Download Boot Camp Installer

In the most common “which is the better” argument between PC’s and Macs, PC proves to be the best by advocating characteristics and features of Windows OS. PCs overlook a basic functionality of the Mac OS lineup- you can use Windows on them. However, you need to buy a copy of the Windows OS distinctly from your Mac.

Dual Boot Linux with Windows 10 – Windows Installed First. For many users, Windows 10 installed first will be the likely configuration. In fact, this is the ideal way to dual boot Windows and Linux. The Command Prompt window, as you can see in the picture, displays all the information about the Boot Camp support software download, including the download progress. The tool runs in the background, downloads necessary Boot Camp drivers and same them in the same location where Brigadier executable is located. The Boot Camp Assistant will help guide you through the process of adding Windows to your Mac. For an easy way to begin, click, the Spotlight icon. In the search bar, type boot camp assistant, and press Enter. The next screen describes what Boot Camp assistant does, and warns you to back up your disk if you haven't already done so.

Once you purchase, you can install it and relish the advantages of both operating systems running on your computer. This is particularly beneficial for persons who want to run Macs on their computers but want to also rely on some programs that are Windows-specific.

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Choices for Running Windows on a Mac OS X

If you want to run Windows operating systems on your Mac, then you have two choices. You can either run Windows in Boot Camp, a common characteristic of the Mac operating system, or you can utilize a virtualization software package. Hence, we shall be taking a look at Parallels vs BootCamp 2021.

The creation of a Virtualization software allows you to install a distinct operating system. With the software, it feels like using two computers on a single machine at the same time. There are several existing virtualization programs that can also be alternatives, but Parallels for Mac is the most common, and we will mainly focus on it.

Based on your unique needs, you may be needed to consider BootCamp for your Windows OS installs, or you may need to purchase a virtualization software.

They both have their benefits and drawbacks once you compare them. Nevertheless, before you decide to buy Windows and run it on your MAC OS X, you will have to double-check that the Mac is easily compatible with the version of Windows you are arranging to install.

Once you get the correct Windows version, you need to choose between installing it with Parallels or Boot Camp.

Parallels

How It Functions

If you choose to use Parallels for Mac, you are first needed to buy both Windows operating system and Parallels software. The current Parallels Desktop version available is 16, which is 79.99 dollars, but, sometimes, you can get a discount for this.

Once you buy, you need to download and run Parallels, and you can run the software and install Windows OS within it. Much like Boot Camp, you need to choose the amount of space to assign to Windows. Still, dissimilar to Boot Camp, you can easily modify these storage decisions after installation.

Parallels Desktops functions like any other applications on your Mac OS X. When it is running, you can witness an entire Windows desktop on your Mac within a Window (you can also fully screen your applications). This makes it incredibly easy to switch back and forth and between the computer systems.

Benefits of Parallels Desktop

• You do not need to create a distinct partition on your hard disk for Windows operating systems that cannot be effortlessly changed, unlike Boot Camp.

• It is more functional compared to Boot Camp in the aspect that you can use both operating systems at the same time.

• It involves a Coherence Mode, a feature that blends OS X and Windows environments together, offering a shared interface for both software packages. This means that rather than opening the entire Windows desktop within Mac OS X, you can easily open Windows applications in Coherence mode, and they appear just as though you opened a Mac application.

• It involves the easy integration of files between the systems. Also, you can connect desktops between your OS X and your Parallel program so that any files created in one system can be mechanically copied and saved to the other distinct system.

Drawbacks

• Parallel Desktops are a more expensive choice than Boot Camp since you have to purchase the Parallel program.

• Some individuals may find that Parallel's option involves a steeper learning curve compared to Boot Camp. Parallels is an entirely distinct program with far more settings and preferences to learn. In contrast, Boot Camp involves a more direct setup.

• Parallels strain your Mac's processing power, and memory as both the operating systems are working at the same time, compared to Boot Camp.

• If you want to easily use either windows 10, 8 or 7 on your Mac OS X in Parallels, you should have a 4GB Random Access Memory on your Mac and if you consider using various applications at the same time, then ensure that your RAM is at least 8GB.

