How to run Windows 10 on Mac OS X
(Photo : How to run Windows 10 on Mac OS X)

The world is divided into two camps, PC users and Mac users. Or so Microsoft and Apple would have us believe. The truth is that some people like the design of a Mac but despise its operating system. This article is for those people. If you're one of these people, then the answer to your dilemma is to install Windows 10 on your Mac OS X. Read on to learn how.

Two Options for Running Windows 10 on Mac OS X

●      Use a Virtualization Program

A virtualization program lets you run Windows 10 like an app on top of the OS X. Some of the best virtualization tools include Parallels and VMware. However, they can cost upwards of $70, and that's on top of what you'll have to pay for Windows 10. Furthermore, although you can run OS X and Windows simultaneously, it will drain your processing power, and both operating systems will run less than optimally.

●      Use Boot Camp

An alternative to using a virtualization program is to use Boot Camp. Boot Camp doesn't let you transfer content between OS X and Windows as easily as a virtual machine does, and you can't run the two operating systems at the same time. However, it goes allow Windows to have full access to the processing power of your MAC. Furthermore, it's completely free (other than the Windows 10 license, which you do have to pay for). For this reason, we're going to look at how to run Windows 10 on Mac OS X using Boot Camp.

Using Boot Camp to Run Windows 10 on Mac OS X

Before you do anything, you need to ensure that your Mac has the system requirements to run Windows 10. This means that it has at least 2GB of RAM, although 4GB would be better. You also need at least 30GB of free hard drive space. Additionally, you'll need at least a 16GB flash drive so Boot Camp can create a bootable drive for the installation of Windows 10.

Once you've ensured that you have the necessary specifications to run Windows 10 on your Mac, you should back up your Mac. Although Boot Camp is pretty stable, things can go wrong when you partition your hard drive. Therefore you want to be protected.

The next step is to download the full version copy of Windows 10. Don't download the upgrade. 

After your download is complete, you're going to open Boot Camp Assistant. This can be found in the utility folder of your Applications list. The program will ask you to choose the tasks you want Boot Camp to complete. Make sure your flash drive is plugged in and click continue. Then choose the Windows 10 ISO location and select the USB drive as the destination, then click Continue. Boot Camp will then create a boot drive with all the necessary drivers. It may take over an hour for this process to be completed. 

When Boot Camp finishes creating the USB boot drive, you will be prompted to choose how much of your hard drive you want to partition for Windows. This decision is critical. Once you've chosen, you cannot shrink or expand the partition unless you completely reinstall Windows.

The minimum partition size is 20GB. If you only want access to Windows 10 and you only plan to use a couple of apps, then 30GB should suffice. However, if you want to play PC games or use Windows 10 as your main operating system, you will want to increase the partition's available space. When you've made your decision, click "Install." 

While this part of the installation is going on, your Mac will restart a few times before landing you at a screen that will ask you which partition you want to install Windows 10 on. Choose the partition called "Boot Camp" and format it for NTFS. Then continue with the installation. It will take you through the setup wizard where Windows will ask for your product key, and then you'll be all set.