Macbook air 13 installation of windows 7. How to install Windows on Mac: instructions for installing a new OS. How to install Microsoft OS on Mac

Many people who are used to working with Windows find it quite difficult to switch to a new one. operating system after purchasing a computer from Apple. In addition to non-standard controls and many functional differences they are also not satisfied with the fact that the number of programs, games and various utilities, developed for macOS, are significantly smaller. For this reason, some users install Windows on Mac.

Is it possible to install Windows on Apple computers?

As a rule, the question about the possibility of installing Windows on Mac computer appears in the first few days after its acquisition. Few people are interested in this issue before purchasing. But the habits left over from the times using Windows, and a noticeable shortage of software force us to think about the possibility of using a more familiar and familiar operating system.

Fortunately, such an opportunity exists. Owners of Apple computers can install almost any Windows OS, and without the help of qualified specialists.

The Windows operating system does not replace the installed macOS; it is an additional independent program.

How to install Microsoft OS on Mac

To install Windows on Mac devices The Boot Camp utility is most often used; virtualization programs are used less frequently. But first you need to choose the appropriate OS version and upgrade macOS, if necessary. Many users do not attach much importance to the issue of choice, which creates additional difficulties for themselves both at the stage of installing an additional OS and after it.

On the computer from Apple operating room Windows system runs as an independent program

For example, Windows 10 cannot be installed on Mac computers released before 2012. This is due to higher system requirements and other features of the program. If you don't follow this rule, you will simply waste time. Here is a list of Mac computers that support Windows 10:

  • all model MacBook series Pro, which appeared after mid-2012, including 13 and 15-inch versions;
  • two MacBook models with a 12-inch monitor diagonal, sold at the beginning of 2015 and 2016;
  • all models MacBook Air with diagonals of 11 and 13 inches, hitting the market after mid-2012;
  • Mac Pro, released in late 2013;
  • Mac mini 2012 and 2014, including the Mac mini Server model introduced in late 2012;
  • all iMac models since the late 2012 version.

As for the earlier Windows versions, then they can also be installed on Mac computers released before 2012, but there are also some restrictions. Here is a small list of operating systems supported Apple devices, indicating suitable version Boot Camp programs:

  • Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate (Boot Camp 4 or 1);
  • Windows Vista Home Basic, Home Premium, Business or Ultimate Service Pack 1 or later (Boot Camp 3);
  • Windows XP Home Edition or Professional with Service Pack 2 or 3 (Boot Camp 3).

Before purchasing an operating system, make sure it is suitable for your computer.

Many users from Russia and post-Soviet countries prefer to download unlicensed operating systems instead of buying original boot disks. This is a gross violation of copyright law.

What you need to install Windows on Mac

In terms of installation requirements, all Windows OS releases can be divided into three categories:

  1. Windows 7 and earlier.
  2. Windows 8.
  3. Windows 10

Requirements for the first category:


The external drive must support the method of storing and transferring data in FAT (MS-DOS) format.

Requirements for the second category (Windows 8):

  • original image of the required OS version (flash drive, DVD or ISO image);
  • Internet connection;
  • at least 40 GB of free space;
  • one of the Mac computers with technical characteristics, corresponding system requirements the eighth version of Windows;
  • installed Mac OS X of the appropriate version.

If all requirements are met, the Boot Camp utility will automatically install additional software to adapt Windows 8 to technical features your Mac.

To find out the version of your operating system, you need to go to the menu (the button with the logo Apple in the lower left corner of your keyboard) and select About This Mac.

You can find your macOS version from the About This Mac menu, which is accessible by pressing the Apple logo button on your keyboard

The requirements for the third category are similar, except for one condition: the version of the OS used must be Mac OS X Yosemite or higher.

Installation using Boot Camp

Due to differences between different Windows operating systems, we will describe installation instructions for each category separately.

Windows 7 or earlier

To install Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 on an Apple computer, you must:

  1. Connect an external storage device and do not remove it until complete completion installations.
  2. Create virtual image boot disk. To do this, you can use programs such as Daemon Tools or Nero Burning Rom. The image will be required to work with the Boot Camp program.

    You can create a Windows boot disk image using Nero programs Express

  3. Launch the Boot Camp program. It can be found in the "Utilities" folder. If you can't find the desired folder, use the search.
  4. The installer will appear, where you need to check the box next to “Create an installation Windows disk 7". After this, click the “Continue” button.

