

You'll have to create a partition of at least 16GB (20GB for 64-bit Windows 8.1) for your side-by-side Windows 8.1 and 7 installation. Windows 7 has a built-in backup feature to secure your data files, but for image backup, you'll need third-party software such as, our Editors' Choice. A complete image backup of your hard disk is preferable, however. At the very least back up all your photos, videos, and documents. You never know what will happen when installing a new OS. One preliminary note, though: This multi-boot setup only works with Windows 7 and Vista: To set up a multi-boot system with Windows XP or Ubuntu, you'll need a third-party multi-boot tool such as the excellent EasyBCD (Opens in a new window) from NeoSmart Technologies.īefore you attempt this, however, you should back up your existing Windows PC. Follow the procedure below and you'll be able to switch back and forth between operating systems at will. So how do you accomplish this? It's really not much more difficult than your typical Windows installation, with a couple of preparatory steps before you start the actual setup. Installing Windows 8.1 this way gives you a clear, clean choice screen at system startup of which operating system version you want to use. Fear not, there's a way you can test the waters while still holding onto your tried and true system software-by setting up a dual-boot system. But you're also a bit scared at the same time, since you've heard that it's such a big adjustment from good old Windows 7. You're a little curious about this new Windows 8.1. How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication.

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