Qwsx00232
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Q: Can I have access to partition of the other operating system?

Hi everyone,

 

I have Windows 8.1 installed through the Bootcamp. I gave a limited 56 GB space to the Windows partition and now I want to have access to some files that I have in MacOS drive. Is it possible to have access to those files? I am looking for a way to be able use the files in both partitions no matter which operating system is up in the computer.

 

Thanks in advance.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Yosemite (10.10)

Posted on Dec 29, 2014 4:59 AM

by Qwsx00232,Solvedanswer
Qwsx00232 Qwsx00232
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A:

Thanks. I have one more question: If I run windows using parallel desktop, the files in Mac are still read-only? I am thinking maybe it is better to delete the Windows that I installed and use the virtualization. I am fine with Mac, the reason that I installed Windows is that sometimes I need something simple in Windows and there is no alternative in Mac. What do you think? If the files in parallel desktop are not read-only, is seems to be a good advantage.

Posted on Dec 29, 2014 5:27 AM

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Qwsx00232

Q: Can I have access to partition of the other operating system?

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  • by mende1,Helpful

    mende1 mende1 Dec 29, 2014 5:02 AM in response to Qwsx00232
    Level 10 (93,329 points)
    Desktops
    Dec 29, 2014 5:02 AM in response to Qwsx00232

    Of course. Moreover, Apple includes a driver inside the Boot Camp drivers you have to install in Windows that allows you to read your OS X volume in Windows. If you have not installed those drivers, look for your computer's model and your Windows version in this website to download the proper drivers -> Boot Camp: System requirements for Microsoft Windows operating systems - Apple Support

     

    After downloading the drivers (I suppose you are doing it in Windows), just open the downloaded file and run the installer.

     

    However, note that the driver is read-only, so you will not be able to write in the OS X volume. Instead, I would recommend you to copy the files you need to modify from the OS X volume to the Windows one, so then you can move them to the OS X volume once you have booted up in OS X.

  • by Qwsx00232,Solvedanswer

    Qwsx00232 Qwsx00232 Dec 29, 2014 5:27 AM in response to mende1
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 29, 2014 5:27 AM in response to mende1

    Thanks. I have one more question: If I run windows using parallel desktop, the files in Mac are still read-only? I am thinking maybe it is better to delete the Windows that I installed and use the virtualization. I am fine with Mac, the reason that I installed Windows is that sometimes I need something simple in Windows and there is no alternative in Mac. What do you think? If the files in parallel desktop are not read-only, is seems to be a good advantage.

  • by mende1,Helpful

    mende1 mende1 Dec 29, 2014 5:30 AM in response to Qwsx00232
    Level 10 (93,329 points)
    Desktops
    Dec 29, 2014 5:30 AM in response to Qwsx00232

    If you need Windows for simple tasks, it is much better to use Parallels Desktop, so you use the space you need and you do not have to mess up the hard disk of your computer.

     

    In the case of Parallels Desktop, I think they use a sharing feature to be able to read and write files and folders from OS X into the virtual machine, so you can do what you want. Remember that you need to install Parallels Tools into the virtual machine in order to do it.