Install Simultaneously Two Versions Of One Software On The Mac

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One Mac, two versions of OS X. Is there a way to run each on a single Mac? Yes, at least two ways. The first is to purchase an external hard drive, format it for your Mac, and install Mountain. Jan 27, 2016  This example will install 2015 while keeping the existing versions. Step 5: On the summary page, there will be a screen that summarizes the settings for installing another version. The two file paths highlighted in red below are for installing the main SOLIDWORKS software and the toolbox files.

There has always been a conflict with Windows Vs Mac. An argument with no conclusion. There is nothing such as the best operating system because each one of them is good in different aspects.

However, sensible users have found a way to get benefits from both of the operating systems. And that is by running both operating systems on one computer.

When you run two different operating systems on one computer, there might be a conflict. To avoid this problem make sure that all the applications and programs are updated on your Mac.

In this guide, we will provide you with steps and methods that can help you install Windows on Mac.Read the guide carefully so that you don’t miss any important point.

For Mac: Boot Camp Assistant vs Virtualization Software

You have two options to choose from to install Windows on your Mac. You can either use a default feature of the macOS operating system which is Mac boot camp or third-party virtualization software.

Both of this software have their own benefits and drawbacks which we have discussed below.

Boot Camp

It is integrated software that is incorporated in every Mac system.When you go to your applications and Click on Utilities Folder, you will notice the Boot Camp Assistant App.

It plays an important role in installing Windows on your Mac by separate partitioning your hard disk.

When you have installed Windows in Boot Camp, you will be provided with options to choose the operating system you want to run, every time you turn on the computer.

This basically means that whenever you want to switch between operating systems, you have to reboot your system in order to do that.

Benefits

  • Integrated into your operating system.
  • Boot Camp Assistant makes the installation process easy by providing helpful guidelines.
  • Free of cost
  • Consume less memory and power of your Mac.
  • Updates are easier

Drawback

  • Reboot your computer each time you want to switch between operating systems.
  • Transfer of data between both operating systems is difficult

Virtualization Programs

They are third party software which enables installation of separating operating systems on one computer. They work similarly to other installed apps that allows you to see the entire Windows desktop inside your Mac’s windows.

Some of the most common and widely used virtualization programs are VMware, Parallels and VirtualBox. Each one of them is unique in different aspects. Now, let’s take a look at their benefits and drawbacks.

Benefits

  • It allows you to run both operating systems simultaneously.
  • Easy and simple integration of file between two operating systems.

Drawbacks

  • A minimum of 8gb of RAM is required to run Mac efficiently.
  • This software is expensive.
  • Paid updates

You can choose the option that works best for you, depending on your specific needs. Although, we prefer to use Boot Camp. It is the operating system ‘s free native feature that operates directly on the hardware.

Moreover, it is better and quicker as compared to other apps. And we have mentioned below all the information you need to know about how to run Boot Camp on your Mac.

System Requirements To Install Windows On Mac

Different versions of Windows need different specifications. Therefore, before you decide to install any version of Windows you must confirm if your computer is compatible with Windows’ system requirements.

We have mentioned below the systems that are compatible with Windows 10 version.

Install simultaneously two versions of one software on the mac free
  • Mac mini – 2012 or newer
  • MacBook Pro – 2012 or newer
  • MacBook Air – 2012 or newer
  • MacBook – 2015 or newer
  • iMac Pro – (all models)
  • iMac – 2012 or newer
  • Mac Pro – 2013 or newer

The most recent macOS updates which may include Boot Camp Assistant Updates too.

To install Windows 10 you should use Boot Camp Assistant. For this purpose, you would need 64gb of free space on the startup disk of your Mac.

  • 64gb of free storage space is enough for your Mac, but to get the best experience 128 Gb of free storage space is preferred. This is the best capacity to run your system smoothly because automatic updates need this much amount of space or even more.
  • If you already own a 128 Gb of iMac Pro or Mac Pro, the same amount would be needed by your startup disk as your Mac’s memory.

A Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro 64-bit installation on an ISO drive or other files. When you first install Windows on your Mac, it should be a complete Windows version, not an enhancement.

  • You can download a Windows 10 disk image from Microsoft if your Windows copy came on the flash drive of the USB or if you have a product key from Windows or no disc.
  • Maybe you need to build a disk image of the DVD if you have copied Windows on a DVD.

Also Read: What is GameBar.exe? How to Fix it? (Complete Guide)

Preparing Your Mac

Making Storage On Your Hard Drive

To install Windows on your Mac, you need at least 55 GB of free disk space.

You can use a versatile CLEANMYMACX utility to find and delete the entire junk from your startup disk if you do not feel like wasting the next few hours with cleaning your Mac.

It helps you clean your hard drive in less than 5 minutes than the usual 3 hours time, CleanMyMac has everything to do. It searches every inch of your machine and deletes two clicks of gigabytes of junk.

By the way, CleanMyMac detects a total of roughly 75GB of junk – more than enough for smooth running Windows.

Download: CleanMyMac from here

Back-Up Your Mac

Backing up your Mac is an essential thing to do because you have no guarantee that the process will be completed with zero errors or interruptions.

