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When you run Boot Camp, you create a separate partition for Windows that is formatted to Windows specifications, you can install applications smoothly, and your Mac is essentially a computer. And let me tell you – a Mac is the best hardware for running Windows. And starting Camping in one could not be easier. Seriously, it’s a breeze. In addition to the time it takes to download Windows support data (depending on your computer), it will be flat in 30 minutes. So, if you have a fairly fast Internet connection and the Windows 10 ISO file is ready, you will go from OS X to boot in Windows 10 in less than 30 minutes.
And Mac will take care of everything. Drivers, which are usually the biggest problem when installing Windows even on hardware designed for Windows, are not an issue here at all. Boot Camp Assistant will install all the relevant drivers as soon as Windows 10 starts. I mean, I had a worse experience upgrading Windows to Windows.
Okay, let’s get started.
What Boot Camp means:
When you install Windows 10 using Boot Camp, you install it on a separate partition. OS X will still be there. You’re essentially duplicating OS X and Windows 10 this way. An important thing to note here is that because both partitions will be formatted differently, they will not be able to read or share data between their partitions by default.
- If you are not going to read the whole topic, here are the indicators you need to know.
- Back up your Mac using Time Machine before you start. Or back up important files using Dropbox.
- You will need a USB drive with at least 8 GB of free space.
- You will need to download the 64 bit version of Windows 10 ISO from the Microsoft website. (32-bit will not do).
- You will need the product key to activate Windows 10. Although you can skip this step until Windows 10 is installed.
- It may take some time to create the bootable USB. Look outside, do some push-ups, read all of our Windows 10 articles in the meantime.
- During the Windows 10 installer, the Boot Camp drive must be formatted.
- When done, hold down the Option key immediately after startup (when you hear the bell) to display the startup menu. From here you can select the section in which to boot.
Before you install Windows 10: Here’s a quick read on everything you need to know about Windows 10.
Start with Boot Camp
Boot Camp Assistant helps you create the USB drive to boot for Windows 10. Bring Spotlight, type Boot Camp Assistant, and select the application. Or you can find it from the Utilities folder in the applications.
Step 1: You will be greeted by an introduction. Click Continue here.
Step 2: From the second screen, select Tasks, make sure you select Create Windows 7 or later installation disc and Install Windows 7 or later. Then click Continue. This means that once the USB drive is complete, the installation process will begin.
Step 3: From the next screen, you will be prompted to select the ISO file you downloaded. Boot Camp will find it automatically. If not, click the Select button and select it. Then click Continue.
Step 4: The Boot Camp will now tell you that the USB drive will be deleted. Click the Continue button.
Step 5: Now comes the difficult part. Stand by. Here, Boot Camp will create the bootable drive and download the latest Windows support applications. Depending on the internet connection, this can take a long time. The 3.5 Mbps connection took me about 1 hour. Therefore, be patient and do not end the process, even if the progress bar has been stuck for a long time.
Step 6: Once the unit is ready, you will be asked for the password.
Step 7: You will now be asked for the size of the Windows partition. Keep at least 30 GB. I have a 1 TB drive and plan to use Windows 10 extensively to go with 150 GB. Click Install and the process will begin.
