Windows 7 is probably Microsoft's most successful operating system, after XP. With the release of Windows 8, a new Windows experience was introduced that brought significant differences. If you lack the features of Windows 7, but can't leave the 8 behind, you can install Windows 7 as an alternate operating system without uninstalling the 8.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Create a Partition
Step 1. Create a new disc
Operating systems need their root disk to work. Since your operating system already occupies the C: drive, you will need to create a partition to get a separate drive.
Step 2. Simply open "Disk Management" from the Start menu
Step 3. Choose the disk you want to partition
Right click on it and select "Minimize".
Step 4. Proceed with the instructions, and the Disk Management utility will create a new separate disk
Part 2 of 2: Install Windows 7
Step 1. Reboot your system
Step 2. Open the BIOS
Set boot from CD / DVD player.
Step 3. Insert the Windows 7 installation disc into your computer's CD drive
Step 4. Save the BIOS changes
Your computer will restart.
Step 5. Press any button on the keyboard to continue
A window will tell you to "Press any key to boot from CD or DVD".
Step 6. Follow the installation instructions
When asked which disk to install Windows 7 on, choose the one you just created.
Do not choose the C: drive which contains the Windows 8 installation. If you did, you would replace Windows 8 with 7
Step 7. Proceed with the installation
Once finished, your computer will restart.
Step 8. Select an operating system
When the computer has restarted, instead of the usual Windows 8 welcome screen, a screen will appear asking you to choose which operating system to boot. You can choose Windows 8 or Windows 7.
Advice
- As far as possible, always install the oldest operating system first to avoid file errors.
- Beware of pirated copies of Windows 8 and 7. Use only genuine Microsoft discs.
