Step 0: Virtualization or Boot Camp? Before you get Windows on your Mac, you have to decide how you want to run it: virtually within OS X, or on a separate hard drive partition using Boot Camp., you can turn your Mac into a dual-booting computer capable of running Windows or OS X natively. When your Mac is running Windows using Boot Camp, your Mac is a Windows PC. In order to do this, however, Boot Camp requires you to repartition your Mac's hard drive. Virtualization software works differently: You're not messing with your Mac hard drive's partition map, you're just creating files and running Mac software that creates a virtual instance of a PC. If something goes really wrong — and this is preview software, remember — it's a lot easier to clean up the pieces using virtualization software than it can be if parts of your Mac's hard drive gets hosed. Boot Camp doesn't officially support Windows 10 yet, and as such, its drivers may not play 100 percent nicely with the technical preview if you choose that route.
For more information to help you get to know your Mac, use the Help menu in the Finder menu bar. What’s it called on my Mac? Includes additional Windows and Mac terms. Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Yes, Windows 7 is still available. If you want a new PC and you also want Windows 7, you can probably get it. This is easiest for businesses, but even home users have ways to get Windows 7. If you’re a home user, we wouldn’t recommend doing this.
I plan to revisit Boot Camp support for Windows 10 after Microsoft officially releases the new version, and I'll post my results. In the interim, though, I don't recommend using Boot Camp for Windows 10 Technical Preview. Step 1: Download virtualization software Running virtualization software seems to be the smartest option on the table at present for Microsoft's Windows 10 preview, and both or are good options if you have them around. If you don't already have virtual machine software on your Mac, you can download Oracle's. It's a virtualization tool just like Fusion and Parallels, but it has the virtue of being free. There are trial versions of Parallels Desktop and VMware Fusion which won't make you pay a fee for a two weeks or one month, respectively, so you're welcome to try those out if you prefer. But if you never want to pay a fee, check out VirtualBox.
My experience is that compared to VMware Fusion and Parallels Desktop, VirtualBox doesn't offer the same sort of robust performance or have quite as polished Mac integration (though there's no charge for it). You get what you pay for, et cetera. Here are some links to virtualization software you can download for your Mac:. Step 2: Download Windows 10 After you have virtualization software, you'll need to download an ISO image of the Windows 10 technical preview. The ISO image is, for all intents and purposes, an exact copy of a physical Windows installation disc.
You get this image from Microsoft itself. To get the disc image, you will need to register as part of Microsoft's Windows Insider Program. If you haven't already created a Microsoft account for OneDrive or Xbox Live or the like, you can do this during registration. You can also link the account to an existing email address to make it easier to remember and find later (much like iCloud). Once you're set up and registered, Microsoft links you to a web page to download links; that page includes the product key you need to activate your preview version of Windows 10.
Step 3: Create a new virtual machine. Launch VirtualBox.
![Windows Windows](/uploads/1/2/5/6/125605233/728385652.jpg)
Click on the New button. In the Name field, type 'Windows 10' or whatever you'd like. Leave Type as Microsoft Windows. Click on the Version menu and select Windows 8.1 (64 bit). Any questions?
As I mentioned above, VirtualBox's Mac integration isn't quite as tight as its commercial virtualization alternatives; it's a bit easier with those to switch display resolutions, use accessories, and integrate your Mac's own files. But if you're on a short budget or just want to mess around with Windows 10 prior to its release, VirtualBox and the Windows technical preview can give you what you need without setting you back any cash. That counts for something. And if you run into any problems or have any questions, let me know in the comments. This post may contain affiliate links. See our for more details.
Installing Windows via any of these methods, with the exception of refreshing, will permanently delete all data and desktop programs (including Microsoft Office and all others) from your computer. Before proceeding, back up/copy all data files (such as documents, pictures, music, and videos) to a flash drive, external hard drive, or cloud storage.
Additionally, you should locate the installation media for your software and your subscription information for third-party software. Why reinstall Windows Reinstall Windows if you have any of these issues:. Virus or malware infection: If your computer has been infected with a virus, malware or other type of malicious infection, the only way to fully clean it is to back up your files and reinstall Windows. Reinstalling Windows is not the same as the Windows System Restore utility, which does not help in the case of a virus or malware infection. If your IU network access has been blocked by the (UISO) due to a virus infection, you are required to reinstall. Slow to the point of being unusable: Over time (especially after a few years), any operating system can become sluggish due to changes that have occurred (e.g., installing/uninstalling programs). If your computer has become slow to the point of being unusable, reinstalling Windows may be the best and quickest solution.
