Run Windows On a Mac

Not sure how to run Windows on your Mac? Here you will find helpful tips to efficiently run Windows on Mac OS X 10.5 or later. There are two basic ways to run Windows on a Mac computer: using software called Bootcamp or software called Parallels. Parallels is an emulation software that allows you to run Windows inside a Mac OS, while Bootcamp sets up a partition and boots directly into either Mac OS or Windows. While both software are great at allowing you to use the Windows operating system in a Mac computer, each has it's advantages and disadvantages. Parallels is probably easier if you want to browse the web, log into email, or use Microsoft Office, although it's performance-intensive; Bootcamp is probably better if you want to play games and the like, although you have to reboot each time you want to change operating systems.

Steps

Installing and Running Boot Camp

1. Download and install Boot Camp from a reputable source. Try to download the software from CNET.com or from another reliable site.
2. Turn on your Mac and log into your account.
3. Go to the Utilities folder located under "Applications" or type "Boot Camp Assistant" into spotlight search.
4. Launch Boot Camp Assistant.
5. Click "Continue."
6. Decide how much space you want for your Windows partition. You can divide space equally between Mac OS and Windows, give Windows 32GB, or assign space manually using the slider.
7. Then click "Partition."
8. Insert your 32-Bit or 64-Bit Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 DVD into your drive and click Start Installation.
9. Your Mac will restart and launch the Windows installer. Click continue/next. For Windows XP click Enter then press F8.
10. If prompted for product key enter it or leave it blank. (You can enter it later).
11. When presented with a list of partitions, select the one labeled "BOOT CAMP."
12. Format that partition and click "Continue."
13. The installation process will begin. Your Mac may restart several times.
14. Once Installation is finished and you have created a user account, insert your Mac OS X install DVD to install all of the Boot Camp drivers necessary for a smooth Windows-Mac environment.

Installing and Running Parallels

1. Get up to date on your Mac OS. Go to Apple → Software Update... to check whether your operating system is up to date.
2. Purchase Parallels. You can purchase Parallels by buying a physical copy or by downloading it online.
3. Start the installation process. The manner of installation depends on whether you purchased a physical copy or downloaded a copy:
   • For downloaded copies: double-click the disk image file, which is most likely in your Downloads folder. This file has the extension ".dmg" behind it.
   • For store-bought copies: inset the installation disc.
4. Follow the onscreen instructions fully.
5. In the Applications folder, open Parallels Desktop. You have several options at this point:
   • Purchase and download a version of Windows online: select File → New → Buy Windows 7.
     • Tell Parallels whether you intend to use Windows "like a Mac" (with Windows applications alongside Mac applications, on you Mac OS desktop) or "like a PC" (with Windows applications appearing in a separate window from Mac OS applications).
     • Expect this process to take at least an hour. Your computer may reboot several times during this process.
   • Install Windows using an installation disc: insert the Windows installation disc and go to File → New → Install Windows from DVD or image file.
     • Tell Parallels whether you intend to use Windows "like a Mac" (with Windows applications alongside Mac applications, on you Mac OS desktop) or "like a PC" (with Windows applications appearing in a separate window from Mac OS applications).
6. Continue following instructions from the Parallels installation assistant.
7. Start using Parallels by either opening a Windows program or by activating the power button in the Parallels Virtual Machines list. There are several ways that you can open a Windows program:
   • In the Windows Applications folder. If you opted to use Windows "Like a Mac" during the installation, you'll have a Windows Application folder in your Mac OS dock. As you install more Windows programs or applications, they go into this folder.
   • Using the Windows Start Menu. Simply click on the Parallels icon in the menu bar and select "Windows Start Menu." Select any program from the Windows Start Menu.
   • Using the Mac OS X Finder. Select the Windows volume on your desktop, then open the Program Files folder. Next, double-clicking the icon of the program you want to use in the Finder.
   • Using Spotlight. Navigate to the Spotlight icon in the top right of your screen and type in the name of the program you want to use.
8. Install any new programs like you would on a regular Windows PC. Download a file from the internet or insert an installation disc into your disc drive. The installation process should start without a hitch.

Tips

• When you turn on your Mac, hold down the option key to select whether you want to boot into Mac OS X or Windows.
• Backup important information prior for installing Windows via Boot Camp.
• These steps require an Intel Mac, otherwise you won't have the setup app.
• There are some Macs that can run 64-Bit versions of Windows. They are: MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009), MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2008) and later, MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2008) and later, Mac Pro (Early 2008) and later.
• If you are trying to do any sort of intensive task on Windows such as gaming, Bootcamp is the fastest choice as with emulating it with Parallels splits system resources 50/50 between OS X and Windows.
• If you are using Bootcamp, don't worry about protecting your Mac drive as it is secured to the point where no virus can touch it

Warnings

• Only Macs from 2009 or later support 64-Bit Windows. Do not attempt to install 64-Bit Windows on Macs that are from 2008 or earlier.
• Piracy is illegal. If you are going to pirate any copy of Windows, do it at your own risk.
• You must use the Mac OS X install DVD that came with your Mac. Do not use another Mac's install DVD or a retail copy of Mac OS X. If you do, you will experience frequent crashes while under Windows.

Things You'll Need

• Mac OS X 10.5 or Later
• 32-Bit or 64-Bit Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 install DVD

Related Articles

• Turn Your Windows XP Into Mac OS X

Sources and Citations

• http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1461
• https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4099067?start=0&tstart=0

See also

• Use Windows Logo Keyboard Shortcuts
• Measure the Capacity of a Mac Battery Using Coconut Battery
• Change the Text on the Windows Start Button
• Install Brico Pack for Windows Vista Inspirit
• Run a Free and Open Source OS on a Windows PC
• Change Windows Time Display to Include Your Name
• Customize Your Windows Control Panel
• Update Windows
• Stop Pop Ups on a Mac
• Change Your Discord Profile Picture on a PC or Mac

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