    In the window that appears, check the box next to “Create a Windows 7 installation disk”

  5. Insert the disk with the new OS or mount the image in virtual disk drive and click “Continue” again.
  6. After a few seconds, a message will appear indicating that you can download the appropriate software from the official Apple website. We confirm the action. The Boot Camp utility will automatically download the necessary software. If this does not happen, you need to download the archive with drivers yourself by selecting your Mac computer model and Windows version on the official website.

    Confirm that the latest software has been downloaded Windows support from Apple website

  7. After downloading additional software, you need to unpack it on an external drive (USB flash drive). The system will offer to copy files with replacement, confirm this action.
  8. Once again, go to Boot Camp and select “Install Windows”.
  9. The program will offer to divide the memory allocated for the additional OS into disks, after which it will reboot and begin installation.

    Set the required size virtual disk for Windows OS

Further actions must be performed based on the prompts of the installer program.

Video: install Windows 7 on Mac as a second OS

Windows 8

Installing Windows 8 is easier and faster than earlier versions of operating systems:


Boot Camp will install the necessary software and drivers on its own. External USB drive not needed. This also applies to the latest release. Microsoft- Windows 10. Just install boot disk or flash drive, launch Boot Camp Assistant, divide the disk space and follow the instructions.

Video: How to install Windows 8 on Mac as a second OS via BootCamp

Features of installing Windows OS using a flash drive

In fact, the process of installing an additional OS using a flash drive is the same as in the case of a DVD, the only difference is that you need to prepare a USB drive in advance so that it becomes bootable. If you just write the image to a USB drive, nothing will work, you need additional program called UltraISO or similar ones.

In order to install Windows from a flash drive, you need to make it bootable

This program is shareware - available test period, which is quite enough to install Windows from a flash drive. Here are brief instructions for preparing a USB drive for installing an OS from Microsoft:


You can buy an operating system already stored on a USB drive. In this case no additional actions no need to take action.

Using the instructions described above, you can install Windows OS as an additional and, importantly, independent program. Before each start of your computer, you will have a choice which of the installed operating systems to use.

Virtualize Windows OS on Mac

In addition to installing via Boot Camp, there is another method to use Windows on Apple computers- virtualization. It differs in that the Microsoft operating system is installed and used as an application running directly on macOS. In this case it looks more like regular program, opening in a small window than a full-fledged operating system.

When installed in OS virtualization mode Windows more resembles a regular application

On this moment the most popular programs for virtualization are:

  • Oracle VM VirtualBox, distributed free of charge;
  • Parallels Desktop, the cost of which is 3,990 rubles;
  • VMware Fusion with a price tag of 5,153 rubles.

The difference in cost is dictated solely pricing policy development companies, since all programs work equally well. The only difference free program for virtualization from paid analogues- it cannot be used with Boot Camp.

Installing virtualization programs is almost identical, so as an example, let's consider installing only one of them - Parallels Desktop:


When you start the program, a Windows window will open in front of you, which can be maximized full screen mode(full-screen).

Video: how to install Windows XP on VirtualBox

Combined use of Boot Camp and virtualization

Some users have gone even further, developing a mechanism for combining the capabilities of Boot Camp and virtualization. Thus, they solved the problem of excessive consumption of computer resources with two operating systems running simultaneously.

To achieve proper operation given diagram, you need to perform the following steps:

  1. Install Windows on your computer using Boot Camp.
  2. Install one of the virtualization programs (except Oracle VM VirtualBox).
  3. When creating a new virtual machine check the box next to “Use Windows via Boot Camp”.

Pros and cons of using Boot Camp and virtualization

Boot Camp was created by Apple developers to give users the ability to change operating systems at will. Moreover, databases have been created in the form of drivers and additional software designed to simplify the process of adapting Windows to Apple computers as much as possible. It is for this reason reason Boot Camp is so popular among MacBook owners of various modifications.

Benefits of using Boot Camp:


As for the disadvantages, there is only one: not all versions of Windows are supported by Mac computers.

If we talk about the benefits Windows virtualization on Mac, then the following points can be highlighted:

  • the ability to use Windows without leaving macOS;
  • quick work with documents and programs.

Disadvantages of virtualization:

  • two operating systems running simultaneously consume much more system resources;
  • Some Windows programs may not work correctly. The situation is similar with the screen resolution settings.

Thanks to utilities such as Boot Camp and virtualization programs, users are able to work on familiar Windows operating systems while enjoying highly efficient and quality computers Mac. This is an excellent example of how two once-warring giant IT corporations are meeting each other halfway for the sake of the interests of their clients.

Hello dear readers.

