We will teach you step by step how to install Windows 10 on your Mac and have two computers in one. It may be that out of necessity or convenience you have to install Microsoft’s operating system, Windows 10, on your Mac. Fortunately, thanks to advances in technology, it is possible to enjoy the functionalities of Windows 10 under the architecture of an Apple computer.
Today we are going to tell you how to install Windows 10 on a Mac. Although it is not difficult to do, the procedure is somewhat different from what is normally done on a computer that uses the Windows system natively.
For the installation to be successful, all you have to do is follow the step-by-step guide that we are going to leave you below and keep in mind what things you will need to have before starting the installation of Windows.
First of all, you need to know if your Mac supports the installation of Windows 10.
Which Mac Models Support Windows 10 Installation
- MacBook 2015 or later
- MacBook Air 2012 or later
- MacBook Pro 2012 or later
- Mac mini 2012 or later
- iMac from 2012 or later
- iMac Pro (all models)
- Mac Pro 2013 or later
You have to bear in mind that in order to install Windows 10 correctly you should have the macOS system updated to the latest version including the updates in the Boot Camp assistant.
You need 64GB or more of free storage space on your Mac’s startup disk.
Depending on the Mac model you have, you may need an external USB flash drive with a storage capacity of 16 gigabytes or more.
The Mac models that do not require the use of the USB flash drive are as follows:
- MacBook 2015 or later
- MacBook Air from 2017 or later
- MacBook Pro 2015 or later
- iMac from 2015 or later
- iMac Pro (all models)
- Mac Pro Late 2013
How to install Windows 10 on the Mac
How to install Windows 10 on a MacUser Boot Camp Assistant to install Windows 10 on a Mac.
The first step is to create a Windows 10 installation disc for Mac. Since this Windows installation will be done on a computer with a different operating system, the installation disc has some differences from the one used for a common computer.
The steps to follow are:
- Download the Windows 10 ISO from Windows Insider.
- Get a 16-gigabyte or larger USB drive.
- Open Boot Camp Assistant on your Mac.
- Connect your Mac to the power and create a backup of your data. Then click Continue.
- Select the Create a Windows 10 or later installation disc option.
- The wizard will automatically search for the ISO on your computer and on the USB drive. In case the wizard does not find it, select it yourself and click Continue.
After doing this you can start the installation. Keep in mind that the process takes a few minutes, in some cases, it can take up to an hour, so you have to be patient until the entire procedure is finished.
Getting started with Windows 10 installation
- Open Boot Camp Assistant on your Mac.
- Connect your Mac to a power adapter and click Continue.
- Select the option Create a partition on the hard drive.
- Choose the size of the partition. At least 50 gigabytes is recommended. Then hit Continue.
- Insert a bootable USB if the system requires it.
- Restart your Mac and when you hear a startup sound press and hold the Alt key.
- The boot disks will be displayed on the screen, select the USB where you installed Windows 10.
- You will then have to follow the normal Windows 10 installation steps. The difference will be that when selecting the installation disk you must choose the partition that you had created.
- After completing the Windows installation, the Mac will boot into Windows and the Boot Camp installer welcome screen will open. On the screen, you will see the instructions to follow to install Boot Camp and the software that will make Windows 10 fully compatible with your Mac.
How to switch between Windows and macOS
You can choose if you are going to use the Mac operating system or if you are going to use Windows 10.
- To start the computer with Windows:
- Hold down the Alt key immediately after pressing the power button on your Mac.
Release the key when you see the boot manager window. If you use a password to log in, you can release the key when prompted to enter the password. - Select the boot disk or partition you created for Windows and press the Return key.
If you are using Windows and want to boot into macOS
You can switch between Windows and Mac.
- Click the notification area to the right of the Windows taskbar to show hidden icons.
- Click on the Boot Camp icon.
- Select the Restart option in macOS.
If you prefer to use the boot manager while your Mac is starting:
You can use Boot Manager to switch between Windows and Mac.
- Restart your Mac from the start menu in Windows.
- Hold down the Alt key as your Mac begins to restart.
- Select Mac’s boot volume or partition in the Boot Manager window, then press Return or click the up arrow.
This is all you need to do if you want to use Windows 10 on your Mac computer.
We hope you find this information useful and let us know if you have put it into practice.