ensure performance:

Create Dualboot System with Windows 7 and 8 Using VHD example image 4

The process of creating Windows VHD will begin, you can monitor through the MMC Status Bar :

Create Dualboot System with Windows 7 and 8 Using VHD example image 5

When this is done, the newly created partition will be listed in the Disk Management list . At this point, you need to prepare the initial settings for this partition through the Initialize Disk function :

Create Dualboot System with Windows 7 and 8 Using VHD example image 6

Keep the partition format as MBR - Master Boot Record and click OK :

Create Dualboot System with Windows 7 and 8 Using VHD example image 7

At the end of the process, we will have to create a volume on this partition, right-click on the black area and select New Simple Volume:

Create Dualboot System with Windows 7 and 8 Using VHD example image 8

The next options are displayed, you can leave the default options unchanged, change the Volume label to Windows 8 for convenience, then click Next and Finish :

Create Dualboot System with Windows 7 and 8 Using VHD example image 9

And this new VHD file will have functions like a real hard drive:

Create Dualboot System with Windows 7 and 8 Using VHD example image 10

Create Dualboot System with Windows 7 and 8 Using VHD example image 11

Install Windows 8 on the VHD partition:

The first thing to do at this process is to open PowerShell via Run As Administrator mode (Start Menu> All Programs> Accessories> Windows Powershell):

Create Dualboot System with Windows 7 and 8 Using VHD example image 12

When PowerShell starts, we need to change some policies regarding the system's ability to execute the program to apply with some of the following code. Type the command:

Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned

A security message will appear, press Y and press Enter to continue:

Create Dualboot System with Windows 7 and 8 Using VHD example image 13

Next, please visit here and download the *.ps1 file , copy it to Windows C drive:

Create Dualboot System with Windows 7 and 8 Using VHD example image 14

Open the properties - Properties of this *.ps1 file and click the Unblock button at the bottom of the window:

Create Dualboot System with Windows 7 and 8 Using VHD example image 15

To continue, please assign the *.iso file of Windows 8 Developer Preview with a program to create any drive, such as Deamon. Then return to the main control screen of PowerShell , type command CD C:

Create Dualboot System with Windows 7 and 8 Using VHD example image 16

And continue typing the following command:

.Install-WindowsImage.ps1 –WIM J: SourcesInstall.wim –Apply –Index 1 –Destination I:

One point to note here is that you should replace the drive letters behind the –WIM parameter corresponding to the *.iso file of Windows 8, the drive to be installed (in this test I is:) is the VHD partition just created earlier:

Create Dualboot System with Windows 7 and 8 Using VHD example image 17

The system will display as shown below when this process ends:

Create Dualboot System with Windows 7 and 8 Using VHD example image 18

Open the Command Prompt application and type bcdboot.exe I: Windows (drive I is the Windows 8 installation partition):

Create Dualboot System with Windows 7 and 8 Using VHD example image 19

From this point on, when the system starts, you will see the selection screen as follows:

Create Dualboot System with Windows 7 and 8 Using VHD example image 20

Good luck!

FAQ

What should you know about install Windows 8 on the VHD partition?

The first thing to do at this process is to open PowerShell via Run As Administrator mode (Start Menu> All Programs> Accessories> Windows Powershell):

What is Create Dualboot System with Windows 7 and 8 Using VHD?

TipsMake.com - In the following article, we will show you how to create and use Virtual Hard Drive (VHD) to install and start Windows 8 on a working computer with Windows 7.

Why is Create Dualboot System with Windows 7 and 8 Using VHD important?

A clear understanding of Create Dualboot System with Windows 7 and 8 Using VHD helps you make informed decisions, avoid common mistakes, and use the relevant tools or techniques more effectively.