Dual-boot Windows 8?

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?

Solution 1:

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.
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.