Boot Camp Assistant Download Mac

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So you have a Mac but also want to run Windows? You’re in luck: shortly after the first Intel-based Macs arrived on the market in 2009, Apple released a tool called Boot Camp, which lets Mac owners install and start their machines natively in Microsoft Windows. With the press of a button, you can switch between Mac and Windows every time your computer turns on.

Probably the most common reason Mac owners use Boot Camp is to play Windows-only games. For instance, PC MMOs such as Star Trek Online,Tera, and Star Wars: The Old Republic only run on Windows. Boot Camp is also better at running Windows software than virtual machines like Parallels or VMWare Fusion, which are programs that simultaneously run Windows inside Mac’s operating system. Without further ado, here’s how to set up Boot Camp and install Windows.

Check system requirements, then buy Windows

Question: Q: Boot Camp Assistant 6 Windows Support Software Download Location Currently, I'm trying to get Windows 10 working on my Macbook Pro Retina 13' El Capitan 10.11.5. I just bought it earllier this May and it's currently an Early 2015 model. Aug 15, 2018 - Probably the most common reason Mac owners use Boot Camp is to play. IDG; After the download finishes, the assistant will prompt you to. Feb 01, 2019  How to Install Windows 10 on Mac using Boot Camp Assistant. Before beginning, back up your Mac completely with Time Machine or otherwise, do not skip creating a full complete backup of the Mac hard drive. Go through the regular Windows 10 install process, the Mac should automatically download Boot Camp drivers but if it fails to.

First off, you’ll need a 64-bit edition of Windows. Which version depends on your Mac’s age: Those from mid-2012 and newer support Windows 8 and 10, while models from early-2012 only support Windows 7 and 8.

Boot Camp Assistant Download Mac

For Windows 10, you can get a copy of the Home version as either a USB stick or download from Microsoft for $119. For older versions of Windows, you’ll have to go through retailers like Best Buy.

Since different versions of Windows have different system requirements for the amount of RAM, hard drive space, and processor speed, you’ll want to double-check to make sure your system can run that edition comfortably. Here’s how:

  1. Examine the system requirements for the version of Windows you plan on buying: Windows 10, Windows 8, or Windows 7.
  2. Next, click on the Apple menu in the upper left and choose About This Mac.
  3. Compare your Mac’s specs for Processor and Memory (RAM) against those listed in the Windows system requirements.
  4. If your Mac doesn’t meet the criteria, you’ll need to choose a version of Windows with lower system requirements.

Make sure your Mac has enough hard drive space

To use Boot Camp, you’ll need at least 55 GB of free space on your Mac’s hard drive. Boot Camp says it only needs 50 GB, but Apple’s own online support document recommends 55GB. Play it safe and go with the large allocation.

  1. To see available hard drive space, click on the Apple menu in the upper left and then select About This Mac.
  2. Click Storage so you can see how much free space on your hard drive.
  3. If you don’t have 55 GB free, you’ll have to delete or transfer files until you do. Here’s a list of some of the best tools to free up space on your Mac.

Check for updates and backup

Before you run Boot Camp, Apple recommends you have the latest software update and that you backup your important files. (Need help backing up your data? Our sister site Macworld has put together the best software for backing up your files.)

  1. Click the Apple menu in the upper left and then hit App Store. Go to Updates and install any software updates for macOS.
  2. Restart your computer if prompted. After restarting, check for software updates again until no new ones are available.
  3. Because Boot Camp will be moving and re-allocating space on your hard drive, you should back up any important data before you continue, in case anything becomes corrupted during the process.

Install Windows

Time for the main event. If you have a Mac from 2015 or later, the process is a bit simpler. Have an older Mac or a copy of Windows on a DVD or flash drive? Skip to “Installing Windows on pre-2015 Macs” or “Install Windows from flash drive or external optical drive,” below.

Post-2015 Macs: Install Windows from an ISO file

This method is probably the easiest way to install Windows, but it only works for Macs from 2015 and up.

  1. Download a 64-bit Windows ISO from Microsoft or another licensed distributor.
  2. Quit all open applications and then open up a Finder window. Click on Applications and then go into the Utilities folder.
  3. Open Boot Camp Assistant, then click Continue.

