Q&A for How to Install Two Operating Systems on One Computer

Make sure you have 10 total partitions. Windows 10 needs 5 partitions to run a single operating system—therefore, you'll need 10 partitions to run 2 operating systems on your hard drive.

Make sure you're mapping out your partitions correctly. In some cases, people will set up partitions and install their first operating system, but then realize that there's not enough space for a second one.

You may need two operating systems for reasons of compatibility, features, recovering your computer in case of errors and file corruptions, and running programs for different systems. For example, your computer may run Windows 7 x64 and Windows XP Professional (x32) -- one for modern programs and one for older DOS/Windows programs. Having two operating systems can also help if one of the operating systems fail -- you can boot into the functioning operating system(s) and try to diagnose the problem.

If you mean Random Access Memory (RAM), you have to purchase a piece of hardware called a RAM stick, either online or at a computer retailer. If you mean storage, which is what programs are downloaded onto, purchase either an HDD drive (hard drive) or as SSD (solid state drive) -- the SSD is typically the faster of the two. Do not download RAM -- it's not software. I have seen lots of people get viruses from trying to increase their RAM by downloading from malicious websites.

You will follow basically the same steps. Tor example, if Windows 10 is installed in drive C and you want to install Windows 8 also, just insert the Windows 8 CD in the CD drive and select a drive other than C. After the installation is completed, restart your PC and this time you will get to choose between Windows 10 or 8.

Apple only distributes Mac OS on their Mac computers, and it is illegal to install Mac OS an a computer that isn't a Mac. However, it is possible to install Mac OS on a Windows-based PC by making a Hackintosh (Hack + Macintosh). There are many programs and online tutorials about Hackintoshing. The only problem (other than the face that it is illegal) is that in order to make a Hackintosh, you have to be careful to use a machine that is compatible with Mac OS; otherwise, it won't work. It also requires a lot of time and patience.

Basically follow each of these steps for each operating system. Make sure you have plenty of space -- I would suggest no less than 100GB per system.

Yes, if you have two hard disks.

Yes, assuming your laptop is capable of holding two hard disks.

Yes. When installing Linux, select "Install Linux Alongside Windows." You can then select which one you want to boot to via GRUB.

Yes, Just make separate partitions. Basically, split the drive in half if it's 1 Terabyte.

It largely depends on your processor and the RAM that you have. After you have installed your new OS and feel a performance issue, a program called Winaero Tweaker (at winaero.com) should solve any issues that you may have. Also, consider the amount of disk space that both OS's will take on your drive. If your existing OS takes up 20 gigs and the new one 10 gigs on a 100 gig drive, no worries. For a 50 gig drive, I would be concerned.

Choose the partition the operating system is on. Then format; be sure to choose the right partition and back up any files you want to save because all programs and files on that partition will be erased.

Yes, you can install multiple operating systems in one PC, but you can only use one out of the two systems installed. See the article for more help.