Creating a Windows 10 Virtual Machine on macOS

To run Windows-only applications on your Apple computer, you will first need to set up a virtual machine (VM) environment running Microsoft Windows 10. Each component you will need can be acquired free of charge and the method for setting up your VM is up to you. Please follow the directions below carefully, paying attention to the advantages/disadvantages of each method, to get starting using Windows-only apps from macOS.

Pre-Installation Prep

Before you can set up your VM, you must first download a free copy of Windows 10. To do that:

  1. Browse to http://lebow.me/msdn.
  2. Select Sign In and sign in with your Drexel logon credentials.
  3. Select Download Software.
  4. Use the Search field to search for Windows 10 Education.
  5. Select Windows 10 Education, Version XXXX.
  6. From the Software pane on the right, select Download.
  7. From the Software pane on the right, select View Key.
  8. Copy the key shown and save it in a location where you can easily find it later. You will need this to complete the installation.
  9. Wait for the download to complete.

Method 1: Apple Boot Camp

Advantages: You will have the full resources of your computer available to you under Windows 10. Disadvantages: You can only use 1 OS at a time, either macOS or Windows 10. You will have to chose the OS to use when booting the computer or by using System Preferences

Apple has macOS version specific directions on their website. To set up a VM using Apple Boot Camp, please refer to the Boot Camp Assistant User Guide on Apple’s website.

Method 2: VirtualBox

Advantages: You can use both OS installations at the same time. Disadvantages: You will share your computer resources between both OS installations which can result in reduced performance.

  1. Browse to https://www.virtualbox.org/
  2. Select Download VirtualBox X.X.
  3. Select OS X hosts under VirtualBox X.X.X platform packages.
  4. Browse to the download location on your computer and launch the installer.
  5. Follow all on-screen directions to complete the installation.
  6. At the end of the install, you may receive an error stating the installation failed. If so:
    • From the Apple menu, select System Preferences.
    • Open the Security & Privacy control panel.
    • Select the lock icon in the bottom left to unlock the control panel with your macOS password.
    • Select Allow next to the VirtualBox install message.
    • Close System Preferences.
  7. Once VirtualBox is installed, follow the directions in section 1.7 of the Oracle VM VirtualBox User Manual to set up the VM.