Windows on Mac with Bootcamp

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Level 1

4 points

Windows on Mac with Bootcamp

Hey,

I use a mid 2015 MacBook Pro with 256GB of storage.

I want to run Windows with bootcamp in order to use CAD-Programms only available for Windows ( e.g. Grasshopper, V-ray,...). I need to know how many GB's i should provide for each system. I wonder if its possible to run bootcamp and windows on an external ssd, so i don't have to partition my flash drive. Or is it possible to upgrade my internal storage ?

Thanks in advance !

Posted on Mar 18, 2017 2:19 AM

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Answer 1

Loner T

Level 9

59,513 points

Mar 18, 2017 10:26 AM in response to JPR.

You have a couple of options.

Split the internal drive into half, one half for each OS, because CAD files can be large.
Install a minimal Windows OS on the internal drive (about 50-60Gb), and use an external NTFS-formatted drive as D: to store all your CAD-related files and software. This may also help in future portability. a USB3 or Thunderbolt drive is recommended for this option. TB is better.

A TB external SSD can be used, but you need to verify that your Windows licensing supports it. Windows Enterprise (Windows-to-Go) is the only legal method of running it on an external drive.

Upgrading your internal storage is possible, but expensive. Apple and OWC provide PCIe flash, but the OWC has some challenges for running BC/Windows. See Windows Boot Camp Installer Stuck as an example.

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