Computers from the well-known company Apple are very multifunctional and have a wide selection of specially designed software. But sometimes it happens that Mac user or iMac wants to install the Windows operating system that is already so familiar to itself. Sometimes OS Windows may be needed to install some programs so that you can play your favorite games, but there is no suitable alternative for Mac.

You can install the OS yourself. This can be done in several ways, for example, through a utility or using a flash drive. Let's look at the example of applications from Apple, which are called Bootcamp, Parallels Desktop and Virtual Box.

Preparing and installing Bootcamp

This option allows you to install an additional OS on Mac and iMac in a separately created partition on your hard drive. You can choose which system to boot into during startup. The advantage of this utility is that by installing the program through it, all the resources of your PC will be available to Windows, this will allow you to use the Mac’s performance to the maximum. The computer will easily play the latest games and perform complex tasks.

Before installing an additional OS, keep in mind that it will take up a lot of space on your hard drive. Make sure it has the required gigabytes. On average, you may need about 30 Gb.

Before you begin installing the operating system on your iMac or Mac, check and prepare Boot camp. First, make sure that all updates from Apple are installed on it. To do this you need to do the following:

When you launch the utility, you will have the opportunity to select the location where OS Windows will be installed. Before starting the software, you should close all open applications and programs.

Once the utility and flash drives for copying information are ready, you can proceed to the first steps:

Once all files have been copied, the iMac will automatically begin rebooting. Next, to display the download manager, press and hold Alt key. On the Mac, the disk menu will open, mark the partition with the name of the operating system. This will be followed by launching the OS and setting the parameters.

To install Windows 8 you need to do the same. Only in the window Selecting Actions"You should check the boxes next to the items " Download latest software" And " Create a disk to install Windows 7 or new».

Windows installation on a Mac, or rather, setting up the program begins with choosing a language. Select the correct language right away, otherwise you will have to do all the steps again. Having selected all the parameters in this window, click the Next button, which is located in the lower right corner.

To install an operating room Windows systems On a Mac, carefully follow all instructions provided. Do not restart or turn off your computer during the process. The procedure cannot be interrupted in any way.

After your iMac restarts a second time, you can begin installation. necessary drivers. To do this, download them back from the flash drive, install and run the installation program.

Installing Windows via Bootcamp using a USB flash drive

Installation can be carried out either using a disk with the operating system or via a USB drive. To load a program from a flash drive onto a Mac, you must first download it. If we are talking about Windows 8, then the version of this system must be in iso format.

This installation option on Mac and iMac is no different from the previous one. Before you begin, you should also check bootcamp for updates and save all the necessary data. Next instructions will help you complete the task:

But it happens that when the installation media is a flash drive, the utility requires you to insert a disk with the program and refuses to continue downloading the software to the iMac. In this case, you can download the Daemon Tools Lite iMac driver. With its help we mount iso- Windows image, he will serve virtual drive and then Bootcamp will complete the installation process of our OS without any problems.

Installing Windows on Mac and iMac via Parallels Desktop

In addition to Boot Camp, there are several other options for installing an additional operating system. For example, you can use the program Parallels Desktop, which is a virtual machine on the Windows installation. You will be able to run Windows programs without rebooting the PC.

Installing Windows using VirtualBox

VirtualBox is one of the popular virtualization programs. With its help, your PC will easily run two operating systems at once. Installing an additional OS via VirtualBox is quite simple.

To get started, enter the query VirtualBox into the search engine, go to the official website and download the program. Once installation is complete, click on the program icon and select “Create”. After this, you can begin installing Windows.

Sometimes it happens that after installing an additional operating system, problems with sound or video playback appear on the iMac. To solve this problem, you need to install on your Mac all the drivers that were previously saved to an additional storage device (disk or flash drive).

After all the steps taken, the installation of Windows on Mac is completely completed. Restart the program and everything will definitely work.

Video on the topic

Many Mac owners often need the Windows operating system. Some people need it to run their favorite games, others need it to run specialized software, and others just need it for variety.

We decided to remind you how to install Windows 10 on Mac correctly and quickly, so as not to mess with virtual machines and similar solutions that do not allow you to work stably in Windows and get the most out of your computer.

Which Mac computers can install Windows 10 on?

