Dual-Boot macOS and Windows on your PC or Laptop

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of dual-booting macOS alongside Windows 10 or 11 on your PC or laptop. By following these steps, you can run both operating systems without losing your existing Windows installation. This guide is designed for beginners and will ensure you have a fully functional dual-boot system.

Step 1: Prepare Your System

• Backup Your Data: Ensure all important data on your Windows system is backed up to avoid any loss during the installation process.
• Check System Requirements: Confirm your hardware is compatible with macOS. Refer to Hackintosh compatibility guides for details.
• Create Space on Your Hard Drive:
  • Open Disk Management in Windows.
  • Right-click on the partition you want to shrink, select "Shrink Volume," and allocate enough space for macOS (at least 20-30 GB recommended).

Step 2: Download Required Tools

1. Install Python from the Microsoft Store:

   • Download Python

2. Download OpenCore Simplify:

   • OpenCore Simplify

3. Download USBToolBox:

   • USBToolBox

4. Download USBToolBox Kexts:

   • USBToolBox Kexts

5. Download OC Auxiliary Tools:

   • OC Auxiliary Tools

6. Download Rufus for USB Creation:

   • Rufus

7. Download OpenCorePkg:

   • OpenCorePkg

8. Get macOS Recovery Image:

   • Follow the guide here: macOS Recovery Image Guide

Step 3: Create a macOS Bootable USB Drive

• Use Rufus to create a bootable USB drive:
  • Insert your USB drive.
  • Open Rufus and select your USB drive.
  • Choose the macOS image you downloaded.
  • Click "Start" and wait for the process to finish.

Step 4: Configure OpenCore

• Install OpenCore on the USB drive:

  • Follow the instructions provided in the OpenCore Simplify documentation to set up the necessary files.

• Add Required Kexts:

  • Copy the downloaded USBToolBox Kexts into the EFI folder of your USB drive.

Step 5: Boot from USB

• Access BIOS/UEFI Settings:

  • Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F10, or DEL during startup).

• Set USB as First Boot Device:

  • Change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive.

• Save Settings and Exit.

Step 6: Install macOS

• Boot from the USB: Restart your PC, and it should boot from the USB drive.
• Follow Installation Prompts:
  • Select "Install macOS" and follow the on-screen instructions.
  • Choose the partition you created earlier for macOS installation.

Step 7: Set OpenCore as Default Boot Manager

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

  • Search for "cmd" in the Start menu, right-click, and select "Run as administrator".

• Run the following command:

  bcdedit /set {bootmgr} path \efi\boot\bootx64.efi
  

• This command sets OpenCore as the default boot manager, allowing you to choose between macOS and Windows at startup.

Conclusion

You have successfully set up a dual-boot system with macOS and Windows. Remember to keep your system updated and back up your data regularly. If you encounter any issues, don't hesitate to seek help by commenting with your hardware details and any errors you face. Enjoy using both operating systems on your computer!