Although the chances are less, it is better that you are already prepared for the worst. You cannot see the bad coming and we are sure that you don’t want to lose your important data.

There are a few methods that you can try to back your data, choose the one that you find a comfortable and easy one.

You can automatically back up your data using Time machine, a builtin Mac’s software. It backups all data, so you can recover files from your backups or your whole system.

You can also store and view files in iCloud whenever required. You can update it at any time with iCloud with 5 GB of storage. You can transfer many files and directories to an external storage device.

We would highly advise you to consider backing up your Mac because you will not be regretting if anything bad happens. Therefore, it is better that you are already backed up.

Installing Windows Using Boot Camp

Download Windows Disk Image

To begin with the installation process, you need to download the Windows Disk Image from the official website of Microsoft. Follow the following steps to download the file:

  1. Go the official Microsoft’s Website
  2. Click on the Select edition menu and Pick Windows 10.
  3. Then hit Confirm.
  4. Set the installation’s language and confirm it to continue.
  5. You will choose the 64-bit installation and save it, once done.

Wait for a file and the ISO file will be downloaded to your system soon.

Launching Boot Camp

Install Simultaneously Two Versions Of One Software On The Mac Computer

Once the installation of Windows 10 is completed, you are ready to open the Boot Camp Assistant.

It will guide you through the process of installing Windows on your Mac. Here’s how you can access Boot Camp and further process:

  1. Navigate to Applications
  2. Then Click on utility folder
  3. Click continue, and the Iso file on your Mac will be automatically detected by the Boot Camp for your Mac.
  4. Then you will set the Windows partition size. As we have mentioned before, a minimum of 64gb and 128 GB is Apple’s recommended.

You need to make the decision wisely as you cannot undo it once the Windows 10 is installed. Moreover, check the requirements of macOS, if you intend to persist Apple’s operating system usage.

5. Once you are ready, click on Install and the Boot Camp Assistant will start creating Windows partitions and downloading essential Software for the support of Windows.

Formatting Windows Partition

The Boot Camp Assistant will ask for the administrator password once it has created the partition. After that, the Mac restarts and loads the Windows ISO.

Follow ISO installation instructions, input the product key and pick the right version to install Windows.If a specific location is requested to be displayed, select the BOOTCAMP partition and press the Format option.

In most cases, Apple notes that the correct partition is automatically selected and formatted.

You’ll have to disconnect any devices you have connected such as external storage drives, LCDs etc. Because they are not required for the installation process.

Now Windows Installation

To finish the ongoing process, you need to follow the instructions on your screen. Be focused because the next few steps are essential and there is no room for any negligence.

Any error in this process may hinder your whole struggle till now. But, you don’t need to panic as the steps are easier. Take the following measures to successfully install Windows on your Mac.

  1. Select the ISO file (already downloaded), and then hit the Install Option.
  2. Type your administrative password and press OK. A Windows Setup will appear on your screen.
  3. Pick your preferred language.
  4. Select on the Install Now option.
  5. Input the product you have. In case if you don’t have the key then select “I don’t have a product key” to continue.
  6. Two choices are available: Windows 10 Pro or Windows Home, select from them and press Next.
  7. Click Drive 0 Partition X: BOOTCAMP.
  8. Windows 10 will be installed as you Click the Next button.
  9. When the setup wizard shows, either select Using Customize Your Installation or Express Settings. We advise users to pick the customize option, and uncheck the most.
  10. Then you will have to create an account. Input your username and password (password is optional.), And then click Next to continue
  11. You will then be asked if you would like to use Cortana personal Assistant or not. If not, then you can ignore it by selecting the Not Now option.

Windows will take some time to boot fully so that it runs smoothly. Select Next for the terms and conditions of the boot camp installer’s welcome box licensing agreement.

To proceed, click Install. Click Finish to restart the computer when the installer finishes.

Windows Touch Bar Support

Install Simultaneously Two Versions Of One Software On The Mac Free

If you have a Touch Bar MacBook Pro, don’t be worried. When using Windows 10, you will still get some features from your OLED touchpad.

Once you boot to Windows 10, a certain functionality remains in your Touch Bar but not exactly the complete range of macOS.

The Touch Bar also supports the simple functions of your MacBook which includes speed, play, pause and brightness. By pressing a button, a standard row of F keys can also be switched to.

Restart Your Mac

Your Mac will boot to macOS by default. To open Windows, you have to switch off and switch on your Mac while holding the Option (alt) key.

You will be given the option to choose the drive you would like to boot. Remember that the Mac command key is a Windows key in macOS, and the Option key is an Alt key.

You can have a whole range of buttons if you have a Touch Bar, equivalent to the macOS’ control strip

Conclusion!

In the end, we would like to mention that, if you have decided to use a dual operating system, you must know that there is a possibility that some app may not work.

But, you will feel the difference in performance yourself. Having said that, we come to the end of our guide.

We are hopeful that you have got the information on How to install Windows on Mac.

In case you face trouble during the installation process, you can also watch a youtube tutorial or contact us, we value your feedback and will try to help you.