• Updates are not as affordable and easy as Boot Camp. Each year, Parallels is updated, and upgrading your software costs 49.99 dollars, even though discounts are available from time to time. If you upgrade the Mac OS X version, you will want to acquire new versions of Parallels to make the Mac compatible. You are not required to reinstall Windows operating systems each moment you upgrade Parallels, however.

BootCamp

How It Works

BootCamp is inbuilt to the Mac PC operating system. The BootCamp assistant app is found in the Applications > Utility folder. This program creates a distinct partition on your computer's hard disk (think of it as dividing your hard disk into two distinct sections).

Once you launch the Boot Camp assistant application, you can choose to modify the size of the partition. Upon installing Windows in Boot Camp computer, you will be required to choose the operating system you would like to use each time you power on your computer. This means that if you want to switch from OS X to Windows operating system, you must reboot your Mac.

Benefits of Boot Camp

• Easy and free updates

• It is entirely free of charge! All you need is just to purchase Windows and not any extra Software.

• The Boot Camp Assistant application gives you clear guidance throughout the installation process.

• Since Boot Camp operates on Windows entirely isolated from Mac OS X rather than at the same time as with Virtualization, Boot Camp causes less strain on your Mac’s processing power and memory- easier on your Mac OS X to maintain it up and running.

• It is inbuilt to the OS X.

Drawbacks

• Each time you want to switch from one application to another, you have to reboot the computer.

• Since you need to create a partition of the hard drive, you efficiently reduce the available space on the Mac OS X side.

• Upon partitioning the hard drive, you cannot modify the size of the partition. This means that if you make a 200 GigaBytes partition for Windows operating system, you would be required to reset Boot Camp entirely and again create a partition to the size you wish.

• There is no easy way of transferring data and files between the operating systems. You can either mail them to yourself, use an external storage device such as CD or USB drive, or use a cloud service such as iCloud Drive or DropBox.

Fundamental Differences between Parallels and BootCamp

Boot Camp was created by Apple with the aim of making it simple for Mac OS X users to natively run Windows operating system on their computer, alongside Mac OS X. Boot Camp officially supports Windows version 10, will build a bootable USB installation medium of the OS, which adds the necessary drivers on your Mac OS X during the process.

Boot camp also aids in partitioning your hard drive, and after you are done with everything, it will even reboot your OS X so that you are switched back to the initial Windows set up procedure. So long as you have Windows 10 ISO file and enough USB drive, this tool will help you get the job done easily.

Download Boot Camp Drivers For Windows 7

And because traditional personal computers and recent Macs have similar hardware, Windows 10 will function on a Mac similar than it would on a let us say, HP, Dell laptop or custom-based laptop. You may realize various kinks, according to how refined the drivers are and whether Windows version 10 supports all the Mac features, but, for the major section, it will all function as expected.

On the other hand, the virtualization program has further offered support to Windows 10 on its eleventh iteration, the newest version of Windows.

Why Should You Opt for Parallels?

Parallels are enormously multipurpose, and that is since parallels involve a dual feature. It can allow you to use Windows 10 in a typical virtual device while also letting you use only the Windows software package you desire. Select it from a list of the available software, and it will appear on the screen shortly, just like a Mac OS X application.

The coherence mode feature of Parallels desktop is what makes it unique. Upon enabling this mode, you find the greatest of both software worlds: the capability to use Mac in all its glory and, at the same time, getting to have all your best Windows applications close. And that functions incredibly.

How to Select between Parallels and Boot Camp

Process of Choosing between Parallels and Boot Camp

Step 1. Compare the Price

Since Boot Camp is freely pre-installed on all Macs and operating on Mac OS X, the only expense related to using this choice is the OS license price you arrange on installing.

The new Parallels program, Parallels Desktop 16, is priced 79.99 dollars or 49.99 dollars to be updated from the previous version. The price is, sometimes, discounted. However, you can download Parallels for fourteen days free by utilizing a trial offer.

Step 2. Evaluate the Technology Diversities

BootCamp lets you natively run operating systems, that is, providing access to computer systems resources like full access to the Graphics, CPU, and other computer resources.

This can be vital for certain tasks, like playing games that need several computer system resources. Nevertheless, this means that you only have the capability of booting one OS at a time, and you cannot simultaneously run Mac OS X and Windows operating systems.

