If you like to use multiple operating systems but don’t have extra computers to spare, we at How-To Geek have can help you set up your computer or tablet to run more than one operating system.
Windows 7 and 8
If you want to try Windows 8 and either don’t have a spare computer or don’t have the hardware for running virtualization software, you can dual boot Windows 7 and Windows 8 on the same machine. The following articles show you how to do this using partitions and using VHDs.
- How to Dual-Boot Windows 7 and Windows 8 On the Same PC
- How to Dual Boot Windows 7 and 8 Without Re-Partitioning (Using VHD)
Windows 7 and Older Windows Versions
If you’re using Windows 7 and you also want to use Windows Vista or XP, you can dual boot Windows 7 with Vista or XP. The following articles show you how without having to use virtualization software.
- Dual Boot Your Pre-Installed Windows 7 Computer with XP
- Dual Boot Your Pre-Installed Windows 7 Computer with Vista
Windows and Linux
Have you wanted to use Linux but need to use Windows also? You can install Linux on your Windows computer and use both operating systems. The following articles show you how to run Ubuntu with Windows 7 and how to install Linux Mint on a computer running Windows 8.
- How to Dual Boot Windows 8 and Linux Mint on the Same PC
- Dual Boot Your Pre-Installed Windows 7 Computer with Ubuntu
Tablet Operating Systems
In addition to setting up a PC to dual boot different operating systems, you can also set up some tablets with two operating systems. The following articles show you how to set up a Galaxy Tab to run Honeycomb and Ubuntu and how to install Android on your HP Touchpad with the default webOS.
- Dual Boot a Galaxy Tab with Honeycomb and Ubuntu
- How to Install Android on Your HP Touchpad
Modify Dual-Booting Systems
Once you set up your PC to dual boot different operating systems, the following articles show you how to change the which operating system is selected by default in various dual boot scenarios and how to remove Windows 8 from a dual boot setup. There’s also an article showing you how to reinstall the Ubuntu Grub bootloader if it has gotten wiped out by Windows.
- How To Easily Change Your Dual-Booting PC’s Default OS
- Easily Set Default OS in a Windows 7 / Vista and XP Dual-boot Setup
- Set XP as the Default OS in a Windows Vista Dual-Boot Setup
- Set Windows as Default OS when Dual Booting Ubuntu
- How to Uninstall or Remove Windows 8 From Your Dual-Boot Setup
- Reinstall Ubuntu Grub Bootloader After Windows Wipes it Out
Happy Dual-Booting!