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How to Dual Boot macOS and Windows
Edited 2 days ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
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Dual booting macOS and Windows means that you install both operating systems on the same computer and can choose which one to use at startup. This is especially useful for people who need software that is only available on one platform or for developers who are testing software on multiple operating systems. In this comprehensive guide, we will explain the steps needed to successfully dual boot macOS and Windows.
Understanding the requirements
Before we begin, it's important to understand the requirements and implications of dual booting. You need:
- A Mac computer that supports dual booting.
- A legitimate copy of the Windows OS.
- Backup of all your important data.
- Adequate hard drive space.
Note that dual booting requires a lot more space since you're effectively hosting two operating systems. We recommend at least 64GB of free space for Windows.
Step-by-step guide to dual booting macOS and Windows
Let us look at the detailed steps involved:
Step 1: Back up your Mac
This is probably the most important step. Before making any changes to your system, back up all your data. You can use Time Machine for this.
Step 2: Ensure system compatibility
Check your Mac model to make sure it's compatible with the version of Windows you want to install. Windows 10 typically works with most models from 2012 onwards.
Step 3: Download the Windows ISO
Visit the official Microsoft website and download the Windows 10 ISO file. Place it in an easily accessible location such as the desktop.
Step 4: Open Boot Camp Assistant
Boot Camp Assistant is a utility that macOS provides to help you partition your hard drive and install Windows. It can be found in the Utilities folder inside your Applications folder. Open Boot Camp Assistant and follow the instructions that appear on the screen.
Step 5: Create a partition for Windows
When the Boot Camp Assistant asks you to select a partition size for Windows, choose wisely based on your available disk space and how you plan to use Windows. You'll need at least 64 GB, but more space for applications and files is better.
Step 6: Install Windows
After you set up the partitions, the Boot Camp Assistant will ask for the Windows ISO file. Select the ISO file you downloaded earlier. Boot Camp will then proceed to partition your drive and start the Windows installer.
Follow the installer's instructions. You may need to format the partition labeled "BOOTCAMP" before installing Windows. Select that partition, format it, and proceed with the installation.
Step 7: Install Boot Camp Drivers on Windows
Once the Windows installation is complete, it will start for the first time. You will need to install the Boot Camp drivers to ensure that all Mac hardware works correctly with Windows. The Boot Camp installer should start automatically. If it doesn't, you can find it on the Boot Camp partition. Running this executable completes the setup, installing drivers for audio, trackpad, keyboard, and more.
Step 8: Switching between macOS and Windows
To switch between macOS and Windows, you need to restart your computer and hold down the Option (⌥) key while your Mac restarts. This action brings up the boot menu, from which you can choose either macOS or Windows.
Step 9: Configuring the boot order
If you prefer to select an OS by default during startup, you can change the startup disk selection in macOS by going to System Preferences > Startup Disk. Select your preferred OS, and it will be the default. In Windows, you can set the default startup disk using the Boot Camp control panel.
Important considerations
When dual-booting, the two operating systems are separate and store files independently of each other. Sharing data between the two systems can be cumbersome because they use different file systems. Apple's macOS uses HFS+ or APFS, while Windows uses NTFS.
A formatted USB drive can be a good medium for transferring data between the two, and using cloud storage can help alleviate some of the hassles of having two file systems.
Troubleshooting common problems
Problem 1: macOS partition is missing
If you encounter a situation where the macOS partition does not appear at startup, try using Disk Utility in Recovery Mode to repair disk permissions. Hold down Command(⌘) + R until the Mac starts to enter Recovery Mode.
Problem 2: Boot Camp drivers are not installing
If the Boot Camp drivers do not install correctly, try re-running the Boot Camp setup executable from the Boot Camp partition.
Problem 3: Keyboard and trackpad issues
If you experience any problems with the keyboard or trackpad, it may be due to an out-of-date driver. Make sure the Boot Camp drivers are up-to-date, or consider reinstalling them from the Boot Camp Assistant in macOS.
Problem 4: Not enough disk space
If the disk space is exhausted, attempting to extend the Boot Camp partition is difficult and is not natively supported. Free up disk space on any OS by deleting unnecessary files, applications, or backups. Increasing storage is another solution.
Advanced suggestions
For advanced users, there are several ways to further improve the dual-boot experience:
- Use third party software like Paragon NTFS for Mac to read and write the Windows partition.
- If you need more than macOS and Windows can provide, use a tool like Disk Utility to create multiple partitions.
- Consider virtualizing the Windows installation using a program like Parallels Desktop, which makes it possible to use macOS and Windows simultaneously.
Conclusion
Dual booting macOS and Windows provides significant flexibility and is a viable solution for those who need access to applications specific to one platform. The process involves several steps, including backing up data, partitioning your drive, and installing necessary drivers. Although it may seem daunting at first, following this guide will make the process easier to navigate. Be aware of the limitations of the file system and back up your data regularly to ensure a smooth dual booting experience.
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