Chappers2017

Q: Questions For Boot Camp

Question 1. Do i have to partition the hard drive in my mac or can I have external hard drive that windows can install on.

 

Question 2. If question one is a yes will a be able to use the external hard drive just for windows and have all of the windows installation on that. and not touch the Mac internal hard drive at all and just leave that with macOS XXXX

 

Question 3. When installing the ISO file of windows will I need a license key / Activation code ?

 

Thanks in advance for the feedback

iMac with Retina 5K display, OS X El Capitan (10.11.5)

Posted on Aug 8, 2016 1:14 PM

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Q: Questions For Boot Camp

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Phil0124,Apple recommended

    Phil0124 Phil0124 Aug 8, 2016 1:23 PM in response to Chappers2017
    Level 7 (27,441 points)
    iPhone
    Aug 8, 2016 1:23 PM in response to Chappers2017

    Chappers2017 wrote:

     

    Question 1. Do i have to partition the hard drive in my mac or can I have external hard drive that windows can install on.

     

     

    Technically, installing Windows on an external drive is not supported by either Bootcamp or Apple. However there are ways around this, but you will have to find them on your own, and there will be no apple support for installations done in this manner.

     

    Boot Camp 5.1: Frequently asked questions - Apple Support

     

     

    Chappers2017 wrote:

     

    Question 2. If question one is a yes will a be able to use the external hard drive just for windows and have all of the windows installation on that. and not touch the Mac internal hard drive at all and just leave that with macOS XXXX

     

     

     

    Partitioning the internal drive will make the Mac side independent from the Windows side.

     

    Chappers2017 wrote:

     

    Question 3. When installing the ISO file of windows will I need a license key / Activation code ?

     

     

    Yes.  Windows will require a valid license key purchased from Microsoft. 

  • by Chappers2017,

    Chappers2017 Chappers2017 Aug 8, 2016 1:22 PM in response to Phil0124
    Level 2 (323 points)
    iPad
    Aug 8, 2016 1:22 PM in response to Phil0124

    Will I be able to use my old pc key to activate windows on my mac?

  • by BobTheFisherman,

    BobTheFisherman BobTheFisherman Aug 8, 2016 2:12 PM in response to Chappers2017
    Level 6 (15,371 points)
    Aug 8, 2016 2:12 PM in response to Chappers2017

    Ask Microsoft your Microsoft licensing question.

  • by Loner T,Helpful

    Loner T Loner T Aug 8, 2016 3:30 PM in response to Chappers2017
    Level 7 (23,970 points)
    Safari
    Aug 8, 2016 3:30 PM in response to Chappers2017

    Chappers2017 wrote:

     

    Will I be able to use my old pc key to activate windows on my mac?

    If it is an OEM License tied to a specific PC, it will not work on a Mac. You need a Retail or Enterprise product key.

  • by Phil0124,

    Phil0124 Phil0124 Aug 9, 2016 7:37 AM in response to Chappers2017
    Level 7 (27,441 points)
    iPhone
    Aug 9, 2016 7:37 AM in response to Chappers2017

    You should be able to as long as it's not a OEM key. i.e a Key specifically set for use with a specific PC.

     

    If the Key came as part of your PC then it will only work your PC due to hardware checks.

     

    You would need a retail version Key for it to work.

  • by BobTheFisherman,

    BobTheFisherman BobTheFisherman Aug 9, 2016 8:40 AM in response to Chappers2017
    Level 6 (15,371 points)
    Aug 9, 2016 8:40 AM in response to Chappers2017

    Chappers2017 wrote:

     

    Will I be able to use my old pc key to activate windows on my mac?

    Only if Microsoft allows the old license to be used for the new Windows version/installation. You have not told us what your old version of Windows is so we have no idea if the old license will work or not. Hence my advice to ask Microsoft. It is a Microsoft licensing issue you have.

  • by Chappers2017,

    Chappers2017 Chappers2017 Aug 9, 2016 5:21 PM in response to BobTheFisherman
    Level 2 (323 points)
    iPad
    Aug 9, 2016 5:21 PM in response to BobTheFisherman

    My old version of winodes is 8.1.