Whatever the reason, sometimes you may need to use Windows instead of MacOS. It can play games exclusive to Windows or test software on both operating systems. The good news is that you do not have to buy two computers to run Windows and Mac.
If you have enough storage space and the right Windows 10 ISO file (free to download from the Windows official website) Intel based Mac, it will not take more than an hour to set up OS Microsoft on your Apple PC. In the beginning, you can choose to run Windows or macOS. Here’s how.
Find out before you start
To run Windows 10 on Mac you need:
- Intel based Mac system (if your computer is listed here ListThis is not supported).
- 64 GB or more of storage on your boot disk.
- A main connection (if you are using a laptop).
If you are not sure if your computer is an Intel type, click on the Apple logo in the menu bar and go back About this Mac. If you see an Intel processor name like “2.6GHz 6-Core Intel Core i7”, you have an Intel Mac.
However, if you make a mistake before you start, it’s a good idea to back up with Time Machine before sharing.
Download the Windows 10 ISO file
Windows 11 is currently not compatible with Boot Camp Assistant on MacOS. But Microsoft offers the Windows 10 ISO file to download from its official website.
- On your Mac, go to the Windows Software Downloads page.
- Click Select versionThen select Windows 10 (Multi-Edition ISO).
- Click To confirmAnd wait until your request is verified.
- Then select your language and click To confirm.
- Finally, click 64-bit to download the Windows 10 ISO file.
The Windows 10 ISO file weighs in at about 6GB. Depending on your internet connection, the download may take up to 30 minutes.
Windows 10 was released in the summer of 2015 and has benefited hundreds of millions of computers around the world from many evolutions during its deployment.
- Downloads: 761
- Release Date: 17/11/2021
- Author: Microsoft
- License: Business license
- Categories:
Operating system - Operating System: Windows
Run the Boot Camp Assistant
Boot Camp Assistant is designed for installing Windows operating systems on Mac. The setup process is very simple.
- Launch Boot Camp Assistant on your Mac and then click To proceed.
- Click Selecting the Windows 10 ISO fileAnd download the one you received in the previous step.
- Drag the bar to select the size of your Windows partition disk (at least 42 GB).
- Click To establishAnd wait about 10 minutes for the partition to be created.
- When the Windows partitioning is complete, your system restarts.
Install Windows on your Mac
Your computer will start, but instead of displaying the usual Apple logo, you should look at Windows.
- Proceed with the Windows installation.
- If you have a product key, enter it. Otherwise, you can proceed without this step.
- Set up Windows on your Mac
- Your Mac will restart. But this time you will be asked to configure Windows. You can use the Cortana voice assistant to setup, but you can also use the keyboard, mouse, or trackpad.
- Set language, keyboard layout, WiFi connection.
- If you have a Windows account, sign in with your credentials.
Windows starts on your Mac. You will be asked to generate an access code and / or PIN code to access your computer.
Install Boot Campus on Windows
The final step is to install and update the boot loader on Windows. This will allow you to make additional changes to your partition or to fix any issues you may have while running Windows. Installation takes about 10 minutes.
Use Windows on Mac
The default web browser for Windows 10 is Microsoft Edge, but you can download it from Chrome or any other web browser. You can now download files and install software such as Paint.NET for Windows and some games on Steam.
- Switch between Windows and Mac
- If you switch from Windows to MacOS, follow these steps:
- Restart your computer.
- When the screen turns black, press and hold the optional key for 5 seconds.
- On the screen, you have the option to launch MacOS or Windows.
- Select the partition you want to open.
CNET.com article adapted by CNETFrance / Image: Sarah Tew / CNET
Beatrice Ashford is a contributor at Nintendo-power.com, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism that keeps readers connected to the issues shaping the world around them.