Extreme slowness may also be a symptom of infection. General stability issues: If you're having general stability issues such as 'blue screens', unusual error messages, or other strange issues, or you've exhausted all other troubleshooting methods, it may be best to reinstall Windows. For help, contact your campus. Recycling, selling, or giving your PC away: If your personal device will no longer be in your possession, you should reinstall Windows to remove your personal information. This does not guarantee that your personal files would not be recoverable, however.
Thus, if you have sensitive data on your personal computer, UITS recommends that you the disk drive. Be aware that this removes the Windows operating system and license from the device. For departmental computers, see. Network access blocked due to rootkit: If your network access has been blocked due to a virus infection called a rootkit, nothing mentioned here will fix the problem; UISO will email you with specific instructions for getting rid of the infection.
How to install, reinstall, or perform an in-place upgrade of Windows on a PC. Prepare for the installation process:. For security reasons, you should install Windows or rebuild your Windows computer offline (i.e., unplug your network cable), and then take certain measures to assure its security before putting it back on the network; see. Check your computer manufacturer's support site and manual (see ) for the following (for the most reliable information, enter the computer's service tag or serial number where available):. Determine the optimal method(s) that your manufacturer recommends for installing Windows (since Windows is increasingly tied to the specific hardware of your computer due to security enhancements, including secure boot).
Make sure that upgrading Windows will not result in a voided warranty, loss of service and support, or lack of drivers (software that tells Windows how to manage the hardware components, such as the sound card, video card, touchpad, and others). Make sure that your computer is compatible with the version of Windows you wish to install; see for a guide to the various options. This is especially critical if you're doing a clean install and upgrade, e.g., Windows 7 to Windows 10. If you haven't already done so, back up/copy all data files (e.g., documents, pictures, music, videos) to a flash drive, external hard drive, or cloud storage.
Be aware of the settings you'll need to select during setup or immediately afterward:. Be sure of the language you wish to choose, and your time zone. IU Northwest is on (GMT-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada).
All other IU campuses are on (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada), not the Indiana East setting. During the installation process, you will be prompted to enter information such as a name for your computer and an account name and password.
This is for the computer's account, and for security purposes should not be the account you will generally use (you can set up that account later). Keep this in mind as you choose a username and password you'll be able to remember. Consider these descriptions to determine the best method for installing, reinstalling, or upgrading Windows, based on your needs and your manufacturer's recommendations:.
In-place upgrade. UITS does not recommend this method, since in-place installations of operating systems tend to cause problems, especially if the new version is very different from the previous one; see. For example, if you're doing a major version upgrade from Windows 7 to 8.1, then UITS generally recommends a clean installation instead. If your operating system is corrupted or infected, an in-place upgrade will most likely retain this infection/corruption.
In those cases, UITS strongly recommends installing via a Reset/Reset with the Remove everything option, Factory Recovery, or Clean installation. Applies to: Windows 7 and higher What happens:. Installs a newer version of an operating system without removing the older version first (Windows 7 to Windows 10, Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Education, etc.); see. Generally, reinstalls Windows while preserving your programs, apps, files, and settings; however, only your personal files may be retained, depending on the version of Windows with which you begin and end (e.g., Windows 7 to 8.1; see ).
Additional notes:. While this option should preserve your files, UITS recommends backing up your files to be safe. Currently installed programs may not be compatible with the upgraded operating system, and may not function at all.
Be sure to check to see if you'll need a newer version of the program, and if one is available. If you perform an in-place upgrade and have multiple, ongoing issues, then you will likely need to back up your files and perform a clean installation instead. Refresh/Reset this PC with the Keep my files option. If you're reinstalling due to an infection, UITS recommends installing via a Reset/Reset, Factory Recovery, or Clean installation instead, as this option may not remove the infection or all its effects. Applies to: Windows 8.1 and higher (In Windows 8.x, this process is named 'Refresh your PC', while in Windows 10, it is 'Reset your PC with the Keep my files option'.) What happens:. Reinstalls Windows while preserving your files and personalization settings.
Retains apps that came with your PC and that were installed from the Windows Store. Restores PC settings back to default.
Removes installed desktop programs (such as Office) Additional notes:. While this option should preserve your files, UITS recommends backing up your files to be safe. A list of removed apps that you will need to reinstall is saved to your desktop. Includes manufacturer-supplied drivers. If refreshing the computer does not resolve your issues, try resetting it instead.
