Did you know that you can install Windows 10 on your Macbook? In the past, it was impossible. But since Apple switched to Intel architecture and processors, it has become rather simple to do it. Apple has launched a tool, known as Boot Camp, that guides you through the installation process on your Macbook, making Windows installation easier than ever.
By installing Windows on your Mac, you give yourself access to the best of both worlds. After all, Windows 10 is not so bad, despite the comments of some fans of Apple. Personally, I regularly use both on my Macbook and I am always happy to be able to access both operating systems from my Mac.
By installing Windows on your Mac, you give yourself access to the best of both worlds. After all, Windows 10 is not so bad, despite the comments of some fans of Apple. Personally, I regularly use both on my Macbook and I am always happy to be able to access both operating systems from my Mac.
Why use Windows on a Mac?
Already, you may be wondering why you would like to install Windows 10 on a Mac. After all, if you bought a Mac, chances are it's because Microsoft did not interest you. If that had been the case, you would have bought a PC, right? Nevertheless, there are many reasons to want to install and use Windows on a Mac.
• Gaming - This is probably the biggest reason. It should be noted that the gaming experience largely depends on the hardware present on your Macbook, but many of them have a suitable hardware for the task. Unfortunately, many games are not made for Mac. If they are, they often come out after the release for PCs. If you're looking for the freedom to play almost any game available, then installing Windows is the best option if you own a Mac.
• Windows applications - The number of compatible applications across platforms has increased in recent years, but some designers still resist and only release their software for PCs. If you own a Mac, it leads to a dead end, unless you find an alternative. If you do not have one, then your only option is to install Windows on your Macbook.
• Work and Business Use - If you want to use a Mac but still need to be connected to your business, you may need to use Windows to work on your company's software. Some software also requires Windows for support issues because many professionals do not use or support Mac for workgroup compatibility.
• Apple's design - Some users prefer to use Windows, but love the design of Apple products, which is understandable. Macbooks and even desks themselves are great pieces of engineering. In these cases, users will often spend most of their hard drive for Windows and switch to macOS only when it is needed to launch updates and stuff like that. I think this is inconceivable for many Mac users, but there is a consumer segment with these preferences.
• Work and Business Use - If you want to use a Mac but still need to be connected to your business, you may need to use Windows to work on your company's software. Some software also requires Windows for support issues because many professionals do not use or support Mac for workgroup compatibility.
• Apple's design - Some users prefer to use Windows, but love the design of Apple products, which is understandable. Macbooks and even desks themselves are great pieces of engineering. In these cases, users will often spend most of their hard drive for Windows and switch to macOS only when it is needed to launch updates and stuff like that. I think this is inconceivable for many Mac users, but there is a consumer segment with these preferences.
What you will need
You will need some items to install Windows 10. Let's make the list to be sure you have everything available before you start.
Windows 10 ISO
First, you will need the Windows 10 ISO. You can download it for free here. Just follow the instructions to download the most recent version by selecting your language and version. I recommend you download the 64-bit version as your Mac uses hardware for 64-bit.
Although you do not have to buy anything to install Windows 10, you still need to buy it after 30 days. If you do not, you will not be able to customize certain items like the background of your desktop, and a notification will be displayed constantly in the bottom right corner of your screen. But you do not have to worry about your Windows key with regards to the installation, I will show you later how to register your copy of Windows.
A compatible Mac
You also need to make sure your Mac is compatible with Windows 10. Apple only supports Windows 10 on only some models. You will know more about these models here, but here is a small list for you:
Macbook Pro (2012 and newer)
Macbook Air (2012 and newer)
Macbook (2015 and newer)
iMac (2012 and newer)
Mac mini (2012 and newer)
Mac mini Server (After 2012)
Mac Pro (After 2013)
Space on the hard drive
Finally, you will need enough space on your hard drive for your new Windows partition. The minimum required is 32GB, but if you really want to use it properly, you will need more. Indeed, applications and documents will take a lot of space. If you can, I recommend that you reserve 100GB or more if you plan to use your Windows installation to play games.
A USB key
In some cases, you will need a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage to create the installation media. During the process, all the data on the drive will be deleted, so make sure you do not need anything there before using it.
