Install Windows on Mac so you can jump back and forth from one operating system to another on the same computer. By now, the practice is well-established and Windows can work on Mac well. In this article, we’ll have a deep look at installing Windows on Mac. In this article we explain how to install Windows on a Mac, first with Apple's dual-booting Boot Camp Assistant and then with third-party virtualisation software. IMac Pro (all models) Mac Pro.
Is it possible to install Windows 10 on MacBook? The answer is, yes. You can run macOS and switch it to Windows anytime you want. Apple has provided the Mac computer with a utility that can help you install Windows and switch between these two OSs. In this article, we are going to show you how to install Windows 10 on MacBook.
See also: How To Connect MacBook To A Projector
Before You Start
Backup Data
Installing Windows 10 on MacBook isn’t that complicated. But it will be better to back up your data just in case something unwanted happens in the middle of the process.
Internet Connection
You will need the Internet connection to download Windows 10 disk image (ISO file). So, make sure you have a dedicated Internet network, connected to your Mac.
Data Storage
In order to install Windows 10 on MacBook, you must have enough disk space. You will need at least 64GB of storage or 128GB would be better. To check how much data storage is available on your MacBook, click the Apple logo > About This Mac > Storage.
Check System Requirements
Installing something without checking its requirements can give you problems. To install Windows 10, your computer must have at least 1 GHz of processor and 1 GB of RAM for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit. Here is the list of MacBook models that are compatible with Windows 10:
- MacBook Pro (2012 and later)
- MacBook Air (2012 and later)
- MacBook (2015 and later)
How To Install Windows 10 On MacBook
Download Windows Disk Image
You can download Windows 10 by typing “Windows 10 disk image (ISO file)” on your browser, and choose the one that comes from Microsoft official site. The other option – you can click this link and it will direct you to Microsoft Software Download page. Now, follow these steps:
- Once you are on the page, click the “Select Edition” box and choose the edition you want. Then, click Confirm.
- On the next page, choose your language and click Confirm.
- Select 32-bit Download or 64-bit. Wait until the downloading process is completed.
- The Windows 10 Disk Image (ISO file) will be stored in the Download folder of your MacBook.
Launch Boot Camp Assistant
Boot Camp Assistant is a utility that comes with your MacBook. It will help you to install Windows 10 on MacBook. You can find it in the Utilities folder. To go there, the first, open Folder > Applications > Utilities. Here, find Boot Camp Assistant and click on it. Here are the steps to follow:
- Once the Boot Camp Assistant opens, click Continue.
- The new page will open and you will see the Windows 10 ISO file there. Otherwise, you click the Choose button next to the ISO Image box and go to the Download folder. Choose the file and click Open.
- Now, drag the partition between macOS and Windows to format the size of Windows 10. Adjust it according to your needs. When you are ready, click the Install/Format button on the bottom-right corner.
- After the installation process is done, your MacBook will reboot into Windows 10 setup.
Install And Set Up Windows 10
All you need to do next is following the on-screen prompts.
- The first popup screen will ask you to choose the language.
- On the second page, you will be asked about a product key. If you don’t have one, click “I don’t have a product key”.
- Choose Windows 10 Pro or Windows Home, and click the Next button below.
- Select Drive 0 Partition X and click Next.
- Choose Express Settings or Customize Your Installation.
- Type username and password to create an account and click Next.
- If you don’t want to use Cortana personal assistant, click Not Now.
- On the “Welcome To The Boot Camp Installer” screen, click Next.
- Read and tick the accept box in the License Agreement screen, then click Install.
Sometimes the lines between macOS and Windows 10 seem like a war zone of proponents from either side arguing about graphics, user interface, and program availability. But what if you just want the best of both worlds?
As many of us know, it’s the little things that make us wish we could switch back and forth between the two operating systems. Xbox or apple tv. Whether it’s that one program you need for work or your favorite video game that isn’t cross-platform compatible, it’s high time you find a way to be able to continue using your gorgeous MacBook Pro without making sacrifices around the edges.
Can I run Windows 10 on My MacBook Pro?
The short answer to this question is yes, you certainly can.
The longer version? To do so, you’re going to need to spend a fair amount of time setting this up and deciding which method of doing so is most effective for you.
Also, no option is going to be seamless – you will probably lose some performance power due to the way built-in optimization software works.
Is Windows 10 free for Mac?
Unfortunately, if you want to run Windows 10 on your Mac, you’ll need to purchase a license from Microsoft.
If you’ve used a PC in the past, you may not be familiar with this since Windows tends to come preinstalled. But in the same way, as if you were building your computer from the ground up or if you were updating an extremely outdated laptop, you’ll need to buy a copy of Windows 10.
This can be done electronically from the Microsoft Store here, where you’ll receive a product key and download, or you can choose to receive a copy via physical USB. Windows 10 Home starts at about $120, and the Pro version costs about $200. However, both are still cheaper than trying to buy an entirely new computer just to run a few of your favorite things.