  4. Now select Choose to the right of the ISO Image box to locate your Windows ISO file.
  5. The next step is to partition your hard drive. You’ll see a slider representing your hard drive, which lets you decide how much hard-drive space to allocate to your Windows partition.
  6. Move the slider to give your Windows partition more or less space. Remember that any space you assign will be taken from the available space for your Mac, and that macOS will run more efficiently if you leave at least 30 to 40GB of space free on its partition. Equally, keep in mind that you’ll need enough space for Windows’ system files, any software you plan on installing, and a buffer of free space. (We recommend a 5GB margin at minimum.)
  7. Once you’re satisfied with your partition, hit Install. Your Mac will eventually boot into Windows’ setup.
  8. When the installation process asks to install Windows, be sure to select the drive labelled BOOTCAMP.
  9. Windows will now start to install. You’ll then need to make some selections for things like language, keyboard layout, and account details. It’ll take several minutes to finish the setup process.
  10. Eventually, you’ll reach the Windows desktop. The Boot Camp Installer should then appear in a new window. Accept the terms of the license agreement and it will start installing any necessary drivers. After it’s finished installing, you’ll be asked to restart the system, click Yes.
  11. If you installed Windows 10, you should also use Apple Software Update to prevent known driver issues. Make sure you’re connected to the internet and then click the Start button in the bottom left and open Apple Software Update.
  12. In the top box, select all of the available updates and then click Install items. (You can also choose to install New Software, like iCloud, if you want.) Windows will ask if you want to allow Apple Software Update to make changes, click Yes.
  13. After the installations complete, you’ll be asked to restart. Click OKand your Mac should now reboot into a fully functioning version of Windows 10!

To switch between your Mac and Windows partition, hold down the Option key during a boot or reboot sequence to bring up the OS-selection menu.

Installing Windows on pre-2015 Macs

While Macs from pre-2015 can still run Windows, the installation process is slightly more complex. The more straightforward method (and our preferred option) is to use Boot Camp Assistant, but you can also do it from a flash drive or disc.

Run Boot Camp Assistant

  1. Quit all open applications and then open up a Finder window. Click Applications and then go into Utilities.
  2. In the Utilities folder, double-click Boot Camp Assistant to launch. Click Continue to begin setup.
  3. Make sure Download the latest Windows support software from Apple is checked. This software will allow you to install the most current drivers for Windows. Now click Continue.
  4. If asked for your administrative credentials, fill them in. Then press Enter to start downloading the software. You’ll need to install the Windows support software to a USB drive that you’ve plugged into the Mac.
  5. After the download finishes, the assistant will prompt you to create a Windows partition on your hard drive. This action segments your drive to devote free space only for Windows, without interfering with or erasing your existing macOS installation.
  6. At this point, you’ll see a slider representing your hard drive. Here you can decide how much hard-drive space to allocate to your Windows partition.
  7. Adjust the slider to give your Windows partition more or less free space. Remember that any space you assign will be taken from the available space for your Mac, and that macOS will run more efficiently if you leave at least 30 to 40GB of space free on its partition. Equally, keep in mind that you’ll need enough space for Windows’ system files, any software you plan on installing, and a buffer of free space. (We recommend a 5GB margin at minimum.)
  8. When you’re satisfied with your partitioning scheme, click Partition. OS X will begin partitioning and rearranging your hard-drive data, a process that may take some time.

Install Windows from flash drive or external optical drive

This method takes a bit of patience so bear with us. (An easier alternative is using an ISO management software like Toast Titanium to mount a downloaded Windows ISO without a flash drive or DVD.)

  1. Insert your Windows installation DVD into an external USB optical drive. Or if your version of Windows came with a flash drive, insert that.
  2. Once the media comes up in Finder, hit Go, then select Utilities > Disk Utility.
  3. In Disk Utility, select the USB optical drive or the flash drive so it’s highlighted.
  4. Under File, select New Image and choose the Windows DVD or flash drive.
  5. From the Image Format menu, select DVD/CD and choose None for encryption.