Parallels will let you build a virtual device for your OS. This will let you use the OS in a window within the Mac operating system, letting you utilize both operating systems concurrently, fundamentally.

Step 3. Evaluate the Differences in Mac OS X Integration and User Experience

The common difference in the user's experience is the fact that Parallel desktops let you switch from the Mac operating system to another OS promptly. On the other hand, BootCamp forces you to select from one OS to another when powering on your computer. This is something you may need to consider when examining Parallels vs BootCamp performance.

Parallels desktop is greatly integrated with Mac OS X, letting you easily transfer data and files from an OS installed through Parallels like Mac OS X to Windows and vice versa through drag and drop. Further, you can gain access to different folders that are stored on the Mac, through an OS installed in Parallel desktops and vice versa. These features are impossible with Boot Camp.

The bootup time related to Parallels is generally quicker than using BootCamp. Establishing an OS through Parallels is comparable to opening an app. On the other hand, establishing an OS through Boot Camp is the same as starting up an operating system like Windows natively on a personal computer.

Step 4. Consider the Effect on Computer Resources

Download Boot Camp Drivers

When using an OS in Parallels Desktop, it means sharing your computer's resources with your recently installed Mac OS X version. Depending on how strong your Mac is, you may witness a system's slow functioning even though it meets the minimum system needs for the operating system and applications.

You can always check Parallels for the minimum and best performance system requirements for a smooth-running of Windows on your Mac.

If you are arranging on using resource-intensive apps such as video rendering software and games, it may be more convenient for you to use BootCamp. This will let you gain access to all computer resources as if the OS was natively installed.

Step 5. Compare the Process of Setting up

Set up of operating systems in both apps is done through detailed onscreen commands and takes nearly five to fifteen minutes.

Boot Camp installation process needs a utility that comes inbuilt on all Macs, referred to as Boot Camp Assistant, that will let you partition your hard disk and give you a virtual CD that contains all of the essential drivers for your OS.

Installation of an OS using Parallels will help you create a virtual device and prepare the hard drive for the operating system. One advantage of the installation process is that it offers the ability to expand the disk format.

Download Apple Boot Camp Installer

So, if you have enough Random Access Memory (RAM) and a perfect processor to deal with it, I would recommend that you go for parallels. It is easier to utilize, and the capability to run Windows applications in a Coherence mode is wonderful-giving you the best experience of both worlds of operating systems.

On this page:

• Installation guide

Overview

If you wish to run both macOS and Windows on a single Mac computer, UITS recommends using Apple's Boot Camp utility to install a 64-bit version of Windows on your Mac. In macOS, the Boot Camp Assistant app will help you partition your Mac hard drive to accommodate both operating systems, so you can install Windows from an installation disk or an ISO image stored on a USB flash drive.

Pre-installation notes

• This guide is written for macOS High Sierra, version 10.13.x or newer. If your computer cannot run macOS High Sierra version 10.13.x, you will need to follow Apple's Boot Camp Help: Install Windows on your Mac. If you don't have access to the online guide via a different device, print a copy of the Boot Camp Installation & Setup Guide.
• Determine whether your computer can run Windows 10; refer to Apple's System requirements to install Windows on your Mac using Boot Camp.
• To determine if your Mac supports this feature, open Boot Camp Assistant (Go > Utilities > Boot Camp Assistant), and then click Continue. If you see a 'Create a Windows 7 or later install disk' checkbox, your Mac supports this feature.

• Make sure your computer meets these requirements:
  • At least 80 GB of free hard drive space
  • You have either the keyboard and mouse (or trackpad) that came with your Mac, or a USB keyboard and mouse
• Obtain a USB flash drive (at least 16 GB).
• During installation, you will be prompted to enter an account name and password; this is for the administrator account, and should not be the one you generally use. You also will be prompted to enter your time zone.
• Ensure that the computer is plugged into a power source, as the entire process may take several hours.

Installation guide

• These instructions are intended strictly as a guide for installing a fully updated 64-bit version of Windows on a macOS High Sierra 10.13.x or newer computer at IU; if your computer cannot run that version of macOS, you'll need to follow Apple's Boot Camp Help: Install Windows on your Mac.
• Perform these steps in order.