Officially, 64-bit Windows 10 Home or Pro can be installed on the following models using the Boot Camp utility:

• MacBook Pro/Air (2012 and newer)
• MacBook (2015 and newer)
• iMac/Mac mini (2012 and later)
• iMac Pro (2017)
• Mac Pro (Late 2013)

There is only one limitation: when using macOS Mojave will not work install Windows OS via Boot Camp on an iMac with a hard drive of 3 TB.

This is due to the peculiarities of combining different file systems APFS and NTFS on drives of this capacity. You can find out more about this on the Apple website.

Other models support installing Windows 10 right out of the box without any problems.

What do we need

1. Free storage space. The minimum installation volume is 64 GB, and the recommended volume is 128 GB.

In practice, you can get by with a smaller volume, but there is always a possibility of not having enough space for normal operation of the system or installation of the necessary software.

2. For desktop computers, you will need a keyboard and pointing device so as not to constantly reconnect them in different operating systems. This can be either a wired solution or third-party models that have several channels for pairing with several devices.

3. USB flash drive with 16 GB or higher capacity. Owners of computers manufactured in 2015 or newer will not need such a disk.

4. Image installation disk Microsoft Windows(ISO) or installation media for a given operating system. You can download the image on the Microsoft website.

5. You can use Windows 10 for free for 30 days from installation. After this you will need to buy an activation key. This can be done in almost any Russian store, or on the Internet. On the official Microsoft website it costs a decent $199 or 13 thousand rubles.

The average price of a key in Russia is about 3 thousand rubles, although you come across offers at your own peril and risk.

How to install Windows 10 step by step

1. Run the utility Boot Camp via search Spotlight, Finder or Launchpad.

2. Point the program to the path to the downloaded image and select how much space on the installed drive to allocate for installing Windows.

Think carefully at this stage, because you won’t be able to change the partition you are using without reinstalling Widows. If you plan to play games or run heavy applications, it is better to allocate more space right away.

3. Wait for the necessary drivers and data to download from the network. After downloading and restarting your computer, Windows 10 installation will begin.

4. The installation wizard will ask you to basic settings and specify the partition on which Windows should be installed. It will already be named BOOTCAMP.

5. After installation is complete, you will need to make final adjustments to the system parameters.

6. Once at work Windows desktop will need to run Boot Camp utility. It will be stored on system disk or on a removable drive that was created during the preparation phase.

7. After installing all components and restarting Windows, you need to connect to the network via Wi-Fi or cable and run Apple Software Update from the panel Start.

8. The program must indicate everything available updates. Install from and restart your computer.

How to run macOS or Windows

Now when you start the computer, the operating system will automatically start macOS system, and when you hold down the key Alt/Option you will see a menu with a choice of partition to download.

To quickly switch from Windows to macOS, you can use the utility in the tray (lower right corner), which allows you to restart your computer with a different OS with one click.

To go back, go to System Settings - Boot Volume, enter the settings unlock password and select the Windows partition to boot.

How to Remove Windows from Mac

To remove it, just run Disk Utility and erase the partition in it that was allocated for Boot Camp with Windows. Then expand the main partition using the freed up space.

Good luck!

For some users who just purchased Apple products Mac, the sudden transition from Windows to iOS can be painful. But we need to work. It's not just that you bought a Macbook! For the purpose of more convenient adaptation to the new software environment Without stopping work, there are options for installing Windows OS on Mac hardware. Later in this article we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of these options, as well as step by step instructions to bring them to life.

Is it possible to install Windows on a Macbook?

Can! It would seem a logical question - why? And when this need arises, this issue will fade into the background. But depending on the answer to it, we should choose which installation option is acceptable for us in a particular situation. It’s worth mentioning right away that on older versions of the Mac that are not yet running on Intel processors, it is almost impossible to install Windows.

There are applications that are only available on Mac, and if you need to actively work in them occasionally, well, let's say, process audio or video files, and get used to working with office suite There is no desire, and there are more games on Windows, then we will be satisfied with the option of installing two OSes in parallel on one PC.

If the goal is to constantly work in the Mac environment and the load on Mac applications is not so high, and Windows is installed only to simplify the execution of processes that have not yet been studied on the Mac base, then installation using virtual machine. This option suffers from the fact that the virtual machine takes up a lot of production resources. These are the requirements of the operating system that is installed in it, and not only. In most cases, this option is chosen, and we will look at it first.

