Installing Windows 8 to HDD while Windows 7 is running?

Question

Basically, I want to still use my PC while I install Windows 8.

The drive I want to install to is physically different from the one I am running Windows 7 on, and so, if I wanted to boot to Windows 8, I'd choose a different boot device from my BIOS.

Can I install Windows 8 to a separate hard drive (not external) whilst still using Windows 7, without touching the Windows 7 installation?

Solution 1

I think what you are looking for is built into Windows, it's called imagex.

About

imagex /apply d:\imaging\data.wim 1 d:\New_Directory /verify

Here is actually another SuperUser answer about it. I would summarize it, but it is complete with screenshots and somewhat lengthy.

Edit: As per the commenters below, this is not the fastest or easiest method, and it would be fastest to just boot the disc live and install directly. However, if you really want to do it this way, that is the best resource I have seen.

Solution 2

It wont "touch" your windows 7 install but you wont be able use the computer while you're installing an OS. You cant boot to the drive with windows 7 on and then somehow boot seperately to your windows 8 installation disk

Solution 3

Run the Windows 8 installer from Windows 7. Press Alt+Tab to switch back to your other applications. When it goes to restart, kill the process.

You can then finish installation by restarting your PC and choosing the Windows 8 drive from your BIOS boot menu.

Comments

[Steffan Donal]

I've done something similar before with Debian - It can be done.

[uxout]

With the time it would take you to set up the image, though, you'd be better off just doing it normally - the lost productivity would be less.

[nerdwaller]

@Shinrai True as that may be (and as much as I may agree), I am just answering the question posed by the OP.

[Scott Chamberlain]

@nerdwaller Sometimes when someone asks if they should use a shoe or a bottle you need to go tell them to go use a hammer.

[nerdwaller]

@ScottChamberlain - Sure, provide the suggestion. But one way or another they'll learn themselves.

[nerdwaller]

For the record though, I do agree.

[Steffan Donal]

In all fairness, there's no other (easy) way to do this, and the Windows installer is literally doing nothing while it counts down to restart.

[Ramhound]

@Ruirize - Well...Its not possible with Windows.

[Steffan Donal]

@Ramhound - I've already done it. I just ran the installer from 7 and canceled the reboot.

[Admin]

Kill the process... and corrupt your data.

[Steffan Donal]

I've updated the accepted answer to this one - it's a much better solution than relying on the restart timer countdown not actually doing anything in the background. It's the safe option 💪