Computers known to all Apple highly versatile and have a wide selection of specially designed software... But sometimes it happens that a Mac or iMac user wants to install the already so familiar Windows operating system. Sometimes OS Windows may be needed to install some programs so that you can play your favorite games, but there is no suitable alternative for Mac.
You can install the OS yourself. This can be done in several ways, for example, through a utility or using a flash drive. Let's take an example of applications from Apple called Bootcamp, Parallels Desktop and Virtual Box.
Preparing and installing Bootcamp
This option allows you to install an additional OS on Mac and iMac in a separately created partition on the hard disk. You can choose which system to boot into during startup. The advantage of this utility is that by installing the program through it, all the resources of your PC will be available for Windows, this will allow you to use the Mac's performance to the maximum. The computer will easily pull the most modern games, and perform complex tasks.
Before installing an additional OS, keep in mind that it will take up a lot of hard disk space. Make sure it has the required gigabytes on it. On average, you may need about 30 Gb.
Before starting the installation operating system on an iMac or Mac, check and prepare the Boot camp. First, make sure that all updates from Apple are installed on it. To do this, you need to do the following:
During the launch of the utility, you will be able to select the location where the Windows OS will be installed. Before starting the software, you should close all open applications and programs.
After the utility and flash drives for copying information are ready, you can proceed to the first steps:
After copying all the files, your iMac will automatically restart. Next, to display the boot manager, press and hold the Alt key. A disk menu will open on the Mac, designate the partition with the name of the operating system. This will be followed by OS startup and setting parameters.
To install Windows 8, you need to proceed in the same way. Only in the window « Choice of actions"Check the boxes next to the items" Download the latest software" and " Create disk for installing Windows 7 or new».
Installing Windows on a Mac, or rather, setting up a program begins with choosing a language. Choose the correct language right away, otherwise you will have to do all the actions again. Having selected all the parameters in this window, click the Next button, which is located in the lower right corner.
To install the Windows operating system on a Mac, carefully follow all the specified instructions... During the process, do not restart or shut down your computer. You cannot interrupt the procedure in any way.
After your iMac restarts a second time, you can begin installation required drivers... To do this, download them back from the USB flash drive, install and run the installation program.
Installing Windows via Bootcamp using a USB flash drive
Installation can be carried out either using the operating system disk or via a USB drive. To download a program from a USB flash drive to a Mac, you must first download it. If we are talking about Windows 8, then the version of this system must be in iso format.
This installation option on Mac and iMac is no different from the previous one. Before starting the action, you should also check the bootcamp for updates and save all the necessary data. The following instruction will help you complete the task:
But it happens that when installation media is a USB flash drive, the utility requires you to insert a disc with the program and refuses to continue the steps of downloading the software to the iMac. In this case, you can download the driver Daemon tools Lite iMac. With its help we mount the iso- windows image, it will serve virtual drive and then Bootcamp will complete the installation process of our OS without any problems.
Installing Windows on Mac and iMac via Parallels Desktop
In addition to Boot Camp, there are several more options for installing an additional operating system. For example, you can use the program Parallels Desktop which is the virtual machine for installing Windows. You will be able to run Windows programs without rebooting the PC.
You can complete the installation by following the instructions below:
The peculiarity of Parallels Desktop is its high performance. You can download a free trial version or buy Parallels Desktop at the link below:
Install Windows using VirtualBox
VirtualBox is one of the popular virtualization programs. With its help, two operating systems will easily work on your PC at once. Installing an additional OS via VirtualBox is fairly straightforward.
To get started, enter the VirtualBox query into the search system, go to the official website and download the program. Upon completion of the installation, click on the program icon and select "Create". After that, you can start installing Windows.
Sometimes it happens that after installing an additional operating system, the iMac has problems with sound or video playback. To solve this problem, you need to install on the Mac all the drivers that were previously saved to an additional storage device (disk or flash drive).
After all the steps taken, the installation of Windows on the Mac is completely finished. Restart the program and everything will definitely work.
Related Videos
Installing Windows on Mac- the operation is relatively simple. Microsoft and Apple are well aware that so many users want a machine that has great performance and a great OS.
Basically, all you need to get started is a Mac computer, one essential utility, and a Windows OS. More specifically about system requirements your computer - it must have Intel processor, 10 GB of HDD space, plus some free space to back up your data.