Installing Windows on Macbook using a virtual machine

The most common virtual machine for Apple is Boot Camp. To install different versions of Windows you will need different versions Boot Camp. There are also limitations on hardware and mother OS. To install Windows on a MacBook, you will need to complete several preparatory conditions. We begin to solve problems as they arise.

Compatibility check, equipment preparation

We select the system that we are going to install and check whether all conditions are met.

• Windows XP will require 2 or 3 service packs (for installation we use Boot Camp 3).
• Windows Vista Requires service pack at least version 1 (we also use Boot Camp 3).
• Windows 7 (requires Boot Camp 4 or 5.1).
• Windows 8.1 (Boot Camp 6+ additional drivers. Downloaded automatically by the Boot Camp assistant).
• Windows 10 (Boot Camp 6+ additional drivers. Downloaded automatically by the Boot Camp assistant).

New Macs running macOS Sierra 10.12 will only allow you to install Windows 10.

Newer Macs run newer versions of Windows. Of course, 64-bit Windows will not work on a 32-bit system.

You can check the compatibility of your version of MacBook with the required version of Windows on the Apple website.

For all installation options, you must have access to the Internet and an administrator account. Boot Camp won't work without an admin. Also allocate 30 GB free space on a hard drive, and a 16 GB flash drive for downloading drivers.

Installing Windows XP, Vista on Macbook using Boot Camp

1. Make sure you have the latest version of OS X, Mac firmware, and Boot Camp.
2. To make sure your Mac supports the software you are installing Windows version, you can find information on the Apple website. By default, Win XP and Vista are supported by all versions of MacBook, MacBook Air 2008-2009 and MacBook Pro up to 2010.
3. If you need additional drivers for Windows, place them on the flash drive in unpacked form and leave it USB connector until installation is complete.
4. Go to the “Utilities” folder and find the “Boot Camp Assistant” program there.
5. Following the instructions offered by Boot Camp, install the desired version of Windows OS. We refuse the offer to download drivers for Windows OS DURING INSTALLATION.
6. After installing Windows OS, your Mac should boot into Windows OS. In Windows OS, go to the USB flash drive and open the file BootCamp.exe. Follow the onscreen instructions to install the necessary drivers.

Installing a new version of Windows 7 on a Macbook

To install Windows 7, the sequence is as follows:

Installing Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 on Macbook

In this case, installation is carried out with minimal effort. When installing latest versions Windows new Boot Camp performs all the necessary operations on its own. To install the latest versions of Windows you will need:

Sometimes Boot Camp does not allow you to install the OS due to the fact that the configuration or functionality of the Macbook differs from the “original” ones.

To solve this problem it is possible to use third party applications. Video of installing Windows on Macbook using another virtual machine:

Every user knows about Microsoft and Apple, which produce their own operating systems. But is it possible to install the familiar Windows 7 on a Mac produced by Apple? Of course, you can, because the latter even provide the necessary software. Next, we'll look at how to avoid mistakes and do it right.

Basic Mac Requirements

Before you install Windows 7 on Mac devices, make sure your computer meets the following requirements:

• Internet connection;
• installed BootCampAssistant program;
• administrator account in Mac OS;
• working mouse/keyboard;
• at least 2 GB of RAM;
• 30 GB of hard disk space (for additional applications and updates, it is recommended to have more than 40 GB of space);
• if you will use a disc with an ISO image, you need a working DVD drive (external or internal);
• A USB flash drive or disk with 8 GB of free space (for installing third-party software, such as drivers);
• A Mac computer that supports the installation of an appropriate operating system.

Not every Mac computer model is suitable for Windows operating systems. This link shows the correspondence of operating systems and computer models from Apple https://support.apple.com/ru-ru/HT205016#tables

Before proceeding with the actual installation, you need to check whether this can be done in principle (link provided above). Only then plan subsequent installations. If the system is not supported, the installation will not occur. By clicking on the blue number (4 or 5) indicated in the table, you can download the required version of the BootCampAssistant application, ideal for installing Windows 7 on your existing computer.

Step-by-step installation instructions

Mac Air, Mac Pro, iMac, etc. are suitable for this process, the main thing is that all conditions are met. The installation procedure is as follows:

It is important to correctly select the disk partition that will be formatted before installation. It is a newly created program, just for the needs of recently installed system, and is called BOOTCAMP.

