The device isn't operational yet.
The device isn't operational yet.
Hi, I see you're trying to dualboot from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 without upgrading. You've set up a second SSD and created a .vhdx virtual disk, but when you try to boot via USB, it reports the device isn't ready. The drive is empty, formatted with NTFS, and uses a GPT partition table. What could help?
I would turn off all external drives, keeping only the new SSD connected. Then power on the installation media and install Windows 10 onto the SSD. If needed, adjust the partition size during setup so Windows doesn’t take over the entire drive. Once installed, reconnect the remaining drives. You can access the BIOS menu to select between Windows 8 and Windows 10.
Create a backup first, just in case. Installing on the second SSD doesn’t seem necessary. You’re not sure about the benefits of using a VHD here.
You've successfully completed it and now you can dual boot Windows. Congratulations!