By adding the Touch Bar to the latest MacBook Pro, Apple has added a way for Mac users to access all manner of tools without having to click a mouse or trackpad. Everything sits at the top of the keyboard, mere inches from where your fingers already rest. The Touch Bar is specially designed for use with Mac-based programs. But, many of us like to use both Windows and macOS on one computer and the Windows operating system relies on the function keys, which are now folded into the Touch Bar. So, what does the Touch Bar mean for Windows users on the Mac?
Just to add - if you don't have a wired keyboard to hand for you to enter a PIN when prompted to do so in the bluetooth set-up - the on-screen keyboard can be accessed via 'ease of access' tab on the bottom right of the login screen after boot-up and then used to type in the PIN. Aug 15, 2018 How to install Windows on your Mac using Boot Camp After following this guide, you'll be able to dual-boot your Mac into Windows.
What the Touch Bar does when using Boot Camp with Windows
Apple's built-in utility, Boot Camp, lets you install Windows onto your Mac using a partitioned drive. When you boot up Windows via Boot Camp, the Touch Bar will display the function keys F1 - F12 and an escape key. As soon as you log into Windows, the default setting will be the function keys. It is not clear yet whether there will be further customization for the Touch Bar when you use Book Camp to log into Windows.
- Using an SSD with windows already installed on it as an external drive with bootcamp I have looked around and cant seem to find the exact solution for my current situation - hopefully yall can help. I built my own PC about 3 years ago and for reason neither here or there I switched back to mac.
- Hi, Currently using a late 13' 2016 MacBook Pro Touch Bar here. I ran into the same problem too and no matter what I do including SMC reset, downloading the latest Boot Camp and updating it the keyboard back light just refused to turn on.
- May 19, 2017 Boot Camp – Capture Screenshots in Windows With an Apple Keyboard Mark Greentree - May 19, 2017 If you ever need to take a screenshot in Windows whilst using Boot Camp on your Mac – and with the Apple supplied keyboard, you may find it difficult to perform this action.
- Mar 24, 2020 Microsoft provides a keyboard mapping article that describes using a Windows keyboard with macOS. Use Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator to find key combinations for the unique characters used by the language and region your Apple keyboard is designed to support: Download, install, and open the Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator.
What the Touch Bar does when using Parallels with Windows
While Boot Camp lets you install the Windows operating system on a partitioned drive, Parallels is a third-party app that allows you to use Windows while still in macOS. Developers are able to add Touch Bar support to apps, so it is highly likely that Parallels will add a row of function keys to the Touch Bar. The company hasn't made any official announcement yet about what it will add to the Touch Bar.
What if my third-party app doesn't support the Touch Bar, but I need the function keys?
Have no fear. Apple didn't forget about the function keys, even if its own operating system doesn't really make much use of them. If you want to use F1 - F12, and the app you are using doesn't have Touch Bar support, simply press the fn key on your keyboard and the Touch Bar will display those trusty function keys for you.
Any questions?
Do you have any questions or concerns about losing the physical row of function keys on the Mac when you are booting up Windows? Put them in the comments and I'll help you out.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
❤️ healthA story about me, two Apple Watches, and five lost years
Magic Keyboard Boot Camp
Using Mac Keyboard In Boot Camp 2017
So I bought another Apple Watch. Here’s the story!