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Go to United States of America - English (USD)Installing Windows 8.1 on a Mac Using Boot Camp
Note: The following devices do not support Boot Camp: MacBook Air M1, 2020 / MacBook Pro 13', M1, 2020 / Mac mini M1, 2020 / iMac 24-inch, M1, 2021, and any Apple device with an M1 chip.
To verify if your Mac can install Windows 8.1, follow these steps:
- Click the Apple logo in the menu bar.
- Select About this Mac to view your system information.
Note: Devices with Intel processors will show 'Processor'. Devices with Apple silicon will show 'Chip'.
Follow these steps:
Check for software updates.
Note: Ensure all macOS updates are installed before proceeding with the Windows installation.
- Open the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Preferences.
- Click on Software Update.
- If no updates are available, a message will state that your system is up to date.
Note: The system will automatically search for updates. If updates are available, click Update Now and follow the instructions to download and install them.
Note: If your Mac restarts after an update, reopen Software Update to check for additional updates.
Prepare your Mac for Windows installation
Boot Camp Assistant will create a new partition called BOOTCAMP and download the necessary support software.
Note: If using a portable Mac, connect it to a power source before proceeding.
- Insert your USB drive into the Mac and open Boot Camp Assistant > Applications > Utilities.
- On the introduction screen, click Continue.
- Select all available options and click Continue.
- Choose the Windows 8.1 .iso file you downloaded and the USB drive where you want to create the installation media.
- Adjust the partition size for Windows by dragging the slider and click Install.
- Your Mac will restart to begin the Windows 8.1 installation.
Note: Partition size cannot be modified later.
Note: Refer to the section How to install Windows 8.1? by clicking here.
Install Boot Camp on Windows
After installing Windows, Boot Camp drivers will automatically start installing.
- Follow the on-screen instructions in the Boot Camp installer on Windows.
- When the installation is complete, click Finish.
- After the restart, follow the instructions for any additional installation programs that appear.
Note: Do not click Cancel on any of the installer panels.
Note: If you see a message about the software not passing the Windows logo test, click Continue.
Note: Installer dialogue boxes may appear briefly. If asked to install device software, click Install. If nothing happens, check for hidden windows.
Note: If the compatibility software does not install automatically, you must install it manually. For detailed instructions, refer to this support article.