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How to Install Windows 10 on VMware Fusion
Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
VMware FusionWindows 10macOSVirtual MachinesOperating SystemsSoftwareAppleComputersDual BootSetupConfigurationInstallationDesktop VirtualizationWindows Installation
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Installing Windows 10 on a Mac using VMware Fusion is a great way to bring the best of both worlds together. VMware Fusion allows you to run a virtual machine that emulates a Windows 10 environment on your Mac, without having to reboot. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up Windows 10 on VMware Fusion step-by-step with simple explanations, making it easy even for those new to virtualization technology. Let's get started!
Requirements
Before starting the installation process, make sure that you have the following prerequisites:
- A Mac with adequate hardware specifications. For Windows 10, you must have at least 4GB of RAM and 64GB of available disk space.
- VMware Fusion is installed on your Mac. You can download it from the official VMware website. Both the free trial version and the licensed version will work for this installation.
- Windows 10 ISO file. You can download it from the Microsoft website. Make sure you have a valid product key, as you will need it to activate Windows 10 later.
Step-by-step installation guide
Step 1: Launch VMware Fusion
Start by launching VMware Fusion on your Mac. You can find it in your Applications folder. Once it opens, you'll see the main VMware Fusion window, where you can manage your virtual machines.
Step 2: Create a new virtual machine
Click the "File" menu in the upper left corner of your screen, and then select "New" to create a new virtual machine. A dialog will appear with options for creating a new virtual machine.
Select the “Create a custom virtual machine” option and click “Continue.”
Step 3: Choose an Operating System
In the next screen, you will need to choose the operating system you are going to install. Since we are installing Windows 10, select "Microsoft Windows" from the list of operating systems. This will filter the versions for you, then select "Windows 10 x64" if you are installing the 64-bit version of Windows 10. Click "Continue."
Step 4: Use the Windows 10 ISO file
Now, you need to provide the Windows 10 ISO file that you downloaded earlier. Click on the "Use another disc or disc image" option and navigate to the location of your Windows 10 ISO file on your Mac. Select the ISO file and click "Open".
Step 5: Configure virtual machine settings
At this point, you'll need to configure the settings for your virtual machine. The default settings are usually sufficient, but you can adjust them to suit your needs:
- Processor and Memory: Allocate at least 2 processor cores and 4 GB of RAM to ensure smooth performance.
- Hard disk: Set the disk size to at least 64 GB. If you plan to store a lot of files, you may want to increase this.
Once you have configured these settings, click the “Finish” button to proceed.
Step 6: Start the Windows 10 installation
After you've set up your virtual machine, you're ready to begin the Windows 10 installation. Click the "Play" button to start the virtual machine. It will boot from the Windows 10 ISO file and begin the installation process.
Step 7: Follow the Windows 10 installation wizard
The installation wizard for Windows 10 will walk you through the rest of the installation process. Here is a brief summary of the steps involved:
- Language, time, and keyboard: Choose your preferences for language, time format, and keyboard layout. Click "Next."
- Install Now: Click the “Install Now” button to start the installation.
- Product key: Enter your Windows 10 product key when prompted. You can skip this step and enter it later if you want, but it will eventually be required for activation.
- License Agreement: Read and accept the Microsoft Software License Terms by checking the appropriate box. Click "Next."
- Installation Type: When prompted to choose the type of installation, select "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)".
- Partition: You will see the unallocated disk space you specified earlier. Select it and click "Next" to start the installation.
Step 8: Complete the Installation
Windows 10 will now begin copying and installing files. This process may take some time depending on the specifications of your Mac. Once the installation is complete, your virtual machine will restart automatically.
Step 9: Set up Windows 10
After the restart, you will need to set up Windows 10 by following the on-screen instructions. Select your region, set up a user account, choose privacy settings, and connect to Wi-Fi if necessary. Once completed, you will be directed to the Windows 10 desktop.
Step 10: Install VMware Tools
To optimize Windows 10 performance on VMware Fusion, you should install VMware Tools. Click "Virtual Machines" in the menu bar and then select "Install VMware Tools". This will mount a virtual disk within Windows 10 that contains VMware Tools.
Open File Explorer in Windows 10, locate the VMware Tools disk and run the installer. Follow the installation wizard to complete the VMware Tools setup. This will give you better graphics performance, better mouse handling, and seamless integration with macOS.
Step 11: Activate Windows 10
Now, you should activate your Windows 10 installation to make sure you are using a genuine copy. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and click "Activate". Enter your product key if you didn't do so during installation.
Troubleshooting and Tips
Running a virtual machine may sometimes require troubleshooting, but a few tips can help you deal with such problems:
- If you experience performance issues, consider allocating more RAM or processor cores to your virtual machine through the virtual machine settings.
- Take snapshots of your virtual machine whenever necessary, especially before making significant changes or installing updates. This allows you to restore the virtual machine to a previous state if needed.
- Regularly check for updates for both Windows 10 and VMware Fusion to keep your system safe and running smoothly.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you have successfully installed Windows 10 on VMware Fusion on your Mac. This setup provides the facility to run Windows applications alongside macOS, expanding your software options and increasing productivity. Whether you are developing software, testing applications, or simply enjoying the versatility of both operating systems, VMware Fusion enables you to get the best out of both environments.
Remember to regularly back up and update your virtual machine to prevent data loss and security vulnerabilities. Enjoy your virtual Windows 10 experience on macOS!
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