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I currently have Windows 7 Home Premium, and I'm thinking about upgrading to Windows 8. Is it possible to use the Upgrade to dual-boot the two versions, or will the upgrade have to overwrite Windows 7? If it overwrites, is the process reversible to get Windows 7 back if I decide I don't like 8?

Niet the Dark Absol
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  • If you mean you upgrade for $40 from windows 7 then your license is **converted** to a windows 8 license. – page4096 Oct 28 '12 at 19:08

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Yes, it is possible. Do the following:

  1. Run the Upgrade Assistant and buy the product key.
  2. When it asks you to install, select Install by creating media. S2
  3. Create the Windows 8 installer by using a USB flash drive or a DVD.
  4. Boot the flash drive/DVD which contains the Windows 8 installer.
  5. When it asks you to upgrade or do a clean install, choose Custom.
  6. Create a new partition and install Windows 8 in it.

Now you can enjoy both Windows 7 and 8. If you don't like Windows 8, you can just delete the new partition that you created.

Also, you need to create a new partition on the internal drive. You can't install Windows 8 on an external drive that is connected through USB. The setup just doesn't support that. But there are other ways by which you can install it on an external drive.

Community
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Elmo
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  • I didn't quite follow that - does the new partition go on the computer's hard drive? Could I use an external HD for it? Could you please elaborate a little on the steps to take? – Niet the Dark Absol Oct 28 '12 at 19:00
  • You can do both. You can specify external or a new partition on the existing hard disk. – tr4656 Oct 28 '12 at 19:01
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    Since Windows 7 is not overwritten in this case, how will Windows 8 get activated? – Karan Oct 28 '12 at 22:25