Mac Users - Start Here
If you have a Mac read this and get it ready before classes start
IMPORTANT: Macs with ARM processors (starting in 2020) should NOT be used in Engineering.
Reason 1: Software incompatibilities with ARM processor. Not all Engineering software will install, even with a Windows VM.
Reason 2: Your Engineering software will be buggy and slow, if it installs at all.
Known issues with Arm (M1 & M2) processor:
MAE & BME students will have problems installing and using Solidworks on a VM.
As of 10/5/2021 Solidworks does not install on Fusion or Parallels.
BME students - Linx plug in for LabView does not work on M1. You will not be able to work on BME60A projects.
CEE majors will have issues using AutoCad on a VM.
For upper division courses, AutoCad Civil Engineering is used and there is no Mac version.
Other majors will have less issues with using Windows in a VM, but there are no guarantees.
There are NO GUARANTEES an M1 will work without problems. Use at your own risk.
Fusion does not work on Macs with M1 processor. Use Parallels instead.
STEP 1 - Figure out what kind of processor you have, Intel? M1 or M2?
If you have an M1 or other ARM-based processor, then you need to use Parallels and the version of Windows 11 that works with ARM. You can download this from Parallels.
Note: Fusion does not appear to be compatible with ARM-based processors as of 8/18/2022 but things might change without my knowledge.
We do not have a site license for Parallels, you need to purchase it on your own.
We do not expect Engineering software to work with Parallels & Windows 11 or ARM.
Expect to use the HSSOE computer labs.
STEP 2 - OBTAIN WINDOWS 10 PRO - (Macs with Intel Processor)
For best results, do not use Safari. Try a different browser such as Chrome or Firefox.
Create a Personal Microsoft Software account
Instructions are at OIT's page for Student O365
Follow instructions carefully
Do not specify a personal gmail account anywhere in the process.
If you use a personal gmail account, you will not have access to the full library of software because Microsoft will not recognize your Academic association.
Only specify your UCINetID and the ucinetid@personalmicrosoftsoftware.uci.edu account.
Login to Microsoft Azure Dev Tools using your "UCInetID@personalmicrosoftsoftware.uci.edu" login account.
Look for "Software"
Find Windows 10 (consumer editions)- DVD (.iso)
If you are asked to pay for Windows, then you have not created your account correctly or you have not logged in correctly.
If this happens, try a different browser
Or, clear the cookies in your browser.
If you don't see the download, then contact Lisa Preble, labs@eng.uci.edu.
The Azure Dev Tools site is always changing so contact Lisa if you don't see the correct Windows 10 download.
Click the "view key" box on the right. Copy the serial number to a text file in case you cannot open the page again.
Click on "Download" on the bottom right to download the software.
You'll have Windows installer media in ".iso' format.
NOTE the following:
Sometimes the download fails with Safari so use Mozilla Firefox or Chrome.
If the Bootcamp installation does not like Windows, then download again using a different browser.
Contact Lisa Preble, labs@eng.uci.edu if you have issues obtaining Windows 10 Pro using the Azure for Dev Tools website.
STEP 3 - (OPTION A) - Install Windows on your Mac using Fusion (Macs with Intel processor)
Remove unnecessary files
Move files to the cloud if you don't need them locally on your laptop
Download Fusion
Big Sur requires Fusion 12
See this link to determine which version of Fusion if you have a previous MacOS
Install Fusion & Windows
STEP 4 - (OPTION B) - Install Windows on your Mac using Bootcamp (only for Macs with Intel processor)
Boot Camp is a utility that comes with your Mac and lets you switch between MacOS and Windows.
It allows for Windows to be installed directly onto your hard drive on it's own separate partition.
When you turn on your computer, you can select which OS to use, Apple or Windows.
Prepare your Laptop and Plan
Backup any important files to an external drive or cloud storage in case something bad happens during the installation process.
Remove unnecessary files
Move files to the cloud if you don't need them locally on your laptop
Decide how much space you want to use
In general, plan for 150-250GB
For MAE, CEE, and BME students, consider using half the hard drive for your Windows installation partition.
Your hard drive will fill up quickly
Plan for at least 250GB.
Other majors might get away with 150 GB but it's best to plan for more disk space.
You may have to re-do the work more than once
Install Windows using Bootcamp
Visit the Apple's Bootcamp website for the latest information and instructional guides
Every make & model is different so you need to visit Apple's for the latest information.
Detailed instructions for various MacBooks are found on the BootCamp website
TIP: Use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi
Consider installing BootCamp via Ethernet instead of Wi-fi
The process will take about 1.5-2 hours over WiFi.
Using Ethernet, it'll take around 5-10 minutes
Install fan control software to help with over-heating (for Bootcamp).
Many Apple users complain of their laptops overheating while running Windows
To solve this issue, it is recommended to install Mac Fan Control.
STEP 5 - Install system and security updates on Windows.
After installing Windows, ensure your Windows OS is up-to-date by visiting Windows Update.
STEP 6 - UCI requires you to use anti-virus software.
Windows Defender (included with Windows)
STEP 7 - Install the latest Microsoft .Net Framework.
In order for Solidworks and AutoCad to work, you need to have the latest Microsoft .Net Framework software installed.
This should show up in Windows "Optional Updates".
If not, go to: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=30653
To check which .net version you have visit: http://smallestdotnet.com/
Other resources for Mac Users
In the event you are having difficulty installing Windows, Please be aware of the following resources:
ANTech Repair Center
(949) 824-7096
For a fee, The ANTech Repair Center can install Windows for you using BootCamp, Fusion, or Parallels.
UCI Virtual Classroom (this is operated by OIT, not Engineering)
UCI Libraries Laptop Checkout
https://www.lib.uci.edu/mrc/mrc-laptops-and-mobile-devices
Laptops can be borrowed for up to 2 hours