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Even if your favorite Windows games aren't technically available for macOS, there's a little-known way you can still play them on your Mac. We'll show you how to use Boot Camp to create a Windows partition on your Mac so you can install Windows-only games and apps.

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Preparing the Windows Partition

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  1. Most Macs released in 2006 and later have Intel chips; however, you can verify this information by looking for an Intel sticker or logo on your computer, or consulting with your computer manual.
  2. A keyboard and mouse that are connected to your computer via the USB ports are also compatible.
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  3. If your Mac's OS is not current, you must upgrade your OS to the latest version.
    • Go to your Apple menu, then select "Software Update" to check for any available software updates you can run to update your machine.
  4. You will need 16 gigabytes (GB) of available memory to install 32-bit Windows 7, and 20 GB of memory to install the 64-bit version of Windows 7.
    • Open "Utilities" on your Mac, then open the Activity Monitor to verify the amount of your Mac's available memory.
  5. Your Mac and the Boot Camp software will not provide you with a Windows installation disc.
    • Buy a Microsoft Windows installation disc from Microsoft directly by visiting the "Microsoft" website listed in the Sources section of this article, or call Microsoft directly at 1-877-274-5045.
  6. When installing Windows on a partition of your Mac, that particular hard disk, or partition, will be re-formatted and all your data will be erased.
    • Use a flash drive or external hard drive to back up important data on your Mac.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Creating the Windows Partition

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  1. You may be asked to indicate additional preferences regarding your plan for installing Windows, such as whether you are using a flash drive or installation disc.
  2. For example, if you want to allot 25 GB of your Mac's memory to the Windows OS, indicate "25 GB" at the prompt.
  3. If you are using a flash drive instead, insert the flash drive into an available USB slot.
  4. When the installation process completes, your computer will reboot and open to the Windows Installer menu.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Installing the Windows OS on your Mac

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  1. In most cases, you will be asked to indicate personal preferences such as your language and Windows user name.
  2. Your Mac will proceed to install the Windows OS on your new Windows partition.
  3. Your Mac will then reboot, and restart in Windows.
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Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Downloading PC Games to your Mac

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  1. If your computer defaults to booting up in the Mac OS, hold down the "Option" key upon startup, then select "Windows" from the options provided.
  2. After the PC games have been downloaded, you can play them from your Mac while logged into the Windows OS.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I download games for Mac for free?
    Community Answer
    There are some websites that have these games for free, but this is against the law if the game originally cost money. If you have a PC .exe file on your Mac from a PC game or any other PC software, you can use something called wine to open it. It is not recommended getting illegal games.
  • Question
    Is there a cheaper option?
    Community Answer
    No, there are not cheaper options.
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