Macbook Pro (2012 and newer)
Macbook Air (2012 and newer)
Macbook (2015 and newer)
iMac (2012 and newer)
Mac mini (2012 and newer)
Mac mini Server (After 2012)
Mac Pro (After 2013)
Space on the hard drive
Finally, you will need enough space on your hard drive for your new Windows partition. The minimum required is 32GB, but if you really want to use it properly, you will need more. Indeed, applications and documents will take a lot of space. If you can, I recommend that you reserve 100GB or more if you plan to use your Windows installation to play games.
A USB key
In some cases, you will need a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage to create the installation media. During the process, all the data on the drive will be deleted, so make sure you do not need anything there before using it.
A word on Windows versions
There are several different versions of Windows, but the two main ones are Windows 10 Family and Windows 10 Professional. There is little difference between the two, but the Pro version is designed for people who need to connect their device to work networks. Talk to your computer department if you use this computer for work, but if you only use it at home for games, then Windows 10 Family will be perfect, and you will save a few euros. Of course, if you want all the options and equipment possible, then the Pro version is the best choice, but it will cost you more.
Install Windows 10 on a Mac with BootCamp
1. Go to Hard Disk> Applications> Utilities and launch the Boot Camp Assistant.
2. Click Continue. Boot Camp should automatically find the ISO file you downloaded in your system. If this is not the case, you will have to select it manually.
3. Insert your USB drive and select it to create a USB boot drive. Remember, all data on the USB drive will be lost. Click Continue.
2. Click Continue. Boot Camp should automatically find the ISO file you downloaded in your system. If this is not the case, you will have to select it manually.
3. Insert your USB drive and select it to create a USB boot drive. Remember, all data on the USB drive will be lost. Click Continue.
4. Click and drag the slider in the partition section. It will start with 48GB, but you can enlarge it. Also remember, if you plan to play games or install heavy apps, give it as much room as possible.
5. Click Install. The Windows support software will start the download.
6. Type your password.
7. Click OK. Your Mac will restart and you will see the Windows Setup screen.
8. Choose your language.
9. Click Install Now.
10. Enter your product key if you have one or click I do not have a key. You can enter it after installation.
11. Depending on your preference, click either Windows 10 Family or Windows 10 Pro.
12. Click Next.
13. Click Custom: Install Windows Only.
14. Click Drive 0 Partition X: BOOTCAMP. Be careful, the name may vary. Be sure not to select the partition on which macOS is installed.
15. Click Next. Windows 10 will settle. Your Mac will restart several times during the process.
16. Click Quick Setup or Custom Setup when the Windows 10 Setup screen appears. In our case, I selected Quick Setup. However, everything can be changed when the installation is complete.
17. Enter a user name and create a password.
18. Click Next.
19. Choose whether you want to use Cortana or not. Personally, I love Cortana because it really helps to facilitate navigation, but you are free to choose the option you prefer.
5. Click Install. The Windows support software will start the download.
6. Type your password.
7. Click OK. Your Mac will restart and you will see the Windows Setup screen.
8. Choose your language.
9. Click Install Now.
10. Enter your product key if you have one or click I do not have a key. You can enter it after installation.
11. Depending on your preference, click either Windows 10 Family or Windows 10 Pro.
12. Click Next.
13. Click Custom: Install Windows Only.
14. Click Drive 0 Partition X: BOOTCAMP. Be careful, the name may vary. Be sure not to select the partition on which macOS is installed.
15. Click Next. Windows 10 will settle. Your Mac will restart several times during the process.
16. Click Quick Setup or Custom Setup when the Windows 10 Setup screen appears. In our case, I selected Quick Setup. However, everything can be changed when the installation is complete.
17. Enter a user name and create a password.
18. Click Next.
19. Choose whether you want to use Cortana or not. Personally, I love Cortana because it really helps to facilitate navigation, but you are free to choose the option you prefer.
Install BootCamp Software on Windows 10
When Windows starts for the first time on your Mac, an installer will launch. It's perfectly normal, you do not have to worry about it. This installer comes from Apple and it contains all the drivers for your hardware to work properly with Windows. Needless to say, it is important that they all launch.