Running Windows 10 on MacBook Pro
Once you have a copy of Windows 10 in your possession, it’s time to pick a method for installation. There are two main ways to do this: creating a partition on your Mac with the built-in Boot Camp program or using a third-party virtual machine that creates a tiny version of the Windows OS on top of the normal Mac system. We’ll guide you through both of these.
Method 1: Boot Camp
Bootcamp is preinstalled on your Mac, but most people use their MacBook without ever realizing it’s there. To find it, simply search in Spotlight for “Bootcamp”, and it should come up right away.
When you use BootCamp, your Mac’s hard drive will be split into two sections- one running Windows, and one running macOS. These means that they operate in completely separate spheres and cannot interact with each other. Additionally, the size of the partition you create cannot be changed unless you perform a fresh install to reset it.
Pros:
- Already built into Mac, so it’s the safest and easiest option to run Windows.
- You’ll experience the least performance loss.
- It will feel like you’re running a completely new computer.
Cons:
- Not that convenient because your MacBook must be rebooted to switch between Windows 10 and macOS.
- Partition size is semi-permanent, and cannot be resized without some considerable effort to re-install and repartition.
- Transferring files between the two systems is like transferring between two totally separate computers- you’ll need to share them by flash drive (see the best usb-c drive for MacBook Pro), email, or some other method that isn’t just drag-and-drop.
Using BootCamp
![Mac Mac](https://wallpapershome.com/images/wallpapers/abstract-3840x2160-colorful-ipad-pro-2018-4k-20827.jpg)
To use BootCamp, you’ll need to follow a few basic steps:
- Obtain a copy of Windows 10 (as previously mentioned)
- Make sure your entire MacBook is up to date by checking for any software updates
- Open BootCamp from Spotlight
- Partition your hard drive
- Install Windows & Windows Drivers
- Choose which OS to run and get started!
For a more detailed version of this overview, you’ll want to check out PCMag’s BootCamp walkthrough or head for the official Apple Guide.
Method 2: Virtual Machines
If the idea of rebooting your computer to switch OS doesn’t appeal to you, a virtual machine is always an option. These are ideal in situations where you only need one program or don’t plan on doing many taxing operations on Windows.
In a virtual machine, Windows 10 runs inside an application so it’s like having another computer, but confined inside a single window on your screen. This means you can work in both Mac and Windows at the same time but may suffer a bit from performance issues.
Windows Xp On Macbook Pro
Pros:
- It’s much more convenient than rebooting your computer to use Windows.
- You can change the size of the partition whenever you want.
- You can use files between operating systems easily.
Cons:
- You’ll need to buy a software license for your virtualization machine in addition to a copy of Windows.
- You may notice some drop in performance than if you dual-boot.
When it comes to virtual machines, you have a few options, each with their own benefits and drawbacks.
The most well-known programs are Parallels Desktop for Mac and VMWare Fusion, which provide almost identical functionality with a few minor differences (such as display resolution or Quick Look support) that won’t make or break your decision. They are priced at the same level for a single computer license and similar setup options. Fusion tends to outperform Parallels, but Parallels is a bit more user-friendly.
A third, lesser-known option is VirtualBox. This software is free, but it doesn’t come with the bells and whistles of its competitors. It doesn’t have the same optimization power or even offers a similar variety of setup options, and it tends to be on the techier side, making it difficult to use if you aren’t invested in learning how (you may be interested in this book: An Ultimate Guide Book on Virtualization with VirtualBox). But if you just need to try out virtualization, it’s a great place to start.
Using a Virtual Machine
To use a virtual machine, you’ll need to go through a similar amount of setup as Bootcamp, but the process varies more depending on which software you’ve chosen.
- Obtain a copy of Windows 10 (as mentioned above)
- Also, purchase a license for the software you have chosen
- Create a virtual machine. This process varies by program, but it’s the first thing you need to do before attempting to run any programs
- Install Windows to the Virtual Machine
If you’ve chosen to use Parallels, this guide includes images and should be sufficient to get through the installation process. For VMWare Fusion, their support page includes both a video and text-based tutorial for installation. Those who opt for VirtualBox can follow LifeHacker’s guide to setup since this program’s installation includes a plethora of personalization options you may not be sure what to do with.
Download Windows On Macbook Pro
Final Words
Running Windows on a MacBook Pro means you get to have your cake and eat it too. It’s a great compromise between systems that let you do the work you need to while sticking with the operating system you know best. While you may see some performance loss and it won’t be quite the same as having a computer completely dedicated to Windows, you do have a variety of options to work with what you’ve got.
Download Windows On Macbook Pro
How do you use Windows 10 on your Mac? Tell us about your experience by leaving a comment below.