How to Create an Installation Media for Windows 10 on Mac?
Windows 10 remains one of the most popular operating systems worldwide, and many Mac users may find themselves in situations where they need to install or reinstall Windows on their PC. Whether you want to run Windows for specific applications or as a dual-boot option, creating an installation media for Windows 10 on a Mac is a straightforward process. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the easiest and most efficient way to create an installation media for Windows 10 on a Mac.
We’ll be focusing on using a free tool called Boot Camp Assistant, which is native to macOS and makes this process incredibly simple. By the end of this guide, you will have a fully prepared installation media, ready to install or reinstall Windows 10 on your device.
Windows 10 Installation Media on Mac
If you’re a Mac user who needs to install Windows 10, you’re in the right place. One of the best things about modern Macs is their flexibility to run Windows alongside macOS, either through a virtual machine or directly via a dual-boot setup. To achieve this, you need to create a bootable installation media, usually on a USB drive. This media contains the Windows 10 setup files and allows you to install Windows on your Mac or any other PC.
Creating an installation media for Windows 10 on a Mac can sound intimidating, but with the right tools, it’s actually a simple process. The most reliable and efficient way to do this is by using Boot Camp Assistant, which is already pre-installed on your macOS.
Why You Might Need to Create Windows 10 Installation Media on Mac?
Before diving into the process, let’s briefly consider why you might need to create an installation media for Windows 10 on your Mac. Here are some common reasons:
Running Windows-specific applications: Some software, particularly in industries like gaming, engineering, or finance, may only be available on Windows. A bootable USB allows you to install Windows directly onto your Mac or another system.
Dual-boot setup: If you want to run both macOS and Windows on your Mac, you’ll need installation media to install Windows 10 via Boot Camp.
Reinstalling or repairing Windows: If you already have Windows installed but need to reinstall or repair it, a bootable installation media is crucial.
Upgrading from an older version of Windows: You may want to upgrade to Windows 10 from an older version, and creating an installation media is the first step in that process.
With all these use cases in mind, let’s move on to what you’ll need.
What Will You Need to Create an Installation Media for Windows 10?
To create a Windows 10 installation media on a Mac, you’ll need just a few things:
A Mac: This process is done on macOS, and we’ll be using the Boot Camp Assistant, which is built into macOS.
A Windows 10 ISO file: This is the file that contains all the necessary installation data for Windows 10. You can download it directly from the Microsoft website or use this link to download the Windows 10 ISO setup file (https://www.itechscreen.com/download/windows/windows-10-iso-for-virtualbox/).
A USB flash drive: You’ll need a USB drive with at least 8 GB of storage. Be aware that all data on this drive will be erased during the process, so back up any important files before proceeding.
An internet connection: If you don’t have the Windows 10 ISO file already, you’ll need an internet connection to download it.
Once you have everything in place, let’s dive into How to Create an Installation Media for Windows 10 on Mac using Boot Camp Assistant.
How do you create installation media for Windows 10 on Mac using Boot Camp Assistant?
Now that you’ve gathered the essentials, we’ll go step-by-step through the process of creating your installation media using Boot Camp Assistant. This tool is pre-installed on macOS and simplifies the process significantly.
Step 1: Download the Windows 10 ISO File
The first thing you need is the Windows 10 ISO file. You use this link to Download Windows 10 Disk Image (ISO) for this purpose. While Windows users can download the Media Creation Tool to download and create bootable media; macOS users will download the Windows 10 setup file separately.
Step 2: Plug in the USB Drive
Insert your USB drive into your Mac. As a reminder, this drive will be formatted, so make sure you’ve backed up any important files. You’ll need at least 8 GB of storage space for the installation media.
Step 3: Open Boot Camp Assistant
Next, open Boot Camp Assistant on your Mac. You can find it by going to Applications > Utilities > Boot Camp Assistant.
Step 4: Select the ISO file of Windows and USB Drive
Once Boot Camp Assistant is open:
1. You’ll see a screen asking you to select the ISO image and the destination USB drive.
2. Select the Windows 10 ISO file that you downloaded earlier.
3. Choose your USB drive as the destination. Boot Camp Assistant will copy the ISO file onto the USB drive and make it bootable.
Step 5: Create the Bootable USB
Click Continue. Boot Camp Assistant will now format the USB drive and transfer the necessary Windows 10 files onto it. This can take a few minutes, depending on your system’s speed.
Once the process is complete, your USB drive will be a fully functioning Windows 10 installation media, which can be used to install or reinstall Windows on any compatible device.
Step 6: Final Preparations Before Installation
Once you’ve created the Windows 10 installation media, there are just a few things to consider before installing Windows on your Mac.
Backup Your Mac: If you’re planning on installing Windows 10 alongside macOS, it’s highly recommended that you back up your Mac’s data. You can use Time Machine to create a full backup.
Check Disk Space: Make sure your Mac has enough free disk space to install Windows. The recommended minimum is around 64 GB for a smooth Windows installation, but the more space you can allocate, the better.
Configure Boot Camp: When you launch Boot Camp Assistant again, it will guide you through the process of partitioning your hard drive and installing Windows using the bootable USB drive. You can choose how much disk space to allocate to Windows, and then proceed with the installation.
Related Topic: How to Install Windows 10 on Mac without Bootcamp?
Related Topic: Ways to Burn ISO to USB on Windows 10
Related Topic: How to Create Windows 10 Bootable USB without Third-party apps?
In this guide, we’ve covered How to Create an Installation Media for Windows 10 on a Mac using Boot Camp Assistant, a simple and efficient tool that’s built into macOS. By following the steps outlined, you’ll have a fully functional installation media, allowing you to install Windows 10 on your Mac or another compatible device.
With the help of Boot Camp Assistant, creating an installation media is straightforward and can be done in a matter of minutes.
