How to Use Virtual Disks for Dual Booting Operating Systems

Introduction

• Explanation of using virtual disks to dual boot an old Windows installation on a new system.
• Discusses how new PCs often require reinstalling software and customizing settings.

Key Concepts

1. Convert Old Hard Drive to Virtual Disk:

   • Use the old hard drive to create a virtual disk and boot the old Windows installation on a new system.

2. System Requirements:

   • The old system must boot UEFI.
   • If the old system is MBR but supports UEFI, you can convert it using MBR to GPT command.

3. Compatibility:

   • Higher success with Windows 10 and later due to efficient driver detection.
   • Avoid virtual disk size exceeding the free space on the new system.

Setup Process

1. Connect the Old Hard Drive:

   • Use a USB adapter to connect the old hard drive to the new PC.

2. Create a VHD/VHDX File:

   • Use the Microsoft Disk2vhd program to convert the physical hard drive to a virtual disk.

3. Resize the Image:

   • Use partitioning tools to resize the image to fit the available space on the new hard drive.

4. Use Hyper-V Tools for Resizing:

   • Required if the system runs Windows Pro, as Hyper-V tools are needed to manage VHD size.

5. Modify the Boot Configuration Data (BCD):

   • Add the VHD to the BCD to enable booting from the virtual disk.

6. Driver Considerations:

   • Boot might take time as the system detects new hardware drivers.
   • Boot into Safe Mode if issues arise, then reboot.

Additional Notes

• Offers video references for further tutorials on converting MBR systems and others.
• Suggestion to virtualize the old system for concurrent use with the new OS.

By following these instructions, users can take advantage of dual booting with virtual disks, retaining their previous system environment alongside a new operating system. This method provides a practical solution for maintaining access to older applications and setups without the need for a complete physical switch.