If you upgraded your PC from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 and your PC has a Windows 8 recovery partition, refreshing your PC will restore Windows 8. You'll need to upgrade to Windows 8.1 via the Store app after the refresh has finished. Refresh/Reset with the Remove everything option: Applies to: Windows 8.1 and higher (In Windows 8.x, this process is named 'Reset your PC'. In Windows 10, this is 'Reset your PC with the Remove everything option'.) What happens:. Reinstalls Windows back to factory settings via a hidden recovery partition.
Uses Microsoft Windows to perform the install. Deletes files, settings, and applications you've installed (both Windows Store apps and desktop programs). Retains apps and desktop programs that came with the device. Additional notes:. Includes manufacturer-supplied drivers. If you upgraded your PC from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 and your PC has a Windows 8 recovery partition, resetting your PC will restore Windows 8.
You'll need to upgrade to Windows 8.1 via the Store app after the reset has finished. Factory Recovery: Applies to: Windows 7 and higher What happens:. Reinstalls Windows back to factory settings via a hidden recovery partition. Uses the computer manufacturer's software to perform the install. Deletes files, settings, and applications you've installed (both Windows Store apps and desktop programs).
Retains apps and desktop programs that came with the device. Additional notes:. Includes manufacturer-supplied drivers. Clean Install Applies to: Windows 7 and higher What happens:. Installs Windows from installation media, such as a USB flash drive or DVD.
Deletes all files, settings, applications, and desktop programs (e.g., Office). Additional notes:. Warning about potential loss of drivers: A clean installation of Windows includes Microsoft-supplied drivers, which may not be as up-to-date as those supplied by the manufacturer. As a result, some devices may not be detected, and you will need to get drivers from the manufacturer's site. If you are upgrading to a newer version of Windows (e.g., from Vista to Windows 7 or later), your computer manufacturer may not supply drivers for the new version of Windows, especially if your computer is several years old.
Keep in mind that determining the correct drivers for your computer can be a tedious process of trial and error, even for the technically savvy. If you are reinstalling due to an infection, doing so by resetting or via a factory recovery process is both quicker and easier. By the terms of the, each license key for Windows obtained through IU is capable of installing the software on only one computer. If you need a second license, contact your campus for help. Also by the terms of the, each license key for Windows obtained through IU can only be installed on a computer with an existing copy of Windows or via Bootcamp partition on a Mac.
Use this option to perform a major version upgrade (e.g., Windows 7 to Windows 8.x or 10, Windows 8.x to Windows 10) if you don't want to risk issues that can occur from an in-place upgrade. This option is required if either of the following are applicable:. You are moving from a 32-bit to 64-bit version of Windows. You're upgrading from Windows 7 or earlier (including Vista) to Window 8.x or higher.
Plug your computer into a power source to proceed with installation. Install Windows according to the method you selected above, following the appropriate instructions below:. In-place upgrade:. Windows 7 or 8.x to Windows 10: Download the, and follow the instructions at, being sure to run the Academic Media Creation tool, and not the tool on the instructions page. Windows 7 to 8 or 8.1: Contact your campus. Refresh/Reset This PC with the Keep My Files option.
Windows 10: Follow the 'Reset this PC' instructions in, choosing the 'Keep my files' option. Windows 8.1: Follow the 'Refresh your PC without affecting your files' instructions in. Refresh/Reset with the Remove everything option. Windows 10: Follow the 'Reset this PC' instructions in, choosing the 'Remove everything' option. Windows 8.1: Follow the 'Remove everything and reinstall Windows' instructions in. Factory Recovery. Windows 7 and higher: Check your computer's user guide (see ) for the factory recovery instructions.
![To Get Windows On My Computer Should I Get Windows For Mac Or Windows For Pc To Get Windows On My Computer Should I Get Windows For Mac Or Windows For Pc](https://www.easeus.com/images/en/data-recovery/drw-pro/windows-boot-option.png)
Clean Install. Be sure you don't format all partitions, but only the Windows partition. Review.
Obtain the appropriate Windows installation media:. Windows 10 Education: See.
Windows 7 Ultimate/Windows 8.1 Pro: Windows 7 Ultimate and Windows 8.1 Pro are no longer available through IUware or disc via the bookstore. If you wish to install these versions, seek alternate media.
Install Windows according to the instructions for the version you're installing:. Windows 10 Education:. Windows 8.1 Pro:. Windows 7 Ultimate:. Install Windows updates and additional software. For security reasons and to improve performance, follow the steps in Additional resources Common manufacturer's support sites:. For additional instructions including screenshots, search the web for the version of Windows and type of install you're doing (e.g., clean install), or search for video walk-throughs.