As for an important utility for Windows installations on Mac - we are talking about the BootCamp program. BootCamp is a special set of drivers that allows you to use all the main Windows capabilities on computers from Apple. Wherein installationWindowsonMac produced in a separate section on HDD computer... In addition to Windows, you always have access to Apple's standard OSX.
Note also that installing Windows on Mac must be done with a specific version of BootCamp. If you are installing Windows 7 - installed program will be able to function with the iMac or Mac Book Pro, which went on sale in 2007, as well as with later modifications. This is relative to 32-bit Windows OM. But in the event that you want more performance that a 64-bit system can provide, then your Apple computer should be released in 2008 or later. In this case, all devices must operate on the basis of processors from Intel.
If you need to install Windows versions from 7 to 8.1 on Mac, then you will need BootCamp version 5.1, you can easily download this application from the official Apple website.
First you need to do backup content that is stored on hard drives your PC. It is recommended to use the simple TimeMachine utility for this. During installation, the structure of the HDD changes, as well as the amount of memory stored in its partitions. AND backup- just a precaution. After all, an accidental failure during installation can lead to very unpleasant consequences.
To startWindows installations on Mac it is recommended to close all those extra programs and then launch BootCamp. After clicking on the "Continue" button you will be prompted to select the size hard disk which will go to the needs of Windows. The minimum is 5 GB, but we recommend choosing 20 GB. By dragging the partition to the center of the window, you will get the volume you need.
Next, partitioning starts. At the same time, the partitioning process does not last very long, and if you do not encounter an error, then a shortcut of about 20 GB will appear on the desktop soon. It remains to load the disk or insert a USB flash drive with the Windows image, and then click on "Start installation".
Installing Windows on Mac will continue after restarting the computer. After that, it remains only to select the partition of the hard disk, where there is the word BOOT Camp. It is very important to choose the right section! If you install it in the wrong place, there will be problems with the mac and you will have to contact the service specialists. When a window appears that says "Where do you want Install windows?" you need to select the disk, then select the "Disk Properties" command and format it.
You should not pay attention to warning the system about the danger of such an action. Then it remains to install only required drivers for the video card, restart the PC, install the required sound drivers using the standard Mac software, then reboot again (while you do not forget to remove the Mac driver disk) - and all that remains is to select the desired OS by pressing Option.
Alexander Savchkov
For some users who have just purchased the product Apple Mac The jump from Windows to iOS can be painful. But you have to work. You bought a Macbook for a reason! For the purpose of more convenient adaptation to the new software environment without stopping work, there are options for installing Windows OS on poppy hardware. Later in this article, we'll look at the advantages and disadvantages of these options, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to implement them.
Can Windows be installed on a Macbook
Can! It would seem a logical question - why? And when this need arises, this issue will fade into the background. But it is precisely depending on the answer to it that we should choose which installation option is acceptable for us in a particular situation. It should be noted right away that it is almost impossible to install Windows on older Mac versions that are not yet based on Intel processors.
There are applications available only on Mac, and if you need to actively work in them from time to time, say, to process audio or video files, and get used to working with office suite There is no desire, and there are more toys on Windows, then we will be satisfied with the option of parallel installation of two operating systems on one PC.
If the goal is permanent job in the Mac environment and the load on Mac applications is not so high, and Windows is installed only to simplify the execution of processes that have not yet been studied on the Mac base, then installation using virtual machine... This option has the sin of the fact that the virtual machine takes up a lot of production resources. These are the requirements of the operating system that is installed in it, and not only. In most cases, this option is chosen, and first we will consider it.
Installing Windows on a Macbook using a virtual machine
The most common virtual machine for Apple is Boot Camp. To install various Windows versions different versions of Boot Camp are required. There are also restrictions on the hardware and the parent OS. Installing Windows on your MacBook requires a few prerequisites. We begin to solve problems as they come in.
Compatibility check, equipment preparation
We select the system that we are going to install and check if all the conditions are met.
- Windows XP will require 2 or 3 service packs (we use Boot Camp 3 for installation).
- Windows Vista requires a service pack of at least version 1 (we also use Boot Camp 3).
- Windows 7 (Boot Camp 4 or 5.1 required).
- Windows 8.1 (Boot Camp 6+ additional drivers... Downloaded automatically by Boot Camp Assistant).
- Windows 10 (Boot Camp 6+ additional drivers. Downloaded automatically by Boot Camp assistant).
The new macOS Sierra 10.12 Macs will only allow you to install Windows 10.
Newer Mac computers run later versions of Windows. Of course, 64-bit Windows will not stand on a 32-bit system.
