Windows on Mac for one program--help

[Dhonk]

Hi everyone,
Last year I installed Windows 10 on my MBP 13" mid-2014. I needed if for controlling some home automation for Control 4.
As a teacher for 13 years, I've used ExamView Pro for a while with all my tests on there and I enjoy the program. However, it's not supported on Catalina. There is a Windows version that works well. I'm looking at upgrading to the new 2020 Air. Also, Control 4 is no longer important as we are moving and I'll be using HomeKit accessories. So Windows would only be needed for this one program for the next chunk of my career. Some advice would be appreciated. I've done some searches, but before I become set on one direction, I thought I'd solicit advice.

1) is it hard (or even possible) to transfer a version of Windows from one Mac to another?
2) Given that I only use Windows for Examview, should I simply keep my old MBP just for writing tests? I was going to sell/trade the MBP, but I think I only saw the value was $360 in trade
3) Similar to #2, should I sell/trade MBP when I get the Air, and simply pick up a cheapo dedicated Windows computer to run my test Generator software (ie, one that I'll never care about upgrading the OS, so the software will always work)
4) We have an old 2010 11" Air collecting dust with no value, and can't be upgraded with Mac OS. Would that run Windows?
5) other? like can I transfer my Windows version to a SSD and run it from any computer in the future?

 

[glenthompson]

Hard to transfer Windows licenses from one machine to another. Easier if you’re running a virtual machine setup like Parallels. There are some free programs that will run well-behaved Windows programs on the Mac. Wine and Crossover Mac (free trial)

Another option is what my wife did. She need a Windows machine to interface to her sewing machine for embroidery patterns. It was easier and cheaper to just buy a low end laptop and use it exclusively for that task. Got a great deal on Woot - less than $300.

The old Air might run Windows ok. Worth giving it a try but you may have to buy a Windows license.

 

[chscag]

5) other? like can I transfer my Windows version to a SSD and run it from any computer in the future?

Windows will not run from an external drive due to restrictions by Microsoft. Apple likewise does not allow Windows via Boot Camp to run from an external drive.

I agree with @glenthompson that you would be better off running Windows with virtual machine software. Parallels and VMWare Fusion are good choices. Or, you can even try the free VirtualBox software from Oracle.

 

[Erehy Dobon]

Since the software you want to run doesn't appear to demand exceptional performance, I suggest you use VirtualBox. I run Quicken 2017 and Office (just for Excel) in a Windows 10 instance with VirtualBox. I've been doing this for several years now, it is perfectly adequate for my needs since neither application demands a lot of resources. At one point, the VM folder was on an external spinning hard drive that had plenty of space.

If for some reason you find VirtualBox inadequate for your needs, try Parallels and VMware Fusion.

 

[Altemose]

1) is it hard (or even possible) to transfer a version of Windows from one Mac to another?
2) Given that I only use Windows for Examview, should I simply keep my old MBP just for writing tests? I was going to sell/trade the MBP, but I think I only saw the value was $360 in trade
3) Similar to #2, should I sell/trade MBP when I get the Air, and simply pick up a cheapo dedicated Windows computer to run my test Generator software (ie, one that I'll never care about upgrading the OS, so the software will always work)
4) We have an old 2010 11" Air collecting dust with no value, and can't be upgraded with Mac OS. Would that run Windows?
5) other? like can I transfer my Windows version to a SSD and run it from any computer in the future?

1. It is easier to create an image from a Boot Camp partition and utilize it within a VM on a different computer than it is to migrate Boot Camp partitions from one computer to another. However, either method can be done with some patience.

2. As an educator, that will quickly create discrepancies about what files are on which machine. My recommendation would be to consolidate to one machine using either a Boot Camp partition or VM.

3. You will be saddened each time you use the Windows PC in comparison to the MacBook Air due to the difference in quality.

4. Yes. You can run Windows on the older Air if you like. According to Apple, any MacBook Air prior to 2012 is not supported in Windows 10, however many users are able to get it to work just fine. Windows has greatly improved its driver detection in recent years, particularly on older hardware.

5. Yes. While this is an unsupported option, there are several guides to running Windows from an external SSD. Beware however that they come at a cost of speed and, in some cases, reliability.