Using a flash drive

If it is not possible to use a drive or there is no DVD with a system image, then you can write the image to a flash drive:

Video instructions for installing Windows 7 on Mac

We present to your attention a video that describes in detail all the steps for installing the Windows 7 operating system on Mac computers.

Installing Windows 7 on Mac computers is easy if you use the BootCamp utility distributed by Apple. Exist various ways this can be done, but the one we mentioned earlier is the simplest and requires the minimum amount of body movements from the user. Follow the instructions and you will succeed.

Windows 8.1 users will be able to upgrade to full version“tens” are absolutely free. To do this you need to install previous version Windows on Mac until July 29.

To each according to his needs. If you need Microsoft OS on Apple computer, we have no right to dissuade you. And no one should. Whatever your goals are - installing games, specific programs or development tools - we want to close this issue once and for all.

This manual contains everything that poppy growers need to make it profitable, safe and as quickly as possible. install the latest version of Windows on Mac. All key topics are covered: where to get the key Windows activation, how to prepare a computer and its hard drive, how to deploy a system image to external media and automatically download and install all the necessary drivers. It doesn’t matter how well you understand OS X or Windows: the article is designed specifically for those who do not want to bother themselves with unnecessary information. Only the simplest, most straightforward methods.

Warning

We tried to make this instruction error-proof, but the human factor cannot be canceled. Therefore, just in case, we warn you: everything you do next, you do at your own peril and risk. Installing Windows on a Mac using the following method does not affect Apple warranty and doesn't touch your personal data in OS X. You don't lose anything, don't format anything, and don't configure anything in the process. Just read carefully - and everything will work out!

Buying Windows 8.1

Contrary to the subconscious of many fellow citizens, Windows is paid operating system. To install it on any computer from any manufacturer, you need to purchase a license key. If you respect yourself and your own work, for which you are paid, then there should be no problems understanding this fact. But we are not here to teach you.

Licensed copies of the basic version of Windows 8 are sold in stores across the country for quite affordable prices- around three thousand rubles. For that money you get an envelope with a nice DVD and the all-important paper insert. It has a unique Windows activation key printed on it, which should never be lost. Among other things, this insert serves as confirmation that the OS you installed is a legal copy and belongs to you personally. If you are going to install Windows on corporate computers, having a sticker insert for each deployed copy will save you and your company from trouble during a security audit.

If you are going to install Windows on home computer, laptop or Mac, you're in luck. Network activation Windows 8.1 is only possible for 600 rubles. For this money you receive a unique activation code and a link to download the Russian image of Windows 8.1 OS - you won’t need anything more.

I repeat: we are talking about a method that allows officially activate your copy of the system via the Internet. If you're still struggling pirated versions, this is your best chance to give up the fear of using automatic updates and fiddling with completely pirated copies of the system. You can buy a Windows 8.1 activation key cheaply using the links below. If any of them are out of stock, move on to the next one.

Attention! The sale of keys was suspended as of 07.2014.

Multilingual version of Windows 8.1 + Russian (tested personally):

A proven service acts as a store Plati.ru. You can make payments not only from all popular electronic currencies (Webmoney, QIWI, Yandex.Money, etc.), but also from credit/bank cards. After purchase, you instantly receive an activation key and a link to download the image. A secondary advantage of this method is that you will establish the most new version Windows to your Mac from a clean slate. Thus, the likelihood of problems with the operation of the OS in the long term will be significantly reduced.

In the instructions I will rely on the version with the 560-ruble key, but you can easily install any other edition or Windows license, following the points below.

Buy Windows 10

The license costs 3 thousand rubles.

Installing Windows via Boot Camp

We got the key, now it’s up to the system image. This is not necessary for those who bought the "boxed" version in the store - you simply insert the disc into the external or internal DVD drive of the laptop. The rest need to download a Windows ISO image from the Internet. Here is a link to the image for the 560-ruble key. Please note the difference:

Download image Windows 8.1 (64 bit), 3.6 GB - For Mac with 4 GB of RAM or more

Download Windows 8.1 (32 bit) image, 2.7 GB - For Mac with less than 4 GB of RAM

Once the download is complete, copy the .ISO image file to your Mac's memory, if you didn't do so initially. Now we are ready to pre-install the system.