There are several major operating systems that many users use. And Windows and Mac OS are considered among the most popular. The latter comes with computers from Apple. When purchasing such units, people try to use the security they already have. But sometimes some people need to switch to an OS from a “competing” developer. In the following article I will tell you how to install Windows on a Mac. This can be done in several ways - it all depends on the needs of the users.

There are several options Windows locations on computers from Apple. This could be a second system (installed on an SSD or on external drive), built into the first or even the main one. We will review each of these cases as they become popular.

So, one of the most common is the use of Win as a second system. Fortunately Mac developers OS latest versions provided similar situation and placed the appropriate tool. Therefore, this method describes the option of installing an additional OS via Boot Camp. The application is located in " Programs" In addition, it can be found in the search Spotlight.

For the procedure itself you need:

    Download the image with the operating system from the official Microsoft website.

    Availability empty flash drive 8 GB.

    Sufficient volume empty space on your hard drive.

It’s worth saying right away that this option is perfect for devices without a DVD drive, since the entire installation will take place from a flash drive.

So, now we need to do a number of actions:


To get back into the Microsoft environment after using Apple's OS, you need to reboot and hold down the Option button.

Parallels Desktop( )

Besides additional system, it is possible to place the required OS “inside” the main one. This can be done using a virtual machine. There are specially different software, allowing you to carry out everything you need. So, for example, you can install via Virtualbox- a good free solution.

But the most convenient and most suitable for OS X is considered to be placement via Parallels Desktop. At the same time, the application is also considered the best in terms of performance and battery life.

This option is perfect for users who need to use programs designed for Windows, but at the same time they only have a Mac at hand. It is perfect for clients who do not want to understand the tangle of settings.

True, there is one big drawback - the program is paid. Of course there is a trial version option. But it will end sooner or later. You can always find a demo version or buy the full version on the official website. It also provides detailed help on all features of the application.

So we need to do a few things:


As a result, users are offered complete working Windows, which runs inside Mac OS. At the same time, in the future, users will be able to easily change various settings virtual machine.

If something suddenly becomes unclear to you, the application provides detailed help.

Windows installation on Mac OS is possible and it’s quite simple if you approach this matter prepared. In this article, we will tell you how to install Windows on Mac OS – possible ways and options, as well as additional information and subtleties of the process.

U Mac users OS may need to use the Windows operating system for several reasons, ranging from the habit of using the Microsoft OS to the need to use special software that is designed only to work in Windows. In order not to purchase a new device, but to use the charm excellent characteristics equipment and use the desired system, MacOS has the ability to use multiple systems on one device.

What should I do before installing another OS?

  • Find out about the compatibility of equipment and OS versions (compatibility with Windows 10 and compatibility with version 7 of the system).
  • Check for updates to MacOS and utilities and update if found.

Boot Camp

Installing Windows 10 on Mac OS Sierra can be done via special utility BootCamp.

Utility "Boot Camp Assistant"- Software from Apple that allows you to create additional section on disk for installing an additional OS and further use.

Before installation, you must download an image of the desired Windows system. This can be done on the official Microsoft website.

  • Go to the Windows 10 image download page (or version 7, but this will require a key).
  • Select the desired system and language, and then begin downloading the image.

To start Boot Camp, open Programs – Utilities and select "Boot Camp Assistant".

In the Boot Camp window, you will need to select the amount of free space that will be allocated for Windows. When choosing, we recommend taking into account your needs - whether you will play games and install “heavy” applications or rarely use the system.

It is worth noting that if you allocate 100 GB of free space in Boot Camp, after installing the system, about 75 GB will be available to you.

In the ISO disk image line, specify the path to the downloaded system image. Click the “Install” button and the software will begin downloading for further configuration.

After rebooting the device it will start standard process Windows installations. Using the “ten” as an example, let’s look at the main points.

  • Initially, agree to the terms of the agreement.
  • Select the OS version and bit level.
  • At the stage of selecting a partition where files will be copied, you need to select a partition called BootCamp.

  • The process of copying files and preparing the main components of the system will begin.

  • After all reboots are complete, you will be greeted by a window preset system where you will need to specify your account Microsoft entry To log in, if you don’t have one, create a local profile. You will also need to specify privacy settings, which are recommended to be disabled - this will speed up the device a little and Microsoft will receive less of your data.
  • Upon completion you will be greeted by a worker Windows table and a small BootCamp application window. You will need to allow the application to configure the system drivers so that the screen resolution becomes correct and all components such as network connectivity, Bluetooth and others.

