Possible to Install New Instance of Win10 In the Background??

jrome487 · 13 Dec 2017

I am not the most computer savvy, but I am trying to install an new instance (let's call it "B") of Win10 while the computer is running without majorly affecting the performance of the operating instance (let's call it "A"). I would like to be able to fully use the system while the installation is running, and then be able to switch over to instance B within 10-20 minutes of system downtime (via reboot, installation screen, etc. ). Currently I use a clone image to overwrite the existing instance, but I would like to eliminate the downtime associated with deploying the clone. Any ideas of how to do this?

Please let me know if I need to elaborate or clarify.

Thanks in advance!

dmholt57 · 13 Dec 2017

...two different partitions using two different keys?

NavyLCDR · 14 Dec 2017

Run setup.exe from the \Sources folder of the mounted Windows 10 ISO file

cereberus · 14 Dec 2017

NavyLCDR said:

Run setup.exe from the \Sources folder of the mounted Windows 10 ISO file

But once that kicks in OP will no longer have control of PC until installation is finished.

The way to do this is easy enough if using PRO ie create a hyper-v vm and install OS in a virtual hard drive. Then once done, simply add vhd as a host boot option.

One can probably do same in Home using virtualbox or vmware but OP might need to convert there virtual hard drive to .vhd(x) format. Not sure if they can handle .vhd(x) directly.

lx07 · 14 Dec 2017

Or you could apply the wim to partition using Expand-WindowsImage and then add the boot menu entry (if it doesn't exist) using bcdboot.

Something like:

Code:

Expand-WindowsImage -ImagePath "e:\sources\install.wim" -ApplyPath "d:\"
bcdboot "d:\Windows"

When you reboot to new instance it will start from OOBE (where you enter your user name and choose your settings and so on.).

cereberus · 14 Dec 2017

lx07 said:

Or you could apply the wim to partition using Expand-WindowsImage and then add the boot menu entry (if it doesn't exist) using bcdboot.

Something like:

Code:

Expand-WindowsImage -ImagePath "e:\sources\install.wim" -ApplyPath "d:\"
bcdboot "d:\Windows"

When you reboot to new instance it will start from OOBE (where you enter your user name and choose your settings and so on.).

Neat.