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Question

Dual boot on separate drives - Win10 & Win7

Oct 20, 2015 7:29AM PDT

How to make dual boot on separate drives? I have already installed Win10 on SSD and Win7 on HDD. I tried with Startup and recovery -> Time to display list of operating systems but I only got one option to choose (win10). I thought it would be easier with two different drives Confused

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
How did you do that install?
Oct 20, 2015 7:41AM PDT

To get dual boot with 7 and 10 you set your machine up and boot/install 7, then boot/install 10.

That gets me a dual boot menu. But this would require us to ignore that free Windows 10 offer and buy a license for 10.

While we wait to hear more about your method and what you bought for your licenses, look at EasyBCD.

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My installation procedure
Oct 20, 2015 7:56AM PDT

I did it this way:
- disconnected HDD
- install Win10 Pro clean install on SSD
- disconnect SSD and connect HDD
- install Win7 Ultimate on HDD

Can it be done without the use of external programs?

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Your method will not result in a dual boot.
Oct 20, 2015 8:05AM PDT

You would have to control what boots by connection or maybe the BIOS.

And forget fixing it after the fact. I'm sure you've seen Windows BSOD if you move it to another connection.

So in conclusion, either live with your choice of install or do it Microsoft's way (yes, some folk blow up on that last statement.)

As to your last question. No. Unless I use Microsoft's methods I have to try other apps.

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No solution?
Oct 20, 2015 8:12AM PDT

What if I reinstall Win7 with my SSD connected? Will that help?

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I don't know why the aversion to trying EasyBCD
Oct 20, 2015 8:20AM PDT

But to do this the supported way you plug in the drives and install from oldest to newest Windows selecting which drive/partition to install to along the way.

I can't guess why you did what you did unless it was to experiment which is fun.

Since 7 doesn't know 10, my bet is you'll end up with 7 booting.

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I think it's the same as with Classic Shell
Oct 20, 2015 8:33AM PDT

Most folks I've run into complaining about Windows 8 don't seem to know about Classic Shell, a few say "it's not part of Windows". I think the latter group might have some fear of the unknown. I suspect folks like the OP here just don't know about EasyBCD. It sure does work quick and easy for changing boot options though.

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I will try with EasyBCD
Oct 20, 2015 8:33AM PDT

I did what i did because I didn`t know installation procedure for dual boot. I will give a chance to EasyBCD, program seems simple. Thanks. Regards Happy

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(NT) Get EasyBCD. It will let you add the Win 10 to boot menu.
Oct 20, 2015 8:14AM PDT