[Q] Installing Win7 on Win8.1 Laptop as Dual Boot

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Xian

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Good day to all,
I'm just wondering if it's possible to install Windows 7 x64 on my laptop as a dual boot option? It's running Windows 8.1 upgraded from Windows 8.
If it's possible(considering I'll be installing via partitioning my D drive), will I still be able to use applications installed on Win 8.1 on the newly installed Win7? (ie Microsoft Office '10; various Online Games)
[edit] And will I have to reinstall drivers? (ie Sound/Graphic Drivers)
[edit2]
Specs:
Asus K46CA

Intel i3-3217 1.8ghz
4GB Ram
500GB HDD
Intel HM76 Express Chipset
Intel HD 4000 Graphics
Windows 8.1 Single Language
Thanks in advanced!
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Single Language
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    Intel i3-3217U
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4000
    Mouse
    Razer Orochi
    Browser
    Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    Avast
    Other Info
    I like stuff.
Not knowing the model notebook you have or the age of it, it is hard to say. Although I have Win 8 running in a VM on my Win 7 desktop system I rarely use it and do not have any system designed specifically for Win 8. From what I have read Some feature in Win 8 Locks the EFI ( BIOS ) so no other operating system can be installed. But IIRC that is a Feature of the UEFI and can be turned off.
So if there are Windows 7 drivers for the hardware in your Notebook you should be able to install Win 7 without a problem once, or IF, that Lock feature is turned off.

As to the programs you have installed in Win 8, No you can't use them in Windows 7 until you Install them in to the Windows 7 install you plan on doing. You will have 2 separate operating system installed and for each every program you want to use in both will need to be installed into both.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 7, VM Win 8
Edwar said:
Not knowing the model notebook you have or the age of it, it is hard to say. Although I have Win 8 running in a VM on my Win 7 desktop system I rarely use it and do not have any system designed specifically for Win 8. From what I have read Some feature in Win 8 Locks the EFI ( BIOS ) so no other operating system can be installed. But IIRC that is a Feature of the UEFI and can be turned off.
So if there are Windows 7 drivers for the hardware in your Notebook you should be able to install Win 7 without a problem once, or IF, that Lock feature is turned off.

As to the programs you have installed in Win 8, No you can't use them in Windows 7 until you Install them in to the Windows 7 install you plan on doing. You will have 2 separate operating system installed and for each every program you want to use in both will need to be installed into both.
Click to expand...

I see. I'll look into the Locking Feature present in Windows 8 as well. Already added specs and it's 10months old.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Single Language
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    Intel i3-3217U
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4000
    Mouse
    Razer Orochi
    Browser
    Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    Avast
    Other Info
    I like stuff.
I'm just wondering if it's possible to install Windows 7 x64 on my laptop as a dual boot option?
Click to expand...

YES & NO, down to your UEFI/BIOS firmware setting.

As this a OEM manufacturer's PC with Pre-installed Windows 8.

1) Downgrade to Windows 7.
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/13326-downgrade-windows-8-windows-7-a.html
Warning you must have the UEFI/BIOS firmware setting in Step Three set.

Make sure you read the NOTE at Step three.

2) If Using a USB Pen drive on a PC with a UEFI BIOS.
USB Pen drive need to be formatted to FAT32 as in
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/15458-uefi-bootable-usb-flash-drive-create-windows.html
Take note of Step 11 for Windows 7.
Also you will need to use a USB 2.0 port, as there are no USB 3.0 drivers in Windows 7.


You will need to buy Windows 7.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
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