On the Apple website, you can check if your version of MacBook is compatible with the version of Windows you want.
For all installation options, you must have access to the Internet and an administrator account. Boot Camp won't work without an admin. Also, allocate 30 GB of free space on your hard drive, and a 16 GB flash drive for downloading drivers.
Installing Windows XP, Vista on Macbook Using Boot Camp
- Make sure you have the latest OS X, Mac firmware and Boot Camp installed.
- To make sure that your Mac computer supports the installed version of Windows, you can find information on the Apple website. By default Win XP and Vista are supported by all MacBook versions, MacBook Air 2008-2009 and MacBook Pro up to 2010.
- If you need additional drivers for Windows, place them on the USB flash drive unpacked and leave it USB connector before the installation is complete.
- Go to the Utilities folder and find the Boot Camp Assistant program there.
- Following the instructions provided by Boot Camp, install the version you want Windows OS. We refuse to offer to download drivers for Windows OS DURING INSTALLATION.
- After installing Windows, the Mac should boot into Windows. In Windows, go to the USB flash drive and open the BootCamp.exe file. Follow the instructions on the screen to install the required drivers.
Installing a new version of Windows 7 on a Macbook
To install Windows 7, the sequence is as follows:
Installing Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 on a Macbook
V this case installation is done with minimal effort. When installing latest versions Windows new Boot Camp performs all the necessary operations on its own. To install the latest versions of Windows you will need:
Sometimes Boot Camp does not allow you to install the OS due to the fact that the package or functionality of the Macbook differs from the "original" ones.
To solve this problem, it is possible to use and third party applications... Video of installing Windows on Macbook using another virtual machine:
Apple computers have one very big advantage over Windows PCs. Microsoft's system can be easily installed on any Mac. You cannot turn the same thing in the reverse order. In any case, legally, without crutches, pain and a notable amount of Vaseline.
Installing Windows on your MacBook Pro has never been easier. And the merit here is from two companies at once: both Apple and Microsoft. The former optimized the Boot Camp Assistant to the maximum extent necessary to install the OS on any Mac. And the latter finally simplified and, importantly, accelerated the installation of their own system. Everything happens quickly, gracefully and without any problems.
What do we need?
How was it before? First, it was necessary to acquire a Windows image. It is not known where to get it from, so everyone downloaded it from torrents. Next, it was necessary to mount the image on a DVD-disk (my God!) Or to expand its USB flash drive in size from 4 GB using some written software on the knee. At the same time, it was necessary to strictly observe the order of actions, not to miss anything and be very attentive. It's good at least that detailed manual was described on the Apple support site.
Forget it! Now all this horror is gone.
To install Windows on your MacBook Pro, you only need a computer and an Internet connection. Everything! You don't even need to buy a system from "small-soft" ones.
How to install Windows 10 on MacBook Pro 2018
Now you will see for yourself the ease of installation. The instruction is step by step.
1. Directly on the MacBook Pro from under the stock macOS, we go to the Microsoft website, namely: to the section where you can download Windows 10. Here is the link, if anything.
2. We select the required release of the system. I settled on the 10th version, but you can install older assemblies as well. Please note that to download Windows 7, you will have to enter your product key directly on the site. Otherwise, the system will not allow you to download the image. For Windows 8.1 and 10, this is not relevant, the key will need to be entered directly into the system itself, after installation.
4. Then we install all the latest updates on our Mac.
5. In Launchpad (application grid), in the Others folder, find the Boot Camp Assistant application and launch it. It is a very powerful utility. She will do almost everything on her own: from unpacking the image for macOS, ending with the installation of drivers already under Windows.
6. V Boot Camp Assistant, select the image we downloaded (most likely, the utility will detect it on its own), determine the size of the partition on the hard disk for new system(at least 50 GB) and run the installation.
7. After 15 minutes, the computer will reboot (it may take longer for you - this is normal) and the installation of Windows itself will begin.
8. Here you will need to select a keyboard, a region, connect to Wi-Fi and enter your account information Microsoft records... Without it nowhere now, so you can start it in advance.
9. After making all the initial settings, Windows 10 will boot. Next, the Boot Camp utility will start. The application will offer to install all the necessary drivers for the system (from the keyboard and sensors to the video card).
10. After that, we reboot and use the fully configured system. Voila!
What's the time?
Everything about everything took me about 2.5 hours of time. Moreover, the Windows 10 image was downloaded from the official Microsoft website (4.5 gigabytes) for 2 hours and the Windows itself was unpacked for another 20 minutes.