  6. Save the file with a name and enter your username and password if prompted. A progress bar will appear, and it may take awhile to complete.
  7. Once it’s done saving, eject your Windows DVD or flash drive. If you used an external USB drive, disconnect it after the DVD is ejected.
  8. With Finder, locate the disk image you saved in step 6. Click on it just once to select it and then choose Enter to rename the file. You’ll want to rename it with the file extension “.iso” at the end. A window will appear where you should select “Use .iso”.
  9. Go back to Applications > Utilities, and then open Boot Camp Assistant. Make sure the boxes following boxes are checked: Create a Windows 8 or later version install disk; Download the latest Windows support software from Apple; and Install Windows 8 or later version.
  10. Locate your renamed ISO file when prompted and click OK to begin installing Windows.

Still having trouble installing Windows? Refer to your Windows documentation for more help.

How to choose your operating system at startup

Now that you have both macOS and Windows installed and functioning on your Mac, you can choose which operating system to launch at startup.

  1. When you turn on or restart your computer, hold down the Option key to bring up the OS-selection menu.
  2. Make your choice by double-clicking either OS X or Windows.
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Installing Windows 10 on your Mac isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Boot Camp Assistant doesn’t work very well, particularly when it comes to creating bootable USB installation media.

Fortunately, help is at hand. You can create your own bootable USB installer, grab the drivers you need, and let macOS take care of the partitioning for you. Then it’s a case of sitting back and waiting for the installation to complete.

The Problem With Boot Camp Assistant

Boot Camp Assistant is Apple’s own dual-boot helper tool. It comes bundled with macOS, and is meant to help you create a bootable USB driveHow to Create and Boot From a Linux USB Drive on MacHow to Create and Boot From a Linux USB Drive on MacThere are a few ways to get a create a live Linux USB drive that will boot on your Mac: you can do it with freeware, or get your hands dirty with the command line.Read More, download the necessary drivers, and re-partition your internal drive for use with Windows.

Due to the size of the latest Windows 10 disk images, this helper no longer works. Boot Camp Assistant formats your USB installation media to the FAT32 file system. The problem with FAT32 is that it can’t store files larger than 4GB.

The latest Windows 10 disk images are around 5GB in size, and contain a single install.wim file that clocks in over 4GB. Microsoft offers tutorials for splitting this file into multiple parts, but they require Windows. On a Mac, you’re out of luck.

If you try to create a regular USB installer using Boot Camp Assistant, you’ll receive an error telling you there’s not enough space on the disk. This is a confusing error that doesn’t make a lot of sense if, like me, you’re using a 32GB USB stick.

The solution is to create your own USB installer and ditch FAT32 entirely.

Download Everything You Need

First, grab yourself a legitimate copy of Windows from Microsoft. You can download Windows 10 on Microsoft’s Software Download website. For security reasons, you should only ever download Windows from Microsoft.

You’ll also need Apple’s drivers for Windows. The downloads available on Apple’s own website are out of date, so download them using your Mac:

  1. Launch Boot Camp Assistant.
  2. In the menu bar click Actions > Download Windows Support Software.
  3. Select a location to save the file, then wait for the download to complete.

Now you’re ready to move on and create an installer. If this sounds like too much for you, check out other ways to run Windows apps on macOSThe Easiest Way to Run Windows Programs on MacThe Easiest Way to Run Windows Programs on MacRunning Windows software on your Mac isn't as tough as you'd think. Here are the most popular ways to run Windows programs on macOS, including the best method for most people.Read More without a full install.

Create Your Own Bootable USB Installer

Microsoft recommends an install medium of 5GB or larger. Some users recommend using an 8GB USB 2.0 drive. I used a 32GB USB 3.0 drive with no problem, but your mileage may vary.

Insert your USB drive and launch Disk Utility. Select your drive from the list on the left and click Erase (make sure there’s nothing on it you haven’t backed up). From the dropdown box, select exFAT as your file system. Give your USB drive a name like WININSTALL and click Erase.

Next, double-click the Windows ISO you downloaded to mount it. The image you mounted should open automatically (otherwise look in your Finder sidebar). Click and drag to select all the Windows 10 installation files, then copy them (Cmd + C).

Now paste those files onto the USB drive you just created (Cmd + V). Navigate to the drivers that you downloaded earlier. Copy the contents of the WindowsSupport folder to the root directory of your USB installer. Don’t just drag the WindowsSupport folder to the drive—copy the contents instead.

