I'm considering installing Windows 11 on my iMac that has 250GB of total storage, but only 190GB is available right now. I'm curious if having about 120GB of space would be sufficient for daily tasks including schoolwork and some light gaming. I plan on using it for Python, Office 365, and a few Adobe apps, along with some games that aren't available on macOS, which in total would not exceed 12GB. I also want to keep around 24GB to 32GB free. Will 120GB be enough for everything or will it affect performance?
2 Answers
120GB is going to feel pretty cramped pretty fast, which could slow down your system. If you're looking at around 40-60GB for Windows and updates, plus 20-40GB for Office and Adobe programs, and then another 12GB for games, that doesn't leave you with much extra. I recommend aiming for at least 200GB for a smoother experience and some breathing room. If storage gets tight, consider using an external SSD for your games!
Honestly, 120GB might be the absolute minimum. Depending on which Adobe applications you're using, you could need much more than that. For example, Adobe Photoshop recommends around 100GB just for itself. Also, games can vary widely in size. Make sure to check the sizes of the apps and games you intend to install. Watching some videos on installing Windows on Mac hardware could help, too. Prepare for some potential challenges!
I hear you about the limited space! I only have about 140GB available too since I need to keep macOS around. I might try moving my Office and Adobe files to a USB flash drive to save some space. Gotta get creative with storage!