How to Install Two Copies of Windows on the Same Computer

[Deactivated] on 04/12/2016 - 11:45
Last edited 04/12/2016 - 14:24 by 1 other user

Hi,

I am wanting a second install of windows on one PC. Two questions I think…

What is the best way to achieve this? I have a separate hard disk, and don't mind just unplugging the old hard drive and putting in the new one when I want to swap. But maybe I can get a HDD dock to make this easier? Or can I boot from a usb hard drive?

If I put in a new hard drive, and install windows using the licence from the pc, will that affect the previous install? The previous install is my main copy, and I want to be sure that won't be affected. So can I have two copies of windows using the same licence, or do I need to source another licenced copy?

Thanks.

Computing

Comments

  • Diji1 on 04/12/2016 - 12:43
    +2

    There's this website called google.com.

    Go to this website and in the middle of a page is a text box. Click the mouse once in the box and type "how to install two copies of windows on the same computer" without using the double quotes then push enter.

    • [Deactivated] on 04/12/2016 - 12:51
      -6

      Yes there is also this forum…

    • Adz81 on 04/12/2016 - 13:54

      This is excellent.

  • CodeXD on 04/12/2016 - 13:46
    +2

    Most people would just use another "User Account" on windows

  • Apple96 on 04/12/2016 - 16:51

    the real question is why?

    • [Deactivated] on 04/12/2016 - 17:00

      Software I don't trust.

      • Clear on 04/12/2016 - 17:58
        +4

        Install a virtual machine?

        • [Deactivated] on 04/12/2016 - 18:06

          Thanks for suggestion. May be a bit complex for me. I do have oracle virtual box installed for other software, but don't know how to setup without very direct instructions. Also, is it completely separate?

      • [Deactivated] on 04/12/2016 - 19:57
        +2

        Two installs of windows wouldn't help you

        • Zachary on 05/12/2016 - 08:36

          It would be if they're completely isolated from each other(so that means no file exchange between them even if there's an intermediate), one for possible virus/malware testing and the other for normal operation.

  • [Deactivated] on 04/12/2016 - 17:44

    Ok I'm understanding no, I can't do two installs on the same computer with 1 licence. Pity.

    I have an old laptop with vista, so will have to use that. I tried putting the hard drive into my pc, but nothing works due to drivers.

    • scrimshaw on 04/12/2016 - 20:08
      +2

      Virtual machines are the easiest and hassle free way of isolating and running programs you don't trust. Short of setting up another computer or pulling computers apart and attaching multiple drives.

      Try watching some Youtube videos or search around on Lifehacker for some guides.

      just make sure your CPU is a model that supports VT (Virtualisation Technology)
      http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/processors/00…

      • [Deactivated] on 05/12/2016 - 10:36

        Thanks. My pc does support VT. A few have suggested this approach, so I will spend some time and try and understand.

  • scupper on 04/12/2016 - 22:33
    +1

    Virtual machines from Microsoft:

    https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/tools/v…

    90 day expiry so just download a new one when they expire.

    • [Deactivated] on 05/12/2016 - 10:37

      Thank you for the link. I don't understand why Microsoft would make this free, but sounds good.

      • davidmwilliams on 05/12/2016 - 11:51

        It's for developers to test with. Note that it expires in 90 days so it's not able to be used for your "real" production machine.

  • [Deactivated] on 05/12/2016 - 08:25

    Yes you can install Windows on the same PC twice. You'll need two physical hard drives in the same PC though (not partitions on the same drive).

    Install the first copy as usual. Go into your bios and change the boot drive (or press the shortcut for selecting the boot drive during boot before windows starts loading, will be a function key like F8 or F10 depending on your motherboard). Install the second copy on the second drive (which is now the boot drive) and select fresh install.

    However, usually you'd setup a VM to test software. VirtualBox is free and easy enough to use. Also you can create snapshots (i.e. of a fresh install state) that you can roll back to if you've broken something. I'd recommend learning how to use virtual box instead of two separate Windows installs, particularly if you are trying dodgy software as the Virtual Machine completely isolates your hardware.

    • [Deactivated] on 05/12/2016 - 10:38

      Thanks. Yes everyone seems to be suggesting virtual machine, so I will persue this.

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