To dual boot Windows operating systems, you need multiple partitions for each OS, with enough space allocated. Install the oldest OS first, leaving unpartitioned space. Then install the second OS, creating a new partition in the remaining space. The boot loader can be configured to choose which OS loads by default.

1. Quick guide to dual booting Windows Operating Systems

2. When planning a dual-boot with two or more Windows Operating Systems, you need the following: Two or more partitions, one for each OS Specific space for each OS The PC needs to meet system requirements for each OS Plan a Dual Boot

3. Dual-booting will require fresh installations of each OS Need multiple partitions Can use 3 rd -party software Install oldest OS first Example: Dual-boot Windows XP and Vista Install XP first, then Vista Boot-loader issues Install the First OS

4. When you have reached the partition setup in your installation, you need to create a new partition Determine how much space is available Determine system requirements Determine user needs Create first partition for your oldest OS For now, leave the rest unpartitioned Partition Setup

7. After the partition is setup, finish the installation normally Once complete, go to disk management and note your hard drive usage How much space you have on your Windows partition How much space you have as unpartitioned Installation

8. Now the second operating system can be installed This is also installed normally as a fresh installation Install the Second OS

9. At this point, you will have a more complicated partition setup Select your un partitioned space and create a new partition You could use only part of this partition, and set aside more for a third OS! You can use the default size for this partition Second OS Partition Setup

12. After partitioning, finish the installation Again, note the disk usage in disk management Installation

13. In Windows Vista or 7, you can easily change the default operating system. By default, the newest OS loads if no choice is made after 30 seconds Open System Properties Open Advanced System Settings Open the Advanced tab Click on the settings button under Startup and Recovery Change the default Boot Loader

18. You can change the description of the operating system in the boot manager Open an elevated command prompt Type bcdedit to see your current settings To change the description of Windows XP: Bcdedit /set {ntldr} description “Windows XP” BCDedit