Directly setting up, installing the drivers took about 5-10 minutes.
Very fast and easy. However, speed may vary depending on your system configuration. I installed Windows 10 on a MacBook Pro 13 2018, which I did a couple of months ago, and this is a cannon.
In the next part I will talk about my impressions of Windows 10 on MacBook Pro 13 2018. How the system works, is everything stable, what about games, and so on. Stay in touch.
The article gives detailed instructions How to install Windows 7 on MacBook.
Everyone is accustomed to working with Windows and when buying a MacBook, it becomes necessary to install it for the usual work with documents.
Installing Windows 7 on Macbook Air Using Boot Camp
It doesn't take long to install Windows 7 on your Macbook Air. Installation requires a USB optical drive or 16GB USB drive. Before installing, check for software updates on your computer.
- Turn on your MacBook and start Boot Camp.
- Remove the checkbox from above where you want to create a disk. Check the box if the installation will be carried out from the image.
- Use USB stick to save drivers and other information. All information on the drive will be erased, so use an empty drive.
- Split the disk into two equal parts for two operating systems.
- Plug in your USB DVD drive and insert the Windows distribution into it.
- Wait while Boot Camp downloads the latest software from the Internet and restarts your computer.
- Install Windows, following the instructions, select the proposed settings.
Windows is installed in just over an hour. For those who do not know how to start Boot Camp: on the desktop at the top, click the magnifying glass. In the search box, write down the name of the application and click "Continue".
Create an image
If a disc is available to install the software, then you need to create an image of it.
- Use an optical drive.
- Using the Finder on your laptop, open Disk Utility.
- In the window that opens, select the installation disk.
- Enter the menu "File", "New Image" and then click "DVD Disc".
- In the item "DVD / CD Wizard" find "Image Format" and "Encryption". Check No.
- Create a filename, enter a password and wait while a new image is created.
- When finished, unplug the optical drive.
- Use Finder to find the new image.
- Rename the file name from .cdr to .iso.
- When using removable storage devices, make sure they appear as removable devices in the Finder.
- Connect the UbSB drive.
- After creation ISO image proceed with the installation of the program.
Keyboard
After downloading the software, you can use the keyboard in several ways. Keys in different operating systems can perform different functions. Many keys on laptops with operating Windows system have analogues on the Apple layout.
Windows formatting
To format, use the installer, after asking about the installation location, select the Boot Camp partition. Next, we start formatting by selecting "Disk Setup".
The new section can be renamed, formatted or deleted. After creating two sections, you will not be able to resize them. To resize it, you will have to delete the section and re-create the required section. To rename a partition, boot the operating system itself and rename the partition in it. Do not use other programs to resize the partition, this can lead to problems.
Be careful! Deleting a partition results in loss of files.
Boot Camp app
The application is divided into three sections:
- choice of system to boot;
- setting up the keyboard;
- setting up the trackpad.
The first section will allow you to boot one of two operating systems. The second section allows you to control the functions of the F1 - F12 keys. In the third section, choose familiar gestures to work in any OC.
Start Windows
Macbook Air 11 or Macbook Pro at boot there is no choice of operating system, so to work in Windows 7, press Alt. A menu will appear in which select the desired system and load. If you do not press when turning on Alt buttons then the download will start on macOS.
Removing Windows
To uninstall, just run Boot Camp in OS X and select "Delete". After deleting OS X will take up all the space. It will take less than a minute for a previously installed operating system to uninstall completely.
Software updates
Use the program App Store to check for updates on the laptop. Select "Update" in the "Updates" section. In the application setup, set the "Download recently appeared updates in the background" options. Then the updates will be carried out automatically. When it was established Last update, you can start installing Windows.
If you have an update disc, do the following:
- Boot your MacBook on MacOS.
- Connect the Windows update disc.
- Unzip and transfer the files to a USB stick.
- Restart your laptop and turn on installed version Windows.
- Carry out the update using the installer.
Driver
Some users have a question: "What is a driver?" A driver is a program without which the connected device will not work with the computer. At least once in their life, everyone has installed a laptop driver to operate a scanner or printer. Usually the OS already has drivers for different devices, but sometimes updates are needed, so check for updates. For example, download the realtek driver from the Internet for free audio system operation.
Apple does not provide technical support to install or restore Windows. You can get advice over the phone about the Boot Camp Special Assistant, how to install or restore it.