Your Windows 10 installation USB is now ready. If you run into issues, check out our Windows 10 installer troubleshooting guideCan't Create a Windows Installer on Your Mac? 4 Troubleshooting TipsCan't Create a Windows Installer on Your Mac? 4 Troubleshooting TipsThings can get tricky when using a Mac to create a Windows 10 installer, so here's what to do if you encounter trouble.Read More.

Prepare Your Mac’s Internal Drive

With your USB drive still connected, launch Boot Camp Assistant again. Click Continue to begin the process, then uncheck Create a Windows 7 or later install disk and Download the latest Windows support software from Apple. You’ve already done both of these.

Leave Install Windows 7 or later version checked, then click Continue. On the next screen you’ll be asked to assign space to your Windows partition. Click and drag the slider (or click Divide Equally) to decide how this space is shared between your macOS and Windows partitions.

Click Continue when you’re ready to start the process, then input your administrator password. macOS will start partitioning your drive. Input your administrator password one more time, then your Mac will restart and begin the Windows installer.

If you receive an error about missing Windows support software, make sure you’ve copied the contents of the WindowsSupport folder you downloaded to the root of your USB drive. If folders like $WinPEDriver$ and BootCamp aren’t in the root USB folder, Boot Camp Assistant will refuse to repartition your drive.

Now Install Windows on Mac

Your Mac should restart and launch the Windows installer automatically. If it does not, or you canceled for some reason, you can restart the process:

  1. Insert your Windows 10 USB installer.
  2. If your Mac is running, restart it.
  3. While your Mac boots, press and hold Option on your keyboard to reveal the boot menu.
  4. Select EFI Boot and click on the arrow to begin the installer.

Be patient while the installer loads. When prompted for a product key, you can click I don’t have a product key to install Windows 10 regardless. You’ll also need to select a version of Windows to install. Find out how to choose the right version of Windows 10 for youEvery Single Windows 10 Version You Must Know AboutEvery Single Windows 10 Version You Must Know AboutWindows 10 comes in over 10 different versions. We compare them all and explain what they're for and who their intended users are.Read More.

Eventually, you’ll need to specify where you want to install Windows. You should see a partition called BOOTCAMP in the list. Click on it, then click Format and proceed. Once you’ve formatted the partition, you should be able to click Next Watch all eyez on me online free. and continue installing Windows.

The installer will restart your Mac a few times while the installation takes place. Make a cup of coffee and sit back while it completes.

Configure Windows and Install Drivers

Eventually Windows 10 will restart and you’ll be asked for some more information, including your region and keyboard layout. It’s likely your wireless adapter won’t work with Windows natively, so when you’re prompted to connect to a network, click Skip for now.

Now create a user account, select a password, add a few security questions, and wait for Windows to finish configuring your desktop. After a few restarts, Windows will be ready for use. The first thing you should see is the Boot Camp installer.

Click Next followed by Install to begin the driver installation process. Its normal for your screen to flicker during this installation process. Once the drivers have installed, you’ll see a prompt to restart Windows.

By the time you’ve rebooted Windows, everything should work as expected. You’ll be able to connect to a wireless network, scroll with two fingers on the touchpad, use the media keys to adjust screen brightness, and so on.

Windows 10 on Mac: The Best of Both Worlds

Many Mac users buy Apple computers primarily because of the macOS user experience, but the convenience of having both Windows and macOS is undeniable. It’s a shame that Boot Camp Assistant doesn’t work quite like it should, but there’s almost always a workaround to any such issues.

Now that you’ve got Windows 10 up and running, why not check out some of the best Windows software to install right awayNew PC? 15 Must-Have Windows Applications You Should Install FirstNew PC? 15 Must-Have Windows Applications You Should Install FirstGot a new computer or just reinstalled Windows? These essential apps are must-have software for Windows 10, no matter what!Read More?

Explore more about: Disk Partition, Dual Boot, Mac, Windows 10.

Boot Camp Assistant Torrent

  1. Two things that I found:

    – the latest Boot Camp Support Software (v5.1.5769) does not have a WindowsSupport folder but I think the files in the root of the image are what you need to copy. Not sure because..

    – When I run Boot Camp Assistant, uncheck the two boxes, and click continue I get an error that 'the installer disc could not be found' and I can't continue.

    this could be user error but I think I've done everything as you explained