Step 1: Check for macOS updates

Before configuring Boot Camp, it is critical to make sure that your Mac's software is up-to-date, which lessens the risk of encountering problems during installation:

1. In the menu bar, from the Apple menu, click App Store.
2. At the top of the window, click Updates.
3. If there are updates for your computer, in the upper right corner of the window, click Update All.

   If you're prompted, enter an administrator's username and password, and if prompted, allow your computer to restart.

When your computer restarts, check for additional updates by repeating the steps above. Repeat the process until there are no new updates in the App Store.

Step 2: Confirm your macOS version

In the menu bar, from the Apple menu, click About This Mac. The window will display the version of macOS on your computer. If you aren't running macOS High Sierra (10.13.x), you need to follow Apple's Boot Camp Help: Install Windows on your Mac.

Step 3: Turn off FileVault

To proceed, you need to divide your Mac's hard drive into a section for macOS and a section for Windows. This process is called partitioning a disk, and requires that you disable FileVault (whole-disk encryption provided by Apple):

1. In the menu bar, from the Apple menu, click System Preferences.
2. Click Security & Privacy.
3. Click FileVault. The FileVault control panel will open, locked by default.
4. Before you can disable FileVault, it requires you to unlock the control panel to show that you're an administrator on your computer. To do so, click the lock icon. Enter your administrator username (if required) and your password.
5. You'll then be able to click Turn Off FileVault.... To confirm, click Turn Off Encryption.

   Decrypting an encrypted drive can take some time, the exact time being determined by how much data is on your disk, the disk size, and your computer's hardware capabilities.

Step 4: Download Windows 10

The version of Windows 10 on IUware will not work with Boot Camp; you'll need to download Windows directly from Microsoft, and use a product key you get from IUware.

Downloading Windows 10 Education takes some time, depending on the speed of your internet connection. Do not attempt the download on a metered connection, such as a tethered cell phone.

1. Get a product key:
   1. Go to IUware.
   2. On the left, click PC.
   3. Click Windows 10 Education, and choose the 64-bit version.
   4. Click Log in. If prompted, log in with your IU username and passphrase.
   5. Write the product key (a series of letters and numbers that resembles 'XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX') on paper, since you won't be able to open anything on your Mac while Windows is being installed.
2. Download Windows 10:
   1. Navigate to Microsoft's Software Download page, and click Windows 10.
   2. In the Select edition drop-down list, choose Windows 10, and click Confirm.
   3. Select the appropriate language, and click Confirm.

Step 5: Use Boot Camp Assistant

The Boot Camp Assistant will help guide you through the process of adding Windows to your Mac.

1. For an easy way to begin, click , the Spotlight icon. In the search bar, type boot camp assistant, and press Enter.
2. The next screen describes what Boot Camp assistant does, and warns you to back up your disk if you haven't already done so. Click Continue.
3. To select the installation tasks to complete, make sure Create a Windows 7 or later version install disk and Install Windows 7 or later version are both selected.

   Before continuing, make sure a USB drive (at least 16 GB) is connected to the system, and be aware that the entire contents of that flash drive will be erased.

4. On the next screen, make sure the ISO file you just downloaded from Microsoft and the appropriate flash drive are both selected. Click Continue.
5. To confirm that the drive will be overwritten, click Continue.

   This step will take some time, depending on your computer's hardware capabilities and your internet connection speed. Make sure your computer remains plugged into an AC outlet during this process.

6. To begin creating a partition on your Mac's hard disk to hold Windows, authenticate with your administrator password.
7. Use the slider between the Mac and Windows icons to select a size for the Windows partition.

   UITS recommends that you use 80 GB for just Windows, and 90 GB for Windows plus Microsoft Office.

8. Click Install.

   This process will take several minutes to complete. Once the partition is created, your Mac will restart and begin installing Windows 10. You may be prompted several times for your administrator password.

Step 6: Install Windows 10

Follow the Windows installation wizard to begin installing Windows. You'll be prompted with several questions about how to configure Windows for your needs.