Attention! To continue, any hard drive on your Mac must have at least 20-25 gigabytes of free space. You will also need a free USB flash drive with a capacity of 8 gigabytes or more. It is highly recommended to connect to fast internet. Finally, we advise Mac laptop owners to plug into a power outlet, just in case. If everything is ready, connect the flash drive to the Mac and proceed to the step-by-step instructions.

Step-by-step instructions for working with Boot Camp

1. Open the window Spotlight(“magnifying glass”) in the upper right corner of the Mac screen and write in English: Boot Camp. Select from the drop-down list "Boot Camp Assistant".

2. In the window that opens "Boot Camp Assistant" press "Continue", then again "Continue".

3. "Assistant" will try to automatically find the Windows disc in the drive or the downloaded Windows 8.1 image in the Mac's memory. If he fails, click on "Choose…" and in the window that opens, find the image you downloaded earlier.

On the same screen, make sure that under the inscription "Target Drive" The “correct” USB drive is highlighted. Its capacity “according to the passport” must be at least 8 gigabytes. Please note that all existing data on this drive will be permanently destroyed.

4. Click "Continue", then again "Continue". The USB drive will begin formatting. Don't remove it, turn off your computer, or put it to sleep with the Mac lid closed.

After formatting, copying will begin automatically Windows files to a USB flash drive. You don’t have to be present - you can do other things. On average, the process takes from five minutes to half an hour, depending on the data transfer speed of your flash drive. Just don't take it out.

Over time "Assistant" will automatically start downloading drivers for Windows from the Internet and copying them to a USB drive.

5. As soon as "Assistant" finishes working with the USB drive, a pop-up window will appear asking you to enter your account password. Do this and click on "Add Helper".

6. It's time to create a separate section hard drive, where Windows will be installed. Move the slider to highlight new system not less than 25 gigabytes. The more space you give to Windows, the more programs and games you can install there. note: Once installed, changing these settings will be much more difficult. Therefore, it is better to calculate in advance how much space you will need in Windows.

7. Before proceeding, save all important data in open programs. Pressing "Install", you will start the Windows installation process almost immediately. The computer will suddenly reboot without warning. The next stage begins.

Step-by-step instructions for installing Windows on Mac

1. Once the reboot is complete, simply check the photo above. If everything matches (it cannot be otherwise), press "Further".

2. In the activation window Windows key enter your key. I entered the one I bought on Plati.ru - everything worked. If I had known about it earlier, I would never have spent money on the “boxed” version for PC, which I foolishly purchased three months ago. Well, okay, let's continue.

3. Select the only option in the list and click "Further".

If you use a “boxed” or any other license, then you may see the 32-bit and 64-bit versions at once. Choose 64-bit if your Mac has 4 gigabytes random access memory or more.

4. Confirm that you have read the license terms and click "Further".

5. Now be extremely careful. In the window "Where do you want to install Windows?" all sections will be displayed hard drives on your Mac. Choose the one called "BOOTCAMP". Write down its name on paper: disk number, partition number. It is very important.

Pay attention to what is written at the bottom of the same window.

Windows cannot be installed on partition X of drive Y.

Don't be alarmed. We'll fix it now. Make sure you highlight the section again "BOOTCAMP"…

...and click on the button "Format"- the one with the image of an eraser.

Confirm your intentions by clicking on "OK".

The "impossible" suddenly became possible - now you can install Windows on the same partition. Only now it is not signed with the phrase "BOOTCAMP". To avoid confusion, check the number of the disk and partition that you recorded most recently. Find the corresponding line, highlight it and click on "Further" in the lower right corner.

6. The installation process of Windows 8.1 begins on HDD your Mac. Depending on the computer model, this process can take from two minutes to half an hour. Leave your Mac and USB stick alone and come back only when the welcome message appears on the screen Windows screen 8.

Let's move on to the final section of the instructions.

Primary Windows setup and installing drivers

Once the installation is complete, the computer will say “Hello” to you and display the personalization window. All the settings you entered in these subsequent stages can be easily changed, so don’t bother yourself - click "Further".

Instead of overwhelming the user with a carload of windows and questions, Windows 8.1 will simply offer to set all primary system parameters to default. You can refuse, but there's not much point in doing so. We recommend clicking on "Use standard settings".

Here we will create account by entering her name and password. A hint must also be entered - this is mandatory.

The computer will take a moment to set up your account. That's all!

Welcome to Windows