2 copies of windows 8.1 on one pc.

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VVQuick

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I want to install 2 copies of windows 8.1 on one pc, one for general use and one for audio work. Can this be done without buying 2 copies of the OS?

Thanks.
 
My previous comment may have insinuated towards an act of piracy for which has led to a misunderstanding with the moderators, however let me a bit more specific this time:

I had assumed that you were familiar with offers made by some audio editing software providers, essentially offering a free copy of windows 8 as a sweetener for the purchase of their products and a 12-month subscription to their product updates. However my statement may be out of date because last I glanced upon such an offer was autumn last year, and that was only for professional grade software.

However if that is not possible with you, I had heard a rumor that you can get a serial number (only a serial) for as low as 39.99$ from some sources completely legally. But this is only a product key mind you, ISO of the OS itself is available for download on the Microsoft product page for free!

There are also students "giving" away serial keys in exchange for helping them... "expedite" their diplomas or even assisting with surveys for their diplomas, some students are also selling off their books and along with a windows key or two.

There are many options to come off cheaply with a legal windows copies, you just have to find your way.
 
Thanks guys for your replies.
@ COLGeek: & @USAFRet. I realize I could have different settings on each account but I was wishing to keep the DAW OS off the internet, free of antivirus etc and otherwise optimized for audio. I do have a spare W7 OS that I could use (especially if the free upgrade to win 10 rumors are true!). Having complained about the start menu at first I now really like win 8 &8.1 so I was hoping to be able to install that now. Patience, I guess!
@ BigBadBeef: No, I haven't heard of these offers. I'll check them out, but I have been using Reaper for years now which is really cheap anyway, and I find better than any other DAWs I've tried (including Sonar, Protools) so all in all 39$ would be a good deal.


 
Have you also considered free alternatives to windows? Ubuntu has the ability to install WINE, which is pretty much a kernel emulator, it maybe cause minor problems with some games, but your audio editing software should work fine, you can also check wine compatibility on google if you like.
 
Sure hot swap your OS drive. You can install something like this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817997014&cm_re=hot_swap_bay-_-17-997-014-_-Product

get two drives, put the first one in, format the partition as a primary, install windows using your normal key.
pop out the drive, put the second one in the slot, format it the same way as the first, install windows again using the same key.

when you want to change the OS setup, just shutdown, pop out the drive and pop in the second drive.

It will not be a problem with the windows license. Its the same machine and only one copy is in use at a time.

you could use a hypervisor but you would have to get two copies of the license or use (windows 10 beta)







 
Thanks for all your replies. Running linux as 2nd OS is also a good idea. I use mint on another machine but I'm dubious about drivers for my audio interface, which I'd still like to use on the second system. My DAW works under WINE but other music software isn't so obliging.

Thnx again.
 
Update
I have just installed a 2nd copy of OS10 on a PC and it was accepted as fully licenced with no input from me. In the past I have always used 2 licences but it seems that isn't necessary.

I've also just purchased a 2nd hand barebones Dell with a COA for Win 8-1. That happily told me my fresh win10 install was fully licenced.
 
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