Don't you understand how to run Windows on a Mac? Here, you'll find tips for running Windows efficiently on Mac OS X 10.5 or later. There are two basic ways to run Windows on a Mac: using a software called Boot Camp or another software called Parallels. Parallels is an emulation software that runs Windows applications inside Mac OS, whereas Boot Camp manages partitions and runs a live computer with either Mac OS or Windows. While both software do a good job of helping you use the Windows operating system on a Mac computer, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Parallels is easier to use if you want to browse web pages, log into an email account, or use Microsoft Office, although the app is performance intensive; Boot Camp is probably better if you want to run games and the like, although you'll have to restart your computer every time you want to change the operating system.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Installing and Running Boot Camp
Step 1. Download and install Boot Camp from a trusted source
Try to download the software from CNET.com or another trusted site.
Step 2. Turn on the Mac and sign in with your account
Step 3. Navigate to the Utilities folder under Applications or type "Boot Camp Assistant" into the Spotlight search
Step 4. Launch Boot Camp Assistant
Step 5. Click "Continue"
Step 6. Determine the amount of memory space for the Windows partition
You can divide the memory space equally for Mac OS and Windows, give the Windows partition only 32 GB, or specify the memory space manually using the slider.
Step 7. Click Partition. "
Step 8. Insert the 32-bit or 64-bit Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 DVD into the drive and click Start Installation
Step 9. The Mac will restart and launch the Windows installer
Click continue/next. For Windows XP, click the Enter key, then press F8.
Step 10. If you are asked to enter the product key, then enter the product key or leave it blank
(You can fill it out later).
Step 11. When the list of partitions is displayed, select the partition labeled BOOT CAMP. "
Step 12. Format the partition and click Continue
Step 13. The installation process will begin
Your Mac will restart several times.
Step 14. When the installation is complete and you have created a user account, insert the MAC OS X installation DVD to install all the drivers needed to create a smooth Windows-Mac environment
Method 2 of 2: Installing and Running Parallels
Step 1. Update your Mac OS
Enter Apple → Software Updates… to check if your operating system version is up to date or not.
Step 2. Buy Parallels
You can purchase Parallels by purchasing a physical copy or by downloading it online.
Step 3. Begin the installation process
The installation method depends on whether you purchased a physical copy or downloaded it online.
- For a downloaded copy: Double-click on the disk image file, which is most likely in the folder Downloads. This file has a ".dmg" file extension behind it.
- For store-bought copies: insert the installation disc.
Step 4. Follow all the instructions given on the screen
Step 5. In the Applications folder, open Parallels Desktop
You have several options at this stage:
-
Buy and download a version of Windows online: select File → New → Buy Windows 7.
- Tell Parallels whether you want to use Windows " like a Mac " (With Windows apps alongside Mac apps, on your Mac OS desktop) or " like a PC " (With Windows apps appearing in a separate window from Mac OS apps).
- This process is expected to be completed in less than an hour. The computer will restart several times in this process.
-
Install Windows with the installation disc: insert the Windows installation disc and go to File → New → Install Windows from DVD or image file.
Tell Parallels whether you want to use Windows " like a Mac " (With Windows apps alongside Mac apps, on your Mac OS desktop) or " like a PC " (With Windows apps appearing in a separate window from Mac OS apps)
Step 6. Continue to follow the instructions provided by the Parallels setup wizard
Step 7. Start using Parallels by opening a Windows program or by activating the power button in the Parallels Virtual Machine list
There are several ways to open Windows programs:
- Opens a Windows program in the Windows Applications folder. If you choose how to use Windows "Like a Mac" in the installation process, you will have the Windows Application folder in Mac OS. All Windows applications that you install will go into this folder.
- Open a Windows program using the Windows Start Menu. Just click the Parallels icon in the menu bar and select "Windows Start Menu." Select any program from the Windows Start Menu.
- Open a Windows program using the Mac OS X Finder. Select the Windows volume on the desktop, then open the Program Files folder. After that, double-click the icon of the program you want to use in the Finder.
- Open a Windows program using Spotlight. Move to the Spotlight icon at the top right of the screen and type in the name of the program you want to use.
Step 8. Install new programs in the same way you installed them on a Windows computer
Download files from the internet or insert the installation disc into the disc drive. The installation process will start without a hitch.
Tips
- When you turn on your Mac, hold down the Option key to choose whether you want to run Mac OS X or Windows.
- Back up important information before installing Windows via Boot Camp.
- These steps require an Intel Mac, otherwise you won't have the installation app.
- There are several Macs that can run 64 Bit versions of Windows, namely: 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.
Warning
- You must use the Mac OS X installation DVD that came with your Mac. Do not use other installation DVDs or retail copies of MAC OS X. If you do, Windows will run smoothly.
- Only Macs built on and after 2009 support 64-Bit Windows. Do not attempt to install Windows on a Mac of 2008 or earlier.
