Install Windows 7 after Ubuntu on GPT

Question

I have Ubuntu 14.04 on my laptop with GPT partition as one /dev/sda:

Now I want to install windows 7 in a dual boot. I see this Ask-Ubuntu post How can I install Windows after I've installed Ubuntu? but using Gparted is little hard for me.

Please explain this to me, step by step using live-USB?

Solution 1

You seem to have not just only a GPT but also a UEFI installation. In that case there will be no overwritten MBR bootloader, which is what the link in your question is mostly about.

I'm pretty sure that machine shipped with Windows 8, so you should have followed the instructions in my answer on How to use manual partitioning during installation? and kept Windows 8.

If I wasn't entirely clear: You shouldn't be concerned about the bootloader but installing the OS you want correctly with UEFI enabled. If Windows 7 installs without flaws, do that, else get your Windows 8 Recovery or install from Windows 8 media. I heard Microsoft now offers 8.1 media for download on its website even for OEM installs (because they also don't like OEM bloatware).

Solution 2

The installation of Windows 7 in dual boot has been unambiguously described in the link that you have mentioned in your question.

If you want to know how GParted works, check the following steps:

1. To launch gParted you may use either of the methods:

   • the Dash (Ubuntu 11.04 and next): click the Ubuntu logo in the top-left corner of the screen, then type gparted and click on the gParted icon that will appear.
   • or System->Administration->gParted menu (Ubuntu 10.04)

   • or by typing in a terminal

     gksudo gparted
     

2. Then create partition for Windows 7 (atleast 15-20 GB) and proceed for installation accordingly.

You may just wish to go through this resource I found: GParted partitioning- Full Tutorial

Comments

[j0h]

Someday we will call this the depreciated method. run windows in a VM and dont dual boot. Run both at the same time. its easier, and works better.

[oldfred]

VM may be easiest. Windows only installs to gpt partitioned drives with UEFI. And how you boot installer is how it installs. Or you must boot Windows 7 installer in UEFI mode. And Windows 7 usually only boots in BIOS mode. You have to copy to flash drive & modify some files (?) to make it UEFI bootable.

[Rod Smith]

Note that GParted can't resize a partition that's currently mounted. Because the Linux root (/) partition (/dev/sda2 in Seyoung's case) is necessarily mounted whenever the OS is booted, resizing it requires booting another installation, such as an Ubuntu live medium.