Upgrade Windows 7 to version 10 while keeping it on the same drive.
Upgrade Windows 7 to version 10 while keeping it on the same drive.
Hello there. With a few days left before the Windows 10 update, I’m thinking about switching from Windows 7 to Windows 10. I wouldn’t want to give up my current setup just for the upgrade. The main question is: can I do this without losing my Windows 7? Something like running both operating systems side by side. Right now I have a 1TB drive with two partitions—240GB for the OS and 573GB for files. If I split the OS partition in half (120GB) and install Windows 10 on the remaining space, would that work? I’m not sure yet, but I’d like to try it out.
Initially, this setup isn't covered by the Microsoft licensing model, which may cause activation issues. Additionally, managing two Windows instances simultaneously on the same storage without licensing complications is challenging, especially when using UEFI/GPT with a custom boot manager. For better results, consider using separate hard drives. Clone your current drive to the new one, disconnect the old drive, and proceed with the upgrade. Switch the operating system through the boot device selection in your UEFI/BIOS. Other methods often led to frustration after several hours of effort, particularly because Windows 10 tends to refresh its boot manager periodically.
It turns out things aren’t as simple as I imagined. The licensing shouldn’t cause issues, though I’m unsure about the timing. I’ll obtain access to the Imagine Program, which means I’ll have two licenses. My remaining drive, a 120 GB SATA hard disk, is still unused, so I expect Windows 10 on it to run very slowly—exactly what I was hoping for.
If you own or previously used the Get Windows 10 application and secured your license, you’re free to upgrade whenever convenient. This process swaps out Windows 7 for Windows 10. If you wish to keep both versions, obtain a separate Windows 10 license or install it separately with a trial version (no key required). You may also run Windows 10 in trial mode without a product key, but activation won’t occur until you purchase the full license. The installation requires a dedicated partition—ideally at least 60GB—to accommodate updates, temporary files, system files, and sufficient space for programs and updates. This setup helps avoid activation warnings and ensures smooth operation. However, Windows 10 will remain in trial mode without an activated key unless you buy it. During setup, Windows 10 will detect the presence of Windows 7 and present a dual-boot menu. Depending on your choice, the system will either launch Windows 10 first or restart to Windows 7, offering flexibility for different hardware configurations such as tablets or kiosks that rely on touch or pen input. Make sure compatible drivers are installed for touch or pen support.