Microsoft’s Windows operating system continues to dominate on computers, although according to StatCounter, Apple’s macOS is used by 17% of the global desktop computing population, as well as 27% of US computers, 29% of British computers, and 25% of Canadian computers. Historically, businesses have been more Windows-centric, but macOS has found a home in a variety of critical industries, including software development, creative and marketing work (such as image editing, video production, and layout), and website design and creation.
Despite the common Windows bias in IT, the Mac is a competent enterprise machine. And, as more individuals work from home, the likelihood of an employee using a Mac for business purposes is higher than ever.
However, It remains the dominant corporate operating system, and this will not change. So, can you have both Mac OS X and Windows? Yes, very easily. All you need is the appropriate tool.
The following are the methods for installing Windows 10 on a Mac with Boot Camp Assistant:
- Check the System Requirements
Make sure your Mac has the necessary hardware capabilities before installing it. Windows 10 requires a Mac from 2012 or later, at least 64GB of free storage on your Mac starting disk, and at least 8GB of memory.
- Get the Windows 10 Disk Image (ISO) here
Navigate to the Microsoft website, locate the Windows 10 download page, and save the ISO disk image for it.
- Begin as a Boot Camp Assistant
This is found in the Applications folder’s Utilities folder. When Boot Camp Assistant appears, select the “Continue” option.
Find the Windows 10 ISO
Boot Camp Assistant will prompt you to locate the ISO file you already downloaded. Go to it and click “Open.”
- Divide Your Hard Drive
You’ll need to set aside a portion of your hard drive for it. Boot Camp Assistant will assist you in creating this partition. It’s recommended that you assign at least 64GB, but you may want more if you plan to install a lot of its applications.
- Begin Windows 10 installation
Once you’ve partitioned your hard drive, Boot Camp Assistant will restart your Mac and launch the installer. Follow the on-screen instructions, but be careful: when you’re asked where you want to install it, select the “BOOTCAMP” partition, then click “Format.”
- Setup Boot Camp Drivers
After the Windows installation is finished, your Mac will boot into it. From here, locate the Boot Camp installer on your USB drive or the desktop and run it. This installs a suite of Apple hardware drivers so that it will run optimally on your Mac hardware.
- Switching between macOS and Windows
Once the installation is complete, you can switch between macOS and Windows. To do so, restart your Mac, then hold down the “Option” key until the startup disk selection screen appears. You can choose whether to boot into macOS from this point.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Install Windows 10 on a Mac in detailed
Step 1: Confirm Compatibility
You must ensure that your Mac can run Windows 10. It is typically compatible with Macs manufactured after 2012. In addition, your Mac should have at least 64GB of free storage on its starting disk (but 128GB or more is suggested), and it should have at least 8GB of memory.
Step 2: Back up your Mac
Before you begin, make a backup of your Mac. This can be accomplished using Time Machine or any other technique that you like. This ensures that your data is secure in the event that something goes wrong.
Step 3: Get Windows 10
Download the its 10 ISO file from the Microsoft website. Make sure to select the appropriate version of 10.
Step 4: Launch Boot Camp Assistant
The Boot Camp Assistant can be found in the Applications folder’s Utilities folder. After starting the Boot Camp Assistant, select ‘Continue.’
Step 5: Create a Windows Partition
Boot Camp Assistant will assist you in creating a partition on your hard disk. This is hard drive space that will be utilised solely for Windows. You will be asked how much space on your hard drive you want to dedicate to it. Windows requires at least 64GB, but you may need more if you intend to install huge programs.
Step 6: Install Windows
Boot Camp Assistant will then prompt you to specify where you want your ISO file to be saved. After that, Boot Camp will create a Windows partition and launch the installer. Your Mac will reboot and enter the installer. When prompted where to install it, select the ‘BOOTCAMP’ partition. Then, to begin the installation, select ‘Format’.
Step 7: Install Windows
After installing it, your computer will boot into it. You’ll need to go through its setup procedure, which includes creating a password, selecting a Wi-Fi network, and tweaking settings.
Step 8: Install Boot Camp Drivers
In Windows, look for the Boot Camp installer. This will be on the USB drive you used to install it, or in the its download folder if you downloaded it. This installs the drivers required to ensure that all hardware works properly with it.
Step 9: Select an Operating System
You may now choose between macOS and Windows. To select an operating system, restart your computer and hold down the Option key until the startup manager appears. You can choose which operating system to use from this point.
After you’ve installed it on your Mac, you’ll be able to use both operating systems on the same machine. Having both macOS and Windows 10 available can considerably improve your computer capabilities, whether for software compatibility, gaming, or experimenting.
Remember that if you no longer require it on your Mac, you can use Boot Camp Assistant to remove its partition and return your drive to a single volume. But first, make a backup of your Windows data!
This method exemplifies the adaptability and capability of modern computing systems, allowing users to tailor their machines to their specific needs and tastes. Have fun dual-booting!
Final Words
That’s all there is to it! You can now experience the advantages of both operating systems on your Mac. To avoid data loss, always backup your data before partitioning or installing a new operating system.
That’s all! Your Mac now has both macOS and it is installed. Remember that if you no longer use it, you can always erase it to free up space for macOS. However, ensure to backup your its data first.
