You have an old Mac Mini 2018 (Model A1993) Standing around somewhere, or do you have the opportunity to dust one off cheaply? It's perfect! These little pieces of silver can be transformed into fast Windows 11 office computers with just a few simple steps. And the best part: Getting there is easier than expected – knowing what matters.
The bargain hunt: Where do you find a Mac Mini?
The first step is clear: You need a Mac Mini 2018. The good news is that these devices have become quite affordable in the used market. A look at classified ads, classic eBay or maybe you know someone who wants to send their ‘grey’ faithful companion to retirement? These Macs pop up regularly, often at really fair prices. (often between 100-200€)
RAM and SSD: Small invested, big won
Before we get started, a tip that's really worth it: Give the little guy a hardware upgrade! On eBay or Amazon you will find suitable RAM bars and SSDs for small money. The replacement goes (for Apple conditions) surprisingly fast by hand, loosen a few screws here, as a few plugs, contents slide out completely, the old hardware out, the new in, roll backwards and ready. This is where good snappers can be achieved, as the 8GB variants with a small SSD are often no longer sooo in demand. Or you do it differently, but later on.
With 16 or 32GB of RAM and a larger SSD (ideally at least 256GB, or if the wallet sits looser also likes more) you make the Mac Mini a really splashy box for everyday office life.
macOS 15.7: The solid basis
After you hold the Mac Mini in your hands, the first step is to set up macOS. Apple has rolled out macOS 15.7 Sequoia as the last official update for these devices, and frankly: The Mac Mini runs smoothly as a standalone office computer. macOS is intuitive, secure and perfectly suited for many office tasks.
But -> and that's a big but <- Not everyone wants to or can make the switch to macOS. Maybe you depend on certain Windows programs that are only available for PCs, or you just don't want to familiarize yourself with a new operating system in general? No problem! This is exactly what Bootcamp is for.
Bootcamp and the Windows hurdle: The right ISO is crucial
It's a bit tricky here, but don't worry, it works with the right instructions. To install Windows on your Mac Mini, you need a old Windows 10 ISO image. And by that I mean really old.
Current Windows 10 images (24H2) that you can download directly from Microsoft do not work. How to install Windows 11 directly? It doesn't work either. The Mac Mini 2018 is pretty picky. Even an image from 2020 has already been rejected. Your best choice: The Windows 10 Version 1809 or Version of 1903 as ISO. You have to get them from the net, but Bootcamp should work with these versions without any problems.
Partitioning: Make room for Windows
When you start Bootcamp, you will be asked how you want to split the hard drive. Important to know: Bootcamp lets you shrink the macOS partition to a maximum size that is only about 10GB larger than the data currently on it. This means: If you want a lot of space for Windows, you should keep macOS as slim as possible.
For example, with a 256GB system, you could partition like this:
- 64GB for macOS / 180GB for Windows -> if Windows is to become your main system
- 128GB for macOS / 128GB for Windows The Democratic Half-Halbe Solution
Plan this in advance, because later a change in the partition size is no longer so easily possible or the MacOS is possibly then insulted.
Also you should consider which OS you need on the apple side, if you want to experiment with newer versions I recommend this video, on the one hand because the SSD upgrade is nicely described and on the other hand also the OpenCore Legacy Patcher you need if you want to subjugate the Mac Mini a not officially supported system:
Windows 10 installation: As on a normal PC
As soon as Bootcamp starts the Windows 10 installation, everything feels familiar. You go through the installation wizard as you know it from a PC. Select language, enter (or skip) license key, make a few settings, nothing spectacular.
Protip: Since some drivers are not yet stored during the installation, take a wired mouse and keyboard, so you save yourself a handful of frustration.
Wait patiently until Windows 10 is installed. Then comes the next important step.
Bootcamp drivers: So that everything runs smoothly
After installing Windows, you must Bootcamp drivers and utilities install. These ensure that your hardware is recognized correctly, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, graphics, sound, everything. Normally Bootcamp offers you this installation automatically.
If the system ticks here (yes, that can happen), there are two solutions:
- Brigadier of GitHub -> a handy tool that downloads the drivers for you
- Manual download the Driver/SW directly from Apple
With installed drivers, your Mac Mini suddenly runs like a normal Windows PC.
Upgrading to Windows 11: Bypassing Hardware Checks
Now it becomes interesting: Microsoft wants to see TPM 2.0, Secure Boot and a whole list of other hardware requirements for Windows 11. Your Mac Mini 2018 doesn't officially meet all of these requirements. But hey, where there is a will, there is also a way!
With tools like this UpDownTool (described here) or Flybyoo11 (I have an article too) you can elegantly ignore these ‘compelling’ hardware requirements and still upgrade to Windows 11. These tools patch the installer so that it no longer asks for TPM and Co. The upgrade then runs through as if on a fully supported system.
Final updates: The final touch
Almost done! After Windows 11 runs, you should still use the Apple software updater (installed with Bootcamp drivers) check for updates. This will bring you the latest versions of Bootcamp drivers and utilities to your system. One last restart and you're done!
What do you have now?
Congratulations! You have one Mac Mini with high WAF (Wife acceptance factor; Even if the term is somewhat dusty, you know what is meant). The compact, chic aluminum box does well:
- In the office on the desk
- In the dining room as an unobtrusive workplace
- In the children's room as a solid PC for homework and office work
The Mac Mini with Windows 11 runs smoothly for all standard office tasks: Office programs, web browsers, email, video conferencing? No problem at all! The box is quiet, energy efficient and reliable.
What can you NOT expect?
Be realistic: You should say goodbye to AAA gaming. Cyberpunk 2077 in Ultra-Settings? Nope, nope. The box was not built for this. But honestly: As an office computer, it is perfect for this and that's exactly what the idea behind this project was.
Conclusion: Use used Apple hardware smartly
The Mac Mini 2018 is a perfect example of how you can turn used Apple hardware into a modern Windows workstation with a bit of expertise. Cheap to buy, easy to upgrade, and with Bootcamp and a few tricks even the current Windows 11 runs on it.
If, by the way, you Prices for the 2018 (A1993) version are still too high and you would rather use a small MiniPC for less, because you do not have to detour through MacOS – fair enough!
But there is also the possibility to look at a little older systems, The 2014 Mac Minis For example, this could be possible, (there are often under 100€) but you should keep in mind that even the i7 CPUs are only DualCore! That would be more like a MultiMedia box behind the TV, next to the HiFi system – or as the basis for a self-construction NAS with WAF.
From models 2012 and older for such a crafting solution you should better keep your distance, (really old hardware, is no longer fun) just like the 2020 upwards, (the M1+ CPUs do not like Windows anymore).
So: Look at the hardware purchase, invest a few euros in RAM and SSD upgrade, (if you are not as bargain hunter as my former intern, who shot an already equipped with 32GB i5er for 170€) and already you have a stylish, quiet and economical office computer, which will serve you well for years to come. The hardware is robust, easy to maintain, less susceptible to interference, quiet and snuffy.
Good luck with crafting.
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