Dual Boot question (7 and 10)

I have Windows 7, and want to try Windows 10. But I want to set up a dual boot, in case some of my old software doesn't work with Windows 10. This forum has lots of good info on how to do this, but I'm still fuzzy on a couple details. Here's my question:

If I create a new partition, and install Windows 10 into it, do all my programs and data from my old C: drive get copied into the new partition? or does Windows 10 just reference them on (and run them from) the old drive?

If it's the latter, what do I do if Windows 10 works fine for all my needs, and I want to remove Windows 7 and reclaim the space? I can't just copy all the files from one partition to the other, can I? (And even if I can, will the OS be able to find them, since the drive letter where they're located will have changed?)

OR... I'm planning to upgrade my main HD to a Solid State drive. What if I first clone my old drive onto the new one, then upgrade the new one to Windows 10. Will I be able to run both drives and boot from either one? Then, once I determine I no longer need Win 7, I can just simply remove the old drive. Will this work?

Thanks!

Each OS partition is independent. You cannot execute programs in one from other unless standalone installs (most are not).

You can copy data from other partition.

Two disks is ok, but if you want proper dual boot, it is slightly tricky removing old drive as that usually contains boot data for other drive. Can be done, but you need to rebuild boot sectors for new drive.

You can install 10 on new drive with old drive removed temporarily. Then you would need to use bios or msinfo to select which one to boot from - this is not a dual configuration - just two separate single boot options. Easier to remove old OS.

Re installing 10.

Either clean install 10 on new drive, or clone other drive and upgrade if you want to keep programs (I would do latter personally and only clean install if problems).

Thanks, I DEFINITELY want to do an upgrade rather than a clean install if possible, so I'll probably try your last suggestion.

My biggest concern is that I'm running an older audio recording interface that is no longer supported by the manufacturer (no drivers available for any OS newer than Windows 7). Some other users have told me the Windows 7 drivers work with Windows 10, so I'm hopeful.

BUT... (tricky question here...)
If it doesn't work, and I go back to Windows 7, but a year from now upgrade my hardware and decide to try again, will I be able to install the free copy of Windows 10 I just downloaded, or will it become uninstallable after the grace period, forcing me to buy an new OS?

kyleknapp said:

If it doesn't work, and I go back to Windows 7, but a year from now upgrade my hardware and decide to try again, will I be able to install the free copy of Windows 10 I just downloaded, or will it become uninstallable after the grace period, forcing me to buy an new OS?

It depends on what hardware you upgrade, when you upgrade, and what type of license your original Windows was. If you replace the motherboard and your original license was OEM then you will have to purchase Windows for it regardless of when you upgrade. If you replace the motherboard after July then you will have to purchase Windows 10 for it if you want Windows 10 - or you can transfer your Windows 7 to it, if the license was a full retail license.

cereberus said:

clone other drive and upgrade if you want to keep programs (I would do latter personally and only clean install if problems).

Unless the user has two separate licenses for Windows, this violates the EULA until the first operating system is erased. Having a clean install on one drive (or partition) and Windows 7 on the other on the same computer also violates the EULA - if the single license for Windows 7 is used to activate the Windows 10.

NavyLCDR said:

It depends on what hardware you upgrade, when you upgrade, and what type of license your original Windows was. If you replace the motherboard and your original license was OEM then you will have to purchase Windows for it regardless of when you upgrade. If you replace the motherboard after July then you will have to purchase Windows 10 for it if you want Windows 10 - or you can transfer your Windows 7 to it, if the license was a full retail license.



Unless the user has two separate licenses for Windows, this violates the EULA until the first operating system is erased. Having a clean install on one drive (or partition) and Windows 7 on the other on the same computer also violates the EULA - if the single license for Windows 7 is used to activate the Windows 10.

I think this is debatable. Since you can only use 1 licence at a time, it is not really any different to creating system image backups and alternating which is permitted. You can also mount images as a drive to see files on other OS.

I accept dual boot may not strictly comply with EULA but it does uphold the key principle that you can only USE one licence at a time on same PC ie you cannot run them concurrent.

This is completely different from having 7 on one pc and 10 on another where you can run two instances of windows concurrently.

Does MS really care? Its prime goal is to get people to use 10 and if some people hedge their bets by dual booting, I am sure they would prefer that to people not going to 10 at all.

cereberus said:

Does MS really care? Its prime goal is to get people to use 10 and if some people hedge their bets by dual booting, I am sure they would prefer that to people not going to 10 at all.

The moderators of this forum consider dual booting Windows 7 and Windows 10 with only one license to be a violation of the EULA. So, if you want to incur an infraction....it's up to you.

NavyLCDR said:

The moderators of this forum consider dual booting Windows 7 and Windows 10 with only one license to be a violation of the EULA. So, if you want to incur an infraction....it's up to you.

Fair enough but I would dispute it is an infraction. If anybody asks, I will probably answer that whilst technically possible, it is potentially an EULA violation and just leave it at that.