These steps will take some time, depending on your computer's hardware capabilities. Make sure your computer remains plugged into an AC outlet during this process.

1. Select the language, time and currency format, and keyboard or input method for Windows. Click Next.
2. On the next screen, enter the product key you got from IUWare.
3. Choose the version of Windows that the product key unlocks (Windows 10 Education) and click Next.
4. Read and accept the license terms, and click Next.
5. Choose the partition on which Windows will be installed, called 'BOOTCAMP'. Click Format.
6. To confirm that you wish to format the partition, click OK. To continue, click Next.
7. The installer will copy Windows files and install any features and updates required. When prompted, click Restart Now to restart your Mac and continue the Windows Installation process.

Step 7: Configure Windows 10

After Windows restarts, you'll need to do some configuration.

1. To select the appropriate region, choose United States, and click Yes.
2. To select the keyboard layout, make sure US is selected, and click Yes.
3. If you would like to add a secondary keyboard layout, use the next screen to do so; otherwise, click Skip.
4. On the 'Let's connect you to a network 'screen, click Skip for Now.

Step 8: Create your Windows administrator account

1. To create your account, type your name and click Next.
2. Type a password and click Next. Do not use your IU network passphrase.
3. Confirm your password by typing it again, and click Next.
4. Select a series of three security questions, clicking Next after each one.
5. Decide whether or not you want to use Cortana in Windows. Decide what privacy settings you would like to enable or disable, and click Accept.

Windows will do its final configurations. This step will take some time, depending on your computer's hardware capabilities. Make sure your computer remains plugged in to an AC outlet during this process.

Step 9: Install support software

Once Windows has started (may take some time), the Boot Camp installer will walk you through installing Apple's support software.

1. To begin the process, click Next.
2. Read and accept the license agreement, and click Install. All the Apple-specific software you need to run Windows efficiently on your computer will be installed.
3. When the installer finishes, click Finish.
4. To restart the computer, click Yes.
5. When the computer restarts, click the trackpad or press any key to display the login field. Log in with the password you created earlier in the configuration process.

Step 10: Configure Windows Wi-Fi settings

• eduroam:

  The simplest and most secure way to connect to eduroam is to use the Eduroam Network Setup Tool. Alternatively, you can use the instructions below to connect manually.

  To connect manually, select eduroam from the list of available wireless networks, and enter your full IU email address (for example, johndoe@iu.edu) and passphrase.

  • If you connect to eduroam at an institution other than an IU campus, you'll need to use the IU VPN to access some resources (such as remote desktop, library resources, and department drives).
  • For troubleshooting tips, see Troubleshoot your eduroam connection.
• IU Secure: To connect, select IU Secure from the list of available wireless networks, and enter your IU username and passphrase.

You have finished installing Windows on your Mac. If you need to install Microsoft Office, see About Microsoft 365 at IU.

Step 11: Configure the default boot operating system

You have the option to boot to either Windows or macOS when starting your Mac. You can also select one operating system for the computer to start by default.

1. To shut down your Mac while you're in Windows, from the Start menu, click the Power button, and then click Shutdown.
2. To boot into macOS, with the power off, press and hold the Option key and power on your Mac.
3. Hold the Option key until you see two hard disk icons and a Wi-Fi network selector. Boot into macOS by clicking Macintosh HD (you'll select the default boot operating system momentarily).
4. From the Startup Disk control panel, click the Apple menu. Click System Preferences, and then Startup Disk.
5. To unlock the settings, click the Lock icon, and then type your administrator passphrase.
6. To select the default boot operating system, click the disk that correlates to the operating system you would like to select. For macOS, choose Macintosh HD; for Windows, choose Bootcamp. If you would like to boot into the selected operating system now, click Restart.

Switch operating systems

Download Boot Camp Installer

Whenever you would like to switch operating systems:

1. Shut down the computer.
2. Press and hold the option key and power on your computer by pressing and releasing the power button.
3. When you see two hard disk icons, release the option key.
4. Click the hard disk icon that corresponds with the operating system you would like to boot. For macOS, choose Macintosh HD; for Windows, choose Bootcamp.

Get help

Download Boot Camp Drivers For Windows 8

For help, contact your campus Support Center.