Windows on mac mini

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

Installing Windows on your Mac mini is a straightforward process, thanks to Apple's Boot Camp Assistant, which is built into macOS. Boot Camp allows you to install Windows and switch between macOS and Windows when starting up your Mac. To install Windows on your Mac mini, you do not necessarily need a DVD; you can use a USB flash drive with the Windows installation media on it. Here's how to go about it:

Step 1: Check Compatibility and Requirements

First, ensure your Mac mini model supports the version of Windows you want to install. You can find this information on Apple's official support website. Generally, newer Mac mini models support the latest versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Step 2: Obtain Windows 10 or Windows 11

You can purchase Windows 10 or Windows 11 from Microsoft or authorized retailers. Instead of looking for a DVD, you might want to buy a digital copy. Microsoft offers Windows as a downloadable ISO file, which you can then use to create a bootable installation USB drive. When you purchase Windows, you will receive a product key that you'll need during the installation process.

How to Order:

• Go to the official Microsoft website.
• Look for the version of Windows you wish to purchase (Windows 10 or Windows 11).
• Complete the purchase process. You will receive a download link for the ISO file and a product key.

Step 3: Prepare the Installation Media

• Download the Windows ISO file from Microsoft.
• Insert a USB flash drive into your Mac. The drive must be at least 8GB in size.
• Open Boot Camp Assistant on your Mac (found in the Utilities folder within Applications). Boot Camp Assistant will help you create a bootable USB drive from the Windows ISO file and partition your hard drive to make space for Windows.

Step 4: Install Windows

• Follow the on-screen instructions in Boot Camp Assistant to partition your hard drive and install Windows. You will be asked to choose the size of the partition for Windows. Make sure to allocate enough space for the operating system and any software you plan to install.
• Your Mac will restart and boot from the USB flash drive to begin the Windows installation process. Follow the Windows installation instructions, and when prompted, make sure to select the BOOTCAMP partition to install Windows.
• After installing Windows, your Mac will restart again into Windows, and the Boot Camp installer will automatically start to install necessary drivers. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

Step 5: Switching Between macOS and Windows

After the installation is complete, you can switch between macOS and Windows by holding down the Option (Alt) key on your keyboard during startup. This will bring up a boot menu where you can select which operating system to boot into.

When purchasing Windows, you're looking for a retail version rather than an OEM version. The retail version is intended for end-users and can be transferred to another computer in the future, which is not the case with the OEM version that is tied to the first computer it's installed on.

Please feel free to let me know how it goes.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Hi

Thanks for your reply.

Do not hesitate to ask the community at any time in case you have any questions in the future.  

We appreciate your feedback, please click Yes or No to help us improve the support experience and help others with similar concerns.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Hello Derrick,

thanks you very much for your quick and accurate answer.

Have a nice Day.

Thibaut,