How to Run Windows on an Apple Macintosh Computer

Windows users will feel right at home running Windows 7 on their Macs.

New Mac users who can't quite fully make the switch over to Mac OS -- or who want the option to run two different platforms -- will be happy to know that they can run Windows 7 on their Intel-based Macs. While it can be a time-consuming initial setup, once you have partitioned your hard drive for Windows, choosing between OS X or Windows 7 is a simple click.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Original Windows 7 install disc
• Original Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard or later install disc
• Boot Camp 3.1 Update

1. Back up your Mac hard drive before you attempt to partition it for Windows. Attach the computer to a power source if you are installing on a MacBook or MacBook Pro.

2. Double-click on the "Utilities" folder inside the "Applications" folder on your Mac hard drive. Click "Boot Camp Assistant" to run the software.

3. Click "Print Installation & Setup Guide" when the "Boot Camp Assistant" dialog box opens. You will need to refer to it to install Windows on your Mac. Set up your preferences for your printer, then click "OK." Return to the "Boot Camp Assistant" window, then click "Continue."

4. Create the partition on your hard drive for Windows. Drag the divider below the "Macintosh HD will be partitioned as" pane between the two operating systems to 25 GB for Windows 7. Click "Partition." Wait until the drive is finished partitioning.

5. Insert your original Windows 7 disc into the optical drive. You must use an original Windows installation CD or DVD. Click "Start Installation" when prompted by the "Start Windows Installation" dialog box. The installation process can take from 30 to 45 minutes, depending upon the Mac. The computer will boot into Windows 7 when finished.

6. Select your language preference, time format and keyboard or input method when the Windows 7 "Install Windows" screen appears. Click "Next." Click "Install Now" on next screen. Accept Microsoft Software License Terms, then click "Next."

7. Click the "Custom (advanced)" pane to choose the type of installation. Select the "Disk Partition: BOOTCAMP" as the partition on which to install Windows. Click "Next." Wait for installation to finish. Windows will reboot multiple times during the process.

8. Enter a username and computer name in Windows 7 "Set Up Windows" screen. Then click "Next." Set a password for your Windows account, then enter it again and a hint. Enter the Product Key for your Windows 7 disc. Follow instructions of screens to select recommended settings, time and date settings. Choose your Wi-Fi settings. Windows 7 will then finalize all settings.

9. Eject the Windows 7 disc and replace it with your Mac OS X Install disc. The "Boot Camp Installer" window opens. Agree to the License Terms. Choose additional features and settings from the install dialog box. Click "Finish" when the "Boot Camp installer completed" window opens. Click "Yes" to restart your system and save the changes made to Boot Camp.

10. Click the "Option" button when the computer restarts. Click on the "Windows" hard drive icon on the desktop.

Tips & Warnings

• Some Intel-based Macs cannot support Windows 7. Check Support.apple.com/kb/HT3986 for specific information.

References

• Apple Support: Boot Camp 3.0, Mac OS X 10.6: Frequently Asked Questions
• Apple Support: Boot Camp: Windows 7 Installation Frequently Asked Questions
• YouTube: How to Install Windows 7 On Mac Using Boot Camp