Run Windows 7 & 8.1 pro run in virtual environment?

AMDPower · 22 Aug 2014 at 18:21

Hi all

I currently have windows 7 installed and wanted to run windows 8.1 together concurrently in a virtual environment if possible. So far the easiest option I have is to format my HD with windows 7 and install windows 8.1 pro with Hyper V and then instlal windows 7. The problem is that I don't really want to use windows 8.1 as my main software on my PC and restarting is a pain in the ass.

I don't really want to use a second computer as its annoying.

so I was wondering is there any easy and preferably free way to do this but starting with windows 7 rather than 8.1 pro?

thanks all

ChrisD. · 22 Aug 2014 at 18:26

Why? Just use 8.1.

dneill2006 · 22 Aug 2014 at 18:50

VirtualBox?

anthony566 · 23 Aug 2014 at 02:50

I have tried this and it didn't quite work how I wanted so I just setup dual boot 7 & 8 and just did it that way, now I just run 8.1 but I can understand why you want it this way.

KIA · 23 Aug 2014 at 11:42

VirtualBox.

Infidelus · 23 Aug 2014 at 19:28

Currently running Windows 8.1 host and Windows 7 as a VM in VirtualBox. Didn't require any special setup. I would imagine (though I've not tried) doing it the other way round would be equally simple.

AMDPower · 23 Aug 2014 at 21:02

Thanks guys, will try virtualbox seems very good and hopefully will work well.

I need to setup windows 8.1 and visual studio development on both windows 7 and 8 concurrently and also will be using matlab quite extensively.

I was wondering how much ram would I need? Since I only have 6GB at the moment, would it be wise to purchase more?