How to install Windows 10 on a Mac for free
For years, Mac users have been thanking their lucky stars that they never had to deal with Windows 8. OS X has had its fair share of issues, but none could compete with the identity crisis of Windows 8. Therefore, many of you are probably curious to see how Microsoft turned everything around with the launch of Windows 10.
Thankfully, if you’re willing to take a few extra steps, you can install the new Windows OS on your Mac and find out for yourself.
READ MORE: The one Windows 10 tweak every user needs: ‘GodMode’
CNET has shared a great instructional video on its site, but if you just want text instructions to follow along with, read on:
Have the following items at your disposal before you begin: a Mac computer, a flash drive with 5GB of storage (or more), a second computer running Windows and an Internet connection.
Plug the flash drive in to your Windows computer and download the Windows 10 disc image from Microsoft’s website. There are 32-bit and 64-bit versions, so be sure to choose the right one.
Open the software > choose “Create installation media for another PC” > select your preferred language, edition and architecture (64-bit unless your Mac requires 32-bit) > choose the ISO file and save it straight to the flash drive.
Unplug the flash drive from the Windows PC and insert it in to your Mac. Drag the ISO file on to your desktop. Leave the flash drive plugged in to your Mac.
Run Boot Camp Assistant > click Continue > check all three boxes when Boot Camp Assistant asks you to Select Tasks > click Continue > Boot Camp Assistant should now automatically detect the ISO file on your desktop and select the flash drive as destination disk > click Continue.
Once the program has finished erasing the flash drive and convert it into a Windows 10 install disk. The program will then ask you how much room you want to partition for Windows 10. The OS requires at least 20GB, so you’re going to need significantly more than that if you want to install additional software as well. Click Install.
At this point, you’re pretty much just picking the options that make the most sense as Boot Camp installs Windows 10 on your Mac. You’ll be prompted to enter a serial code if you have one, but you can skip this step and use Windows 10 for free for 30 days instead.
Be sure to visit CNET for a photo guided tour of the installation, as well as a video that should answer any questions you might have after reading this guide.
Related stories
Windows 10 on Mac gets always-on Cortana commands, but there's a catch
Sorry, WSJ, but Apple killing off the Mac is a laughably bad idea
As PC sales implode, Apple Mac sales are surging
More from BGR: Windows 10 is spying on almost everything you do – here’s how to opt out
This article was originally published on BGR.com
