Install older OS as dual boot?

I read on the MS help website that you cannot install older versions of windows as dualboot, however I am having issues playing the same games that I played on win8.1. Microsoft promised that Win10 would improve games, but some of the games I'm playing were rendered unplayable after the upgrade.

For this reason I wanted to create a partition and install win7 or win8 on it so I can actually play, but since MS says that wouldn't work I'm wondering if there is a way I can do that without backing up all my files and doing a fresh install of Win7, then having to install win10 as the secondary boot.

It's not my first time around dealing with dual boots but I have always dealt with windows alongside linux, never a win/win situation (no pun intended).

If anyone can offer some insight on this, or confirm that the only way would be a backup/reinstall, it'd be really helpful.

edit: How to Dual-Boot Two (or More) Versions of Windows
this site says that installing win7 dual on a win8 computer seems to work, so I'm really not sure what to believe

Hello and welcome to the forum.

There is also a Tutorial available here on windowssh blog!! Click on the link below

How to Dual Boot Windows 10 with Windows 7 or Windows 8

Edit: I think the reason for the confusion is due to licensing. If you want to dual-boot Win10 with Win7 or 8 using the same license you upgraded with then that is not possible. If you are talking about doing it with two separate licenses then that is just fine and dandy

I have actually seen this post and read through it, although i figured it was talking about dual-booting win10 on a computer that already has win7, my situation is reversed although I may have misunderstood the article. I upgraded my win7 to win10 and now want to create a small partition with win7 on it

edit: I just saw your edit, does that mean if I buy another copy of win7 then dual booting will not interfere with regular boot up as it says on this site? Install more than one operating system (multiboot) - Windows Help

I upgraded my win7 to win10 and now want to create a small partition with win7 on it

My understanding of the situation is that is what you cannot do. You have one Win7 license which you upgraded to Win10. I don't believe you can use the same Win7 license to dual-boot as that would breach the EULA.

I am willing to buy another liscense, as I said in my edit, but I am just wondering if it will render my computer unbootable as it said in this post Install more than one operating system (multiboot) - Windows Help

can i take that as an IDK? haha because you were very prompt before that...

Sorry man, I'm prepping a new water-cooled pc

That support article to which you linked, it's like, well, very old. About seven years I'd say!!! Well you can multi-boot.

You have successfully upgraded Win7 to Win10 yeah? And you confirmed successful activation?

If yes to both questions then you are good to go.

Your existing Win7 has become a Win10 so you need to prepare the Win10 installation media.
You buy a new copy of genuine Win7 for your second licensed installation.

Edit: Here is another tutorial from Computer Shopper from a couple of days ago. You can cross-reference with the windowssh blog tutorial if you wish.
How to Dual-Boot Windows 10 With Windows 7 or 8

I am willing to buy another liscense, as I said in my edit, but I am just wondering if it will render my computer unbootable as it said in this post Install more than one operating system (multiboot) - Windows Help

I think what WhyMe is trying to tell you is it can be done but he is not willing to tell you how to do it.

Google is your friend.

Thanks, WhyMe, I just wanted to confirm it was possible sorry if i sounded impatient, I have just been getting frustrated looking for answers

It's all cool dude...