Do you want to use the premium quality of Apple computers but still want the ease of using the Windows operating system? Is the Mac operating system too complex for you at times? If all of that makes you want to know how to install windows on a mac? You must keep reading then.

Apple is famous for its lightly built computers which are also optimized for the best overall performance you can get them. The sleek and attractive featherweight designs of apples with exotic colors are a treat for the eyes.

But, using the Mac operating system takes a little getting used to. To be honest, we all felt it, shifting from one operating system to a rival operating system can be especially hard. Apple does everything particularly differently from Microsoft.

But there is no need to fret; there are a few ways in which you can combine your favorite computer with your favorite operating system. We will show you a number of procedures on how to install windows on Mac.

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You can pick and choose your favorite way of how to install windows on mac and work from there.

1. Parallels Desktop

This application is not an indigenous Mac OS application. You have to download this from a third-party source to use it to install windows on mac. It is quite simple there are just a few steps to the procedure.

Step 1:

Download the Parallels desktop application, simple enough right? The download window itself will prompt you to download Windows. Now, as far as we know, this only works for the latest version of Windows, i.e. Windows 10. I mean, there is nothing to complain about really, hardly anyone wants to run lower versions. You can log in to Parallels desktop using Google, Apple, or Facebook ID.

Step 2:

The application is quite easy to follow. It will automatically tell you to download the Windows OS and install it. You just have to press the Install Windows button. Also, you should keep in mind that you do not have to buy Windows before installing it.

Step 3:

It’s not so much step three as it is the completion of step 2. The window will prompt you that your installation is complete. That’s all you have to know for how to install windows on mac.

Step 4:

The final step is just the installation of applications that you require to run in your windows. Parallels Desktop will act as a separate computer. It emulates a complete computer that is running a separate operating system, i.e. windows OS. This program will act as a whole other computer. It’s like using a mini-computer inside your Mac and you have the option of installing whatever windows application that you want.

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Things to look out for:

Now Apple is famous for having an airtight security system when it comes to their Mac OS. All the applications that are used on the Mac are hosted through Apple so there are very less chances of a security breach or a virus getting into your system.

However, with using a parallel desktop you have to know that your system will be vulnerable to all the threats that a normal PC is exposed to. So we recommend that you have a good Antivirus installed before using applications or surfing the internet on the parallels desktop application.

Parallels Desktop is not the only third-party application available to install windows on mac. There are a bunch of others that you can choose from depending on your personal preference. We have used parallels desktop as an example to show how it would go with a third-party application.

Also read: How to build a laptop.

2. Boot Camp Assistant

The Mac OS already has an application called Boot camp assistant. If we talk about how to install windows on mac, you can also use this native application for installation. It creates a partition in your system and you can use the created partition to work with Windows operating system.

To run this application, you need to look for the utility folder which you will find in the applications of Mac.

Step 1:

The very first thing to do is to know whether your computer is capable of housing the operating system that you want. Well, this is Apple we are talking about so the answer is most probably yes, but it never hurts to be safe. Some older macs may not be compatible with windows 10 so make sure that you have the required processing power available.

Step 2:

Let me give you a little background knowledge for this requirement. You are going to be divvying up your computer’s space. In other words, if the total memory of your mac book is 256 GB, and you dedicate 128 GB for the windows run by your Boot Camp Assistant, then you cannot use this memory while operating on Mac OS.

So, you need to clean up any additional storage that might not be that important. You can do it manually as well but there are applications available that can do that for you easily, so why not.

Step 3:

Before we go on with step 3, there is a little precaution that you should take. Although it is extremely rare that something would go wrong while using native software on Apple, it is still recommended that before you begin, you should back up your pc just in case. But there is no need for concern, we are just being a little safe with it.

For installing windows you can use a DVD drive or a USB or just directly download an ISO file online. Basically what you need to do is create a virtual image or a virtual disk for the installation of windows.

Step 4:

Once you have the windows downloaded or the virtual disc mounted onto your computer, you have to go to utilities to open boot camp assistant. The Boot Camp Assistant will automatically locate the IOS file which is either downloaded on your system or mounted from the DVD (Although the newest ones don’t have it anymore) or USB drive.

Once the setup starts, if you have used a flash drive to install windows, it will ask you to choose where to install windows and you have to select Boot Camp partition. If Windows is downloaded, it will do it automatically.

Step 5:

From here on out all you need to do is follow the on-screen directions, the process is pretty simple and the assistant will guide you through it. However, just in case, here are the steps that will be carried out.

• You have to select the image file (ISO) and click install.

• It will ask you for your password and after you type it in and press ok the windows startup screen will appear.

• Choose the language you want to install windows in.

• Bring your cursor to the “Install Now” button and press it.

• If you have bought windows and have a product key type it in. If not, no need to be alarmed, just click on, I don’t have a product key.

• You can select between the Pro and the Home Version.

• Select the BOOTCAMP partition.

• Just press Next and watch the installation happen.

• You will get an option to either to use the Express settings or you can opt to customize if you are a pro.

• Now you make a user account like on any other computer. You can keep a password for security as well.

• Click Next.

• The prompt will ask you whether you want to use the Windows digital assistant “Cortana.” If you are a little too close to Siri, maybe press Not Now. (Just Kidding)

Then all you have to do is click install to proceed and finish the setup by accepting the license and agreement terms.

Cons

When you use Boot Camp Assistant, it will automatically always boot on Mac OS. You have to restart while holding the alt key for the computer to prompt you to choose the operating system you want to work in.

With third-party software, you can switch between Windows and Mac OS easily but with boot camp, you have to restart to choose Windows or Mac OS.

How to Remove

If you want to remove Windows from Boot Camp Assistant, you must go through the following steps.

1. You will have to start up in Mac OS and start the Boot Camp Assistant.

2. The Assistant will show the existing Windows partition. Select it.

3. Now you just have to click on “Restore” when you see it and it is all done.

The Boot Camp Assistant will automatically remove Windows from your Mac.

But, make sure to back up any data that you want to retain from the windows partition, otherwise, you would lose it after the restore is complete.

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Conclusion

There are pros and cons to using native and third-party software. If you use native software the protection of Apple is still strong as it’s using a Mac OS application to run windows. But, you have to restart each time you want to switch and that can be a hassle.

Third-party software gives you more freedom of action, as you can literally switch between windows and Mac OS like switching between applications. However, you should be careful while installing any windows applications or any software as it is more prone to a security breach.

And lastly, always use good antivirus software whenever you try and emulate windows, and always back your data up periodically.