How to install Windows 8 on a Mac

If you’re a Mac owner curious to give Windows 8 a whirl but can't afford a new PC, follow our guide to find out just how easy it is to install Windows 8 on a Mac.

Even if you’re a hardcore Apple aficionado, it’s hard not to be a little curious about what’s new in Windows 8. In fact, earlier in June, we asked whether a Mac could be the best Windows 8 laptop. Whether you’d like to check out all the possibilities of the new integrated apps, or you just want to poke around in the radically redesigned interface, it’s easy to install Windows 8 on a Mac and take it for a test run. And the best part? Thanks to how easy it is to dual-boot, there’s no need to commit to Windows 8 at all. You’ll be able to flip back to your regular Mac OS at any time.

We’ve talked about what features we love in Windows 8, as well as all the annoying Windows 8 quirks, but the best way to see if Windows 8 is right for you is to try it for yourself. Here’s how…

Dual-Booting: Operating System vs. Computer

First, before we get into the nitty-gritty details, it’s important to understand the difference between an operating system (like OS X Mountain Lion, or Windows 8) and a computer itself. Many users don’t realize that it’s possible to have multiple operating systems running on the same computer. But it’s easy to understand if you think of it this way: Your computer is like a physical building, while the operating system is like a business running out of that building. Just like a single building can hold multiple businesses, a single computer can run multiple operating systems — you just need to switch between them. Having two operating systems on the same computer is called dual-booting, because you can boot up either OS whenever you turn on the computer. 

How to get Boot Camp Assistant

It’s remarkably easy to install Windows 8 on a Mac using a program called Boot Camp, which Apple provides for free. All you need is an Intel-based Mac computer running Mac OS X 10.6 or later. If you need to check if your computer is Intel-based, simply select “About this Mac” from the Apple menu and make sure your processor is made by Intel. 

If your operating system is up to date, Boot Camp Assistant should already be installed. Just look under the “Utilities” folder under “Applications.” If you can’t find it, select the Apple menu, and then choose “Software Update” to update your operating system to the newest version.

Installing Windows 8 from scratch using Boot Camp

 It’s a snap. Just follow the steps below:

 1. Make sure your machine meets the Windows 8 system requirements.

While most of these specs shouldn’t pose a problem for newer computers, the hard disk space requirement of a minimum of 16GB (32-bit) or 20GB (64-bit) may pose a challenge if you’re already running out of space. Keep in mind that since you’ll be dual-booting, you’ll probably need a little extra room on your hard drive.

 2. Buy a copy of Windows 8.

This step might be a little harder — at least for your budget. While Microsoft is offering upgrades to previous versions of Windows for only $39.99 through the end of January 2013, a brand new retail version of Windows 8 is rumored to run you $199. However, Newegg.com currently has Windows 8 Pro on sale for $139, and Windows 8 Enterprise for $99. Unsure which version is right for you? Windows 8 Pro boasts benefits such as data encryption and remote desktop abilities; but for most casual users, Enterprise should do the trick just fine. Be forewarned, however: retail versions of Windows 8 are not available as digital downloads, so if you have a computer without a DVD drive — such as a Mac Mini, Macbook Air, or newer Macbook Pro — you’ll need to connect an external drive to perform the install. 

3. Use Boot Camp to create a new hard drive partition.

If this step throws you for a loop, you can always consult Apple’s official guide. Remember our business-in-a-building analogy from earlier? Creating a hard drive partition is like clearing enough floor space in the building for another business to set up shop. In other words, you’re just setting aside room for the new operating system.

Once you’ve started up Boot Camp, simply select the size of the partition you’d like to make. We recommend around 30GB for Windows 8, but remember that you’ll need at bare minimum of 16GB (for 32-bit) or 20GB (for 64-bit). Boot Camp will create the partition automatically without erasing any of your existing data.

4. Install Windows 8 using Boot Camp.

Again within Boot Camp, select the option “Start Windows Installer,” and then insert your Windows 8 disc. The rest of the installation wizard should flow fairly smoothly. There’s only one caveat to watch out for: When asked where to install Windows 8, make sure you don’t choose the partition where you currently have your Mac OS X installed. Doing so would erase all your existing data. The correct partition for installation will be labeled “BOOTCAMP” in all caps.

5. Flip between Mac OS X and Windows 8 to your heart’s content.

After installation, your computer will automatically restart into Windows 8, where you can customize your shiny new operating system. From now on, whenever you want to switch into the opposite operating system, simply restart your computer and hold down the Option key while it’s booting up. Experiment and enjoy!