We have already seen how to upgrade Windows 8 to Windows 8.1, in our last post. Now we will see how to install Windows 8.1 on a separate partition. I did not want to upgrade my existing working Windows 8 installation to Windows 8.1, and yet wanted to check out Microsoft’s latest offering. So I decided to install it instead on a separate partition so that I could dual boot Windows 8.1 with Windows 8.
Dual boot Windows 8.1 with another OS
First I created a separate partition using the built-in Disk Management tool. Next, I downloaded the Windows 8.1 Client ISO file with built-in apps.
Next, I burned the ISO file to a DVD. Once I had burned the image, and restarted my PC and booted from the DVD. The installation commenced. It was just then that I decided to take pictures on the installation process with my Nokia Lumia 920, so kindly excuse the quality of the images.
You will first see the betta fish for a while after which, it will check if any updates are available. Then you will be asked to input the Product Key, which is NTTX3-RV7VB-T7X7F-WQYYY-9Y92F.
Next, you will be required to select the Language, Time Format, etc.
Make your selection and click Next. You will now be presented with a screen that will require you to click on the Install Now button.
Accept the Microsoft Licensing Terms and click Next.
Since I wanted to install Windows 8.1 on a separate partition, I clicked on Custom Install.
Install Windows 8.1 on a separate partition
You will be asked to select the partition where you’d like to install Windows 8.1. I selected Drive D, which I had specially created. If you wish to format the partition, you can do so here, from the options given.
Once done, click on Next. The installation will commence and take a while.
Your computer will reboot twice during the Installation process. You will finally see the following screen which will show that Windows 8.1 Preview has been installed.
Select this option and boot into Windows 8.1 to get an all-new Windows experience!
See this post to learn how to install Windows 11/10 from USB.
and a guide for remove windows 8.1 on second partition?
Simply format the partition, when logged on to your primary OS, say Windows 8.
Hi ! I would just like to ask!! How about if the laptop is in UEFI boot? Will the DVD work so that the laptop boots on it? :( Thank you very much!!
These comments to HappyAndyK’s fine instructions may be helpful.
Re “I created a separate partition using the built-in Disk Management tool”.[DISKMGMT.MSC in the Run Box or Search Box]:
1. I created the new partition by shrinking the partition containing the ‘other’ operating system. It was about 400 GB, so the max shrink was about 200 GB. That gave both the ‘other’ and the 8.1 Preview approx equal space sufficient for both.
2. I let DISKMGMT format the partition (NTFS) because it’s faster here than letting the Preview installer do it later.
3. I gave the new partition a Volume Name (Win8.1) to help choose the correct partition later during the Custom installation.
4. I did NOT assign a Drive Letter. This allows a Drive Letter “C” to be assigned during the installation (pushing other existing drive letter(s) up by one — that’s OK).
Enjoy, Dale….
I am trying to install Windows 8.1 on my Windows 7 pc, in a different partition, but its say something like this “Windows cannot be installed to this hard disk space. This partition contains one or more dynamic volumes that are not supported for installation” what to do now?
Create normal partiton with “primary” option (not logical or dynamic) and install there. There can be maximum of 4 primary partitions on single harddrive.
I created a partition on my win7 home premium 64 bit. When i go to install windows 8, The selected disk has an MBR partition table. On EFI systems, Windows can only be installed to GPT disks. I cannot proceed install.
Daal Key Ley !
I created a new partition for windows 8.1. I’m trying to install it in UEFI mode, but when I try to install it, this message appears:
“The partitions on the disk selected for installation are not in the
recommended order. For additional information about installing to GPT
disks go to the Microsoft website (www.microsoft.com) and search for
GPT.
Do you want to proceed with installation?”. What should I do?
i am having problem whili instaling windows 8.1 it shows there is a drive problem
help, after successful install of both OSes, the bootloader is not showing. It only boot to Windows 8 as if it didn’t install Windows 8.1 on my partition.
Check the install drive and make sure you find Windows folder on both drives. If it’s there go to MSCONFIG and check if you see both OS listed in there.
Hahahaha you posted your key.
It is the Windows 8.1 Preview product key :D It was publicly available! https://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-8-1-preview-download-link-installation
Are you still around to answer a question perhaps?
I have windows 8.1 installed on my computer and I have a virus can I install windows 8.1 as dual boot so I can configure it before I replace the old windows 8.1?
Microsoft Product keys are sensitive case, Because Microsoft provide it for only one system at the same time, I was need the windows 8.1 key for my laptop to upgrade to professional, So I contact to Microsoft to get its iso with license key, but they denied to give me a key, So I search all over the world to purchase it.
Recently, I ordered at a site from Pak, They have provided me 3 windows 7 pro key sticker and 2 windows 8.1 pro keys, Which is legal and working good. I’m happy after getting so cheap license.
You can also get an unused Windows 7(any version)8, 8.1 pro License key from: ODosta Store
I want to buy another, But Now Please tell me, If can I use my windows 8.1 professional product key at my existing windows 8.1 standard KMS Activated License, being upgrade it.