Forum Discussion
How to install Windows 11 on MacBook Pro 2019 with Intel CPU
When it comes to installing Windows 11 on 2019 MacBook Pro. You know, I went through a similar process when I upgraded my old MacBook Pro to Windows 10 (and now 11). It felt like a leap of faith, but seeing my favorite games and tools running beautifully was so worth it. Just make sure you can flip back to macOS whenever you want a break from Windows.
Step 1: Prepping Your Mac
Check Your M1 or Intel Chip: If you have an Intel-based MacBook Pro (which you do since it's a 2019 model), you’re good. Windows 11 can run on Intel chips no problem. The lucky M1 folks have to jump through a few extra hoops if install Windows 11 on 2019 MacBook Pro.
Step 2: Dive into Boot Camp
Now that you’ve got your ISO, it’s time to get down to business with Boot Camp Assistant.
- Open Boot Camp Assistant: Go to Applications > Utilities > Boot Camp Assistant. You’ll see an option to create a Windows partition.
- Set Up the Partition: It’ll ask you how much space you want to allocate to Windows. Keep in mind that Windows 11 needs at least 64GB, but I’d recommend giving it around 100GB or more if you plan on installing some software or games.
- Select the ISO: Boot Camp will prompt you to pick that Windows 11 ISO you downloaded. Select it, and let Boot Camp do its thing. It’ll create the partition and download the necessary drivers.
Step 3: Install Windows 11
- Reboot and Install: Once Boot Camp finishes, your Mac will reboot, and you’ll see the Windows installer screen. Follow the prompts, and when you get to the part about choosing the partition, select the one labeled "BOOTCAMP." Also, make sure to format it as NTFS during the installation process. That’s crucial because Windows doesn’t play nice if you don’t!
- Complete Setup: After the formatting, you can continue with the installation. Grab a snack because this is where things take a bit of time.
Step 4: Post-Installation Goodies
- Run Boot Camp Drivers: Once Windows is installed, you might notice that some things aren’t working quite right, like trackpads or keyboard brightness. That’s where the Boot Camp drivers come in. They should automatically install once Windows boot up for the first time, but you can also find them on your USB drive if anything goes south.
- Windows Updates: Don’t forget to run Windows Update ASAP. Windows 11 loves purring smoothly with the latest patches, and you want to make sure you’re secure.