Here's what you need to do:
1. Click Install.
2. Click I accept the terms and conditions of the license agreement.
3. Click Install.
4. Click Finish when the installation is complete.
Here's what you need to do:
1. Click Install.
2. Click I accept the terms and conditions of the license agreement.
3. Click Install.
4. Click Finish when the installation is complete.
Update Windows 10
I remind you, this version is an entire and functional version of Windows. Roughly, your Mac is now a PC, which means that everything you need to do normally on a PC is here too. If you're new to Windows 10, make sure it's up-to-date for security issues, bug fixes, and system enhancements. Windows 10 will update automatically, but when you install it for the first time, it is better to take the lead and start the updates manually. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Click the Start button.
2. Click the Settings button that looks like a cogwheel.
3. Click Updates & Security.
4. Click Check for Updates.
Windows will now search for and download the latest available updates. You can then choose to launch them now or schedule them for the time that suits you the most. Be patient, the updates can sometimes be heavy, especially if they are big improvements like the Update Creators, for example.
1. Click the Start button.
2. Click the Settings button that looks like a cogwheel.
3. Click Updates & Security.
4. Click Check for Updates.
Windows will now search for and download the latest available updates. You can then choose to launch them now or schedule them for the time that suits you the most. Be patient, the updates can sometimes be heavy, especially if they are big improvements like the Update Creators, for example.
Activate Windows 10
If you already have a useful product key ready, then you will not have to do this step. However, if you choose I do not have a product key during your setup then you will need to come here to buy and activate your copy of Windows 10.
Here's what you need to do:
1. Click the Start button.
2. Click the Settings button.
3. Click Updates & Security.
4. Click Activation.
5. From there, you can buy a copy of Windows.
Here's what you need to do:
1. Click the Start button.
2. Click the Settings button.
3. Click Updates & Security.
4. Click Activation.
5. From there, you can buy a copy of Windows.
Switch between operating systems
Now that Windows is installed, how do you go from one operating system to another? It is rather easy and there are two ways to do it.
If you are in Windows, you can follow these steps:
1. Click the Show Hidden Icons button in the Windows 10 taskbar.
2. Click the Boot Camp button.
3. Click Restart in macOS.
This is not the only way to do it. If you are in Windows or macOS, you can easily switch from one to another by restarting your machine by going to Start> Power> Restart if you are in Windows or by going to Apple> Restart if you are in macOS and then holding down the Option key. This will show you the different partitions on your disk and you select the one you want - Windows or macOS.
Install a software
Congratulations, you now have a fully functioning and up-to-date version of Windows 10 on your MacBook. You are now ready to install any software you want to run on your Windows partition. It can be games, desktop software, whatever you want. You have the freedom to install anything, just like a PC. If you need free software ideas for Windows, I suggest that you go to see our post on the Best Free Software for Windows.
Other methods to make Windows 10 work
The purpose of this post was to show you how to set up Windows with Boot Camp, but it's not the only way to get Windows running on your Mac. You can also virtualize it, if that's your thing. Using software like Parallels or VirtualBox, you can create a Windows 10 virtual machine on your Mac that you can use without having to reboot.
Unfortunately, this is not the perfect method for everyone. If you only run Office applications and other applications that do not require too much power, this is a good solution. But if you need the full power of your processor for what you want to do or want to play, you need to use the dual boot option to gain full access to all your hardware.
The fact is that a virtual machine is never
Final notice
Installing Windows 10 on your MacBook is a good way to gain full access to the power of your hardware while using Windows. If you want a laptop that can do almost everything you need, then this is the best option, since it will give you the ability to run almost every software available today. Fortunately, Apple recognizes this need and has given us a way to do it easily. With Boot Camp, everyone can install Windows since it does all the work of partitions and installation for you. With just the click of a button, you can easily switch from one operating system to another with a simple reboot.
Do you use Windows 10 on your MacBook? If so, what do you think about performance and what do you use on Windows on your Mac? I would love to hear you. Tell us in the comments below on how to use Windows on your Mac so that everyone can understand the benefits of dual booting your Mac to Windows.
