How to Dual Boot MacBook Pro: Step-by-Step Guide

For those who want to run multiple operating systems on their MacBook Pro, dual booting is a great option. In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing another copy of macOS on your Mac, using APFS as the preferred file system.

Preparation

Before we start the installation process, it's essential to prepare your Mac for dual booting. First, make sure you have enough free space available on your internal drive. For reference, APFS is the preferred file system to run an instance of modern macOS. The first step is to add a new APFS volume from the internal drive.

Adding a New APFS Volume

To create a new APFS volume from your internal disk, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Disk Utility application on your Mac.

2. Select your internal hard drive from the list of available disks.

3. Click on the 'New' button and select 'APFS' as the file system type.

Backup Your Data

Before installing another copy of macOS, it's crucial to backup your personal data, apps, and system settings. You can use Time Machine (free) or Carbon Copy Cloner (Free Trial), which are two popular apps for data backup on Mac. To avoid data loss during the installation process, make sure you have a full backup of your important files.

Installing Another Copy of macOS

Once you have created a new APFS volume and backed up your data, you can start installing another copy of macOS. Here's how:

1. Restart your MacBook Pro and hold down the 'Option' key while booting.

2. Select the new APFS volume from the list of available disks.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install another copy of macOS.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues during the installation process, refer to our troubleshooting guide: 'Installation of macOS Could Not Continue'. Make sure your Mac has enough free space available before attempting to install another copy of macOS.

Dual booting your MacBook Pro is a great way to run multiple operating systems on a single machine. By following these steps and using APFS as the preferred file system, you can create a new volume for installing another copy of macOS. Remember to backup your data regularly to avoid any potential data loss during the installation process.

Additional Resources

* Video Tutorial: Run macOS Big Sur and Catalina on A Mac (Dual Boot Mac)

* Install another macOS to the New Volume on a Mac

* Create a New APFS Volume from Internal Disk

* First, Make Sure Your Mac Has Enough Free Space

Dual boot macbook pro