Installing Windows 7 on Mac via BootCamp is done in the same way, the only difference is the welcome screen and the initial screen.
It's also worth knowing a few additional facts about Boot Camp if you want to know how to install Windows on a Mac using BootCamp:

  • Updating all necessary correct operation Device driver installation is also done via Boot Camp.
  • It is recommended that you initially download the required driver package from the Apple website.
  • The system will work quickly and responsively, using the device's resources to the maximum. There is also a low probability that problems will arise from the drivers, since Apple treats this very seriously and carefully. But no one has canceled the bugs and problems on the part of Windows, although on the 10th version there are fewer and fewer problems (before the release major update).
  • Using MacOS and Windows at the same time is not possible, since the device can only work and use resources with one running system. And here virtualization tools come to the rescue, which will be discussed further.

Important! Sometimes, when installing Windows on a Mac, you may get the no Bootable device error. To solve this problem, use the following tips:

  • Using a legal image (no pirated assemblies).
  • Try changing the boot priority to MacOS and repeat the installation.
  • Try using USB drives or ISO files when using Boot Camp.

Parallels Desktop

There may be situations where you may need to install Windows 7 or 10 on a Mac without using BootCamp. For example, when you need to use both MacOS and Windows at the same time, but having 2 devices is too expensive and inconvenient. Virtualization tools will come to the rescue, one of which is Parallels Desktop for Mac.

Parallels Desktop – software solution to create a virtual machine and then install Windows, Linux and other operating systems. Allows you to use another operating system without rebooting the device and enjoy the functionality of different operating systems at the same time.

The latest version of Parallels Desktop 14 is currently available at a price starting from 4,990 rubles.

The application has truly outstanding functionality:

  • Common desktop for Windows and MacOS.
  • Using Win applications in the MacOS interface without having to start a virtual machine.
  • Backup, shared clipboard, Drag-n-Drop, a huge toolkit for working with a “windowed” OS and much more.

Together with Parallels Desktop you will learn how to quickly install Windows 10 on Mac second system, just by pressing one button. What do I need to do:

  • Download and install trial version Parallels Desktop on the official website.
  • And click Install to start

  • And at the end of all procedures there will be a notification about the successful completion of installation

The developers have made sure that the process is as simple and fast as possible for Mac users. We will also look at how you can do clean install Windows 7 or 10 on Mac OS high sierra or later using Parallels, using version 11 as an example:

  • Launch Parallels Desktop and select "Install".

  • Specify the path to the installation disk, USB flash drive or system image.

  • You can choose express installation of the system, which will require only a system key and a minimum of actions. Or you can uncheck the express installation box and configure the process yourself.

  • You can choose not only the number of active cores, random access memory or drive memory, but also video memory, system usage, boot priority and much more.

  • After this it will begin standard procedure installations. You will need to select a language and select an installation location.

  • After which, Windows 7 will be successfully installed. You only need to give a name to the profile and PC, create a password (if required), enter an activation key, configure the time and settings for connecting to the Internet.
  • The system is ready to use

The application is really very functional and solves many problems at once. But if you don’t have 5 thousand rubles to purchase a license, we’ll show you another way to install Windows 7.10 on Mac OS using VMware virtualization.

Oracle Virtualbox

VM VirtualBox is a virtualization tool from Oracle. Free app which will allow you to run Windows 7 or 10 without separate installation on Mac or BootCamp. The functionality is not as rich as Parallels Desktop, but this solution is free and will allow you to use 2 systems simultaneously. What is needed for this:

  • Download and install VM VirtualBox for OS X hosts from the official website.
  • Download the image of the desired system, for example “Ten”
  • Create a new virtual machine. Enter name, type and OS version

  • Set the amount of RAM

  • Set the storage capacity for the virtual machine and specify the disk type as VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)

  • Once the virtual machine is created, click on Settings.

  • In the “Storage” tab, specify the path to the image of the loaded OS, and then launch the virtual machine.

  • The standard system installation procedure will begin. You can find out about the procedure in the paragraph about Boot Camp.

As you can see from this article, it’s quite easy to install Windows 7, 8 or 10 instead of Mac OS, you just need to choose the option that’s convenient for you. Use the full power of the device, but put up with only one active OS or full use all the advantages of Windows and MacOS, but with minor performance losses.

Have a great day!

Long-time experts in the field computer technology note the priority of Apple in the field of personal computer development.

From the mid-70s of the last century to today, Apple confidently competes with IBM in the field of creating computer technology. In the old fashioned way, their computers are called “Macs,” despite the fact that real Macintoshes are already of museum value.

