install Windows 10 on vhd & dual boot a pc

gistfile1.txt

in this gist, we will see how can we install whole windows 10/8/8.1/7/xp/vista on a singal vhdx(virtual hdd) file.

Step 1: Create a VHDX from diskpart

a) From the Command Prompt, open Diskpart.

PS > diskpart


b) Create and prepare a new VHDX. In this example, we create a 25 GB fixed-type VHDX.


DISKPART > create vdisk file=C:\windows.vhdx maximum=25600 type=fixed


c) Attach the VHDX. This adds the VHDX as a disk to the storage controller on the host.

DISKPART > attach vdisk


d) Create a partition for the Windows files, format it, and assign it a drive letter. This drive letter will appear in File Explorer.

DISKPART > create partition primary
DISKPART > format quick label=vhdx
DISKPART > assign letter=v


e) Exit Diskpart

DISKPART > exit


Step 2: Apply a Windows image to the VHD

a) mount the iso file of the windows 10/8/8.1/7/xp/vista.

Note - you can mount iso on windows 10 by just doubal click, on the pc other than wondows 10, you can use power iso like software.

b) identify the drive letter of the mounted iso, and search for install.wim file.

Note - for windows 7, it is in F:\sources\install.wim, where F is drive letter of mounted iso.

c) Now open power shell or command prompt as admin & Run the command

PS > Dism /Apply-Image /ImageFile:install.wim /index:1 /ApplyDir:V:\

this will take some time & will install the windows on vhdx file.



Step 4: Add a boot entry (for dual boot the pc)

1. From your destination PC, open Diskpart (if necessary) and identify the drive letters of the VHDX and the system partition, for example, V.

PS > diskpart
DISKPART > list volume
DISKPART > exit

2. Add a boot entry to the device. You can add multiple VHDX files using this method.

PS > cd v:\windows\system32

for BIOS boot - 

PS > bcdboot v:\windows /s S: /f BIOS

or for UEFI boot - 
PS > bcdboot v:\windows /s S: /f UEFI

3. Remove the Windows PE USB key.

4. Restart the destination PC.




source - https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/boot-to-vhd--native-boot--add-a-virtual-hard-disk-to-the-boot-menu