Q: How can I deploy Windows 8 to a virtual hard disk on my machine for easy dual-boot?

A: Windows 7 introduced the ability to install an OS on a physical box to a virtual hard disk (VHD), and the process is exactly the same for Windows 8. I’ve done this for both Windows 8 client and Windows 8 server.
My FAQ shows a detailed walk-through here at Windows IT Pro's website.  

Just replace Windows 7 with Windows 8 media.

If this is an existing machine, and you want to dual boot rather than wipe the disk, then don't perform the first three blocks of commands. The process will be as follows:

1.Boot from the Windows 8 media (USB, CD, etc.).
2.At the Install screen, press Shift+F10 to open a command prompt.
3.Start diskpart and create the VHD file you want to install to:

create vdisk file=c:win8.vhd maximum=80000 type=expandableselect vdisk file=c:win8.vhdattach vdiskcreate partition primaryformat fs=ntfs label="Win8" quick

4.Exit diskpart, and when you install Windows 8 you’ll be able to select your VHD volume (ignore the warning that you won't be able to install).

To see more FAQs, please go to John Savill's FAQs page on Windows IT Pro.