Mac: multiple operating systems at the same time - is that possible?

If you want to use several operating systems on your Mac at the same time, this works in several ways. We'll show you how it's done.

Install two versions of Mac on one computer

To install a second version of Mac, you first need to create a new partition on the Mac. Then start the installation of the operating system and select the new partition.
Once you have completed the installation, you can select your standard system in the "Start volume" category in the "System settings".
If you want to start the other Mac version, simply hold down the "Alt" key when you start the Mac. After a few seconds you can choose between the two operating systems.

With software like Virtual Box or Parallels Desktop you get the system in the system. If you start the virtualization software, you can install an operating system on the Mac within the software.
Apple has been using processors from Intel for around 10 years, so Windows also runs on the Mac. For this case, Apple has specially developed the Bootcamp tool. Instructions for installing Windows on Mac can be found in the practical tip "Bootcamp: Install Windows on Mac".

Read another tip on how to reinstall Mac OS X. We also show you how to create a bootable USB stick.