Bootcamp Question

[Robert4]

Hello,

Have been getting a few confusing results, so let me ask, please:

When using Bootcamp, is it necessary to do a "Complete" Shutdown/Off when switching,
or is just a "Re-Start" (while holding down the OPT key to be able to select Bootcamp) sufficient ?

BTW: I am using my iMac with a Dell keyboard.
The bottom row of keys, left to right are: Ctrl Fn Key with the Windows image Alt

Which key should I be using ? (are the windows image key and the ALT key reversed on Dell Keyboards ?)

Thanks,
Bob

 

[Juicy Box]

is just a "Re-Start" (while holding down the OPT key to be able to select Bootcamp) sufficient ?

I can't answer the other questions, but for this one, yes, a restart can be used. I hold in ALT/Option key right at the chime and then I get the boot drive selector.
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I hold in ALT/Option key right at the chime

After typing this, I just started wondering about newer Macs that don't have the chime, when do start holding keys?

 

[DeltaMac]

It does not make a difference. Either a restart, or a complete shutdown, then boot up again.
Hold the option/alt key immediately after selecting restart, or immediately on a "boot after a complete shutdown"
If the Mac is newer, without a boot chime, holding the Opt/Alt should work to show the boot-picker screen.

As you have Windows keyboard, you may find that the Opt/Alt don't work to show the boot-picker screen.
If it simply ignores your keypress, and boots into macOS, restart again, this time holding the Windows key.
If you now get the boot-picker screen, then you know what to do in the future.

The Windows key is what I would expect to work on a windows keyboard, but try each one to make sure on your particular keyboard. I have occasionally found keyboards from a Windows PC that don't respond to EITHER key (the key immediately to the left of the space bar, or the next key to the left) on boot, but IIRC, those were older keyboards using a PS-2 to USB adapter - and no Windows key on the keyboard. Hard to predict what will happen before you try on an older keyboard.

Is your Dell keyboard wireless? or wired USB? Wireless windows keyboards will often use a USB dongle, which may not load until the system software loads it (and hardware keys may not function soon enough to pick up the boot-picker key), but it's a good time to have a USB keyboard, as that should work. You just have to test each key to find out which one works (opt/alt, or the Windows key)

 

[Robert4]

Hi All,

Thanks so much for help and suggestions.
Much appreciated.

My Dell keyboard is wired.

BTW: By Opt/Alt are you saying to hold both, two keys, down ?

Thanks,
Bob

 

[Juicy Box]

BTW: By Opt/Alt are you saying to hold both, two keys, down ?

No, on Mac Keyboards it is a Alt/option key, but on your Dell keyboard, it most likely just says Alt.

 

[Peter_M]

The option-key thing doesn't work well IMO (hard to time it), so I just right click on the Bootcamp icon in the Windows start menu in the far right bottom of the screen (and choose "reboot in OSX"). That's the most practical way to do it.