Dual Boot Install Windows 7 on Windows 10


  1. Posts : 3
    Windows 10 Home
       #1

    Dual Boot Install Windows 7 on Windows 10


    Hi All,

    I already have Windows 10 Home x64 on my notebook. I had upgraded from Windows 8.1.

    I have never had Windows 7 on this system. I want to dual boot install Windows 7 on a partition so that I can play some games that are not compatible with Windows 10.

    I know Microsoft recommends installing the older system first. Is there a way to install Windows 7 once Windows 10 is already on the computer?

    Thanks. :)
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 719
    win 7 dual boot / 10
       #2

    Welcome to TenForums
    I would say the best way would be with a VM. I would think that installing 7 after 10 would mess with your boot loader. I have not tried that scenario. Good luck to you.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #3

    Folen Angel said:
    I know Microsoft recommends installing the older system first. Is there a way to install Windows 7 once Windows 10 is already on the computer?

    Thanks. :)
    You can install Windows 7 on an empty, extra partition just fine. I would recommend formatting the partition as NTFS from Windows 10 first, then point the Windows 7 to the empty formatted partition for where to install to. I've done it just exactly that way myself. What you do NOT want to do is point the Windows 7 to just an unallocated empty space on the hard drive, that will create it's own boot partition and not add itself to the existing boot menu.

    After you get Windows 7 installed, you can use EasyBCD to tweak your boot sequence the way you want (set the default OS, choose how long to wait for the choice, rename the entries in the boot menu, etc.)
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 3
    Windows 10 Home
    Thread Starter
       #4

    NavyLCDR said:
    You can install Windows 7 on an empty, extra partition just fine. I would recommend formatting the partition as NTFS from Windows 10 first, then point the Windows 7 to the empty formatted partition for where to install to. I've done it just exactly that way myself. What you do NOT want to do is point the Windows 7 to just an unallocated empty space on the hard drive, that will create it's own boot partition and not add itself to the existing boot menu.

    After you get Windows 7 installed, you can use EasyBCD to tweak your boot sequence the way you want (set the default OS, choose how long to wait for the choice, rename the entries in the boot menu, etc.)
    Thanks, will try that and report back :)
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 3
    Windows 10 Home
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Charlie said:
    Welcome to TenForums
    I would say the best way would be with a VM. I would think that installing 7 after 10 would mess with your boot loader. I have not tried that scenario. Good luck to you.
    Thanks for the welcome and idea :)
      My Computer


 

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