How to run Windows on a Mac using Boot Camp

Posted 30th August 2010 by Ben

How to run Windows on a Mac using Bootcamp

So you’re thinking of running Windows on a Mac? I was in the same position a few days before writing this post. Everyone has been going on about Windows 7 and how it is so much better than Vista.

I wanted to test it for myself and also find out if it was better than OS X!

I am completely satisfied with OS X. I am able to find, run and close applications quicker than I ever could with Windows. I also find that applications run a lot smoother on Macs than PCs and viruses are uncommon on Macs. I could write a whole post on why I enjoy using a Mac, but that’s for another day.

There are three reasons I’d recommend you have Windows as well as OS X on your Mac;

You’ll be able to run .exe files
You’ll be able to run Windows only applications
You’ll be able to play PC games on a Mac

I ordered a copy of Windows 7 Home Edition from Amazon and when it arrived the next day, I immediately began researching the best way to run two operating systems on a Mac.

Methods of Running Two Operating Systems

I found that there are three ways to do this. The first is “Virtual Computing”. This allows you to run an OS inside an OS. GuestPC, Virtual PC and Parallels Desktop all allow you to do this, though Parallels is the only option developed specifically for Intel Macs.

The second is “Virtualization”, a process that allows you to run Windows applications using OS X without needing to have Windows installed. Crossover and WINE would be the two best examples, though at the minute both are in development and not recommended for general use.

The third and final way to run Windows on a Mac is to “Dual-Boot” using Boot Camp. At start up the user can choose whether they want to run Windows or OS X. Boot Camp is reliable though you can only run one operating system at a time.

After learning that Boot Camp comes pre-installed on all Mac OS X/ Snow leopard machines and the fact that it obviously has Apple’s backing, I decided that this would be the safest option. Check out this video from Apple showing how simple it is.

Running Windows on a Mac

Using Boot Camp

1) Backup all of your data! I used Media Lightbox to backup all of my files online. There is a 30 day free trial available from the website. Uploading all of my word docs, photos and music was simple and took me less than an hour.

2) The second thing you will need is the Disc that came with your Mac containing the operating system and all of the drivers. Once you have a copy of Windows too, you are ready to go. Please be aware though that 64-bit versions of Windows are not supported at present (according to the Apple website).

In my case, this meant I simply had to use the 32-bit disc of Windows 7 instead of the 64-bit disc. For XP users, Service Pack 2 will work (SP1 won’t!)

3) Go to Applications>Utilities>Boot Camp Assistant.

4) Decide how much space Windows will need on your hard drive. Drag the slider as shown below. I personally chose 60Gb, as I knew I’d need a good bit of space to store game data and Windows programs.

5) Click Partition and wait while Boot Camp splits your hard drive.

6) Insert your Windows disc when prompted and click “Start Installation”.

7) Follow the options through until asked, “Where do you want to install Windows?” It is essential that you choose the Bootcamp Partition, usually labeled, Partition 3.

8) If you get a message, “Windows cannot be installed to Partition 3” you need to format your partition as NTFS. To do this, click Drive options>Format and Next.

9) Wait while Windows installs (get a cup of Starbucks preferably).

10) Once Windows opens, insert your Mac Startup disc to install your Mac drivers. This will ensure the keyboard, mouse, iSight, soundcard and bluetooth run properly. If you get stuck you may need to explore the CD yourself and find the relevant drivers (as I did).

That should be it! Start enjoying the benefits of Windows! To switch to Windows, during startup hold the option key (⌥) on your keyboard.

Having Problems?

If you’re having difficulties, please leave a comment below. I’d also suggest you read the FAQs over at Macworld and the Boot Camp support section on the Apple website.

Check out these useful videos before getting started!

Remember, when backing up data or storing and sharing large files online, Media Lightbox is your best option. With a 30-day free trial on ALL accounts, why not give it a go?! Head on over to www.medialightbox.com for info.