Their technical solutions famous manufacturers shamelessly copy them. Macs are reliable and functional. At the same time, the Windows operating system is more familiar, so a number of users need to install Windows 7 on MAC OS.

Popularity of Apple computers

The main differences between Apple's developments:

  • “closedness” of architecture;
  • high reliability and ease of use;
  • ease of working with graphics and printing;
  • leader of new products in the computer industry.

The MacBook belongs to the family of popular laptops developed by Apple. MacBook laptop The latest version is distinguished by functionality, compactness and quiet operation. The dimensions are amazing: thickness about 13 mm, weight up to 1 kg. The developers were able to abandon the use of fans in the design and create a new motherboard With high density arrangement of elements.

The keyboard has a highly stable press locking mechanism, and the keys have individual backlighting. Retina display 13" diagonal is exceptionally thin, reproduces images with high resolution. The touchpad panel is very sensitive to touch, capable of varying the degree of pressure when touched. The battery capacity has been increased by optimizing the housing design.

Aluminum parts create a strong and reliable mechanism for fastening the rotating part of the housing. Application of new USB-C connector for charging, video and sound playback, data transmission, it also allows you to ensure the declared geometric parameters of the product.

Two installation methods

There are two installation methods: via Boot Camp software own development Apple and using the Virtualbox virtual machine.

Boot Camp offers the user the following installation sequence: operating environment Windows:


The virtualbox machine emulates the work:

  • BIOS;
  • random access memory;
  • hard drive;
  • peripheral devices.

For computers designed for Windows platform, used to install a system other than MAC OSX. The program is distributed free of charge.

Installing Windows 7 on MAC OS X via Boot Camp

Installation requirements:

  • the hardware platform must have a connection to the Internet;
  • an OS X administrator account is used to access the “Boot Camp Assistant” program;
  • have a working keyboard, mouse, trackpad;
  • 2 GB or more of RAM and 30 GB or more must be available disk space For initial installation Windows to update earlier versions Windows will need at least 40 GB;
  • Installation disk required Microsoft Windows when installing via a built-in or external DVD drive;
  • You may need a USB flash drive with a capacity of at least 8 GB to install drivers.

What is necessary?

Installation requires:


System update

Installing Windows 7 usually requires version 4 of Boot Camp Assistant (BCA) on a 32-bit platform and version 5 for a 64-bit platform. Update Boot Camp software to install latest drivers Windows to Mac computer.

This can be done in two ways:


Entry into the BCA program may require knowledge account with administrator rights.

Video: Installing Windows 7 on Mac

Installation steps

The installation is lengthy and will require connecting a source adapter. We proceed from the fact that full installation updates have been made. Seven requires use file system NTFS format.

First remove all disks with lower numbers if the installation is not on the first disk.

Once the OS installation is complete, the data disks can be recovered. If you have installation problems, use disk utilities recovering and erasing data with restarting the BCA.

Installation procedure:


Install OS using VirtualBox

To install, you need to download the program file and run it on your computer.

Installing the program

Installing VirtualBox is carried out by performing the sequence of operations 1-15:

  1. run the installation file;
  2. agree to the demands license agreement, click “Next”;

  3. go through the windows sequentially by clicking the “Next” button, call the “Install” command and agree to additional software installation prompts;
  4. wait for the installation to complete and complete the process by clicking on the “Finish” button;

    Photo: VirtualBox installation completed

  5. run the program double click by desktop shortcut;
  6. launch the virtual machine (VM) creation wizard by clicking the “Create” and “Next” buttons in the main program window;
  7. enter the name of the VM, in the “OS Type” section, define the values ​​for the OS “Microsoft Windows” and the version “Windows 7”;

  8. Determine the size of RAM allocated to the VM to be at least 512 MB and more than 50% of the total memory size, or select the recommended size. Click "Next";
  9. on the “Virtual” tab HDD» make a checkmark for the bootable virtual hard disk. Set the switch to the “Create a new hard drive” position. Click the “Next” button;

    Photo: creating a virtual hard disk

  10. select "Dynamically Expanding Image" as the file type because it takes up little space initially and expands gradually. Continue to the next section;

  11. determine the location of the virtual disk to be installed. By default, a name is created that matches the name of the VM, and the disk is located in the same place where it is installed. real Windows 7;
  12. set the virtual hard disk size. (The default is 20 Gigabytes.) Continue with installation;

    Photo: selecting the location, name and size of the virtual disk

  13. click on “Finish” and we get the VM ready for use;

  14. configure the VM, to do this, go to the “Properties” tab;
  15. in the “Display” settings section, set the amount of video memory available for the VM from 26 MB. Check the boxes for 2D and 3D acceleration;

  16. From the “Media” list, select the DVD disk icon.

Windows OS Installation Steps

Installation can take place via an installation disk or its ISO image. If installation is done using installation disk, then it should be inserted into the DVD drive, in the “Attributes” column, select the “Drive” item from the drop-down list, and also check the “Allow direct access” checkbox.

Photo: Checking the Allow direct access checkbox

If there is an ISO image of the program installation disk, then the “Attributes” column is filled in through the “Virtual Media Manager” as follows:


Photo: Media item in Windows properties section

Next, you should exit to the main program window, where you click the “Start” button. When information windows appear, click the “OK” button. On the virtual machine screen, click the mouse and press the “Capture” button. Further installation of the OS on the VM is no different from a regular installation.

After installation is complete, VirtualBox program will immediately launch the operating system. The VM blocks mouse and keyboard use when used in a host environment. Switching between VM windows and the main OS window is done using the Right Control host key. If you exclude the capture of the mouse cursor and keyboard of the VM, then you can use the mouse cursor in the virtual and main operating systems, and also have a common clipboard. To do this, use the "Devices" menu VirtualBox machines go to the “Install Guest OS Additions” item.

Photo: installing guest OS additions

In the “AutoPlay” pop-up window, click “VBoxWindows Additions.exe” and follow the program settings.

You can exit the VM by performing the following sequence of operations:

  • in the virtual machine menu, select “Machine”;
  • then go to “Close”;
  • go to the item turn off.

Start already installed Windows 7 is carried out by the “Start” button of the main program window. Install operating room Windows system 7 on mac os in two ways: using Boot Camp, which is an Apple development, and using the VirtualBox virtual machine. A more transparent installation is carried out using Boot Camp.

For some users who have just purchased the product Apple Mac, a sudden switch from Windows to iOS can be painful. But we need to work. It's not just that you bought a Macbook! For the purpose of more convenient adaptation to the new software environment Without stopping work, there are options for installing Windows OS on Mac hardware. Later in this article we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of these options, as well as step by step instructions to bring them to life.

Is it possible to install Windows on a Macbook?

Can! It would seem a logical question - why? And when this need arises, this issue will fade into the background. But depending on the answer to it, we should choose which installation option is acceptable for us in a particular situation. It’s worth mentioning right away that on older versions of the Mac that are not yet running on Intel processors, it is almost impossible to install Windows.

There are applications that are only available on Mac, and if you need to actively work in them occasionally, well, let's say, process audio or video files, and get used to working with office suite no desire, and no toys More Windows, then we will be satisfied with the option of installing two operating systems in parallel on one PC.

If the goal is Full time job V Mac environment and the load on Mac applications is not so high, and Windows is installed only to simplify the execution of processes that have not yet been studied on the Mac base, then installation using a virtual machine is more suitable. This option suffers from the fact that the virtual machine takes up a lot of production resources. These are the requirements of the operating system that is installed in it, and not only. In most cases, this option is chosen, and we will look at it first.

Installing Windows on Macbook using a virtual machine

The most common virtual machine for Apple is Boot Camp. To install different versions of Windows you will need different versions Boot Camp. There are also limitations on hardware and mother OS. To install Windows on a MacBook, you will need to complete several preparatory conditions. We begin to solve problems as they arise.

Compatibility check, equipment preparation

We select the system that we are going to install and check whether all conditions are met.

  • Windows XP will require 2 or 3 service packs (for installation we use Boot Camp 3).
  • Windows Vista requires a service pack of at least version 1 (we also use Boot Camp 3).
  • Windows 7 (requires Boot Camp 4 or 5.1).
  • Windows 8.1 (Boot Camp 6+ additional drivers. Downloaded automatically by the Boot Camp assistant).
  • Windows 10 (Boot Camp 6+ additional drivers. Downloaded automatically by the Boot Camp assistant).

New Macs running OS macOS Sierra 10.12 will only allow you to install Windows 10.

Newer Macs run more later versions Windows. Of course, 64-bit Windows will not work on a 32-bit system.

You can check the compatibility of your version of MacBook with Apple's website. required version Windows.

For all installation options, you must have access to the Internet and an administrator account. Boot Camp won't work without an admin. Also allocate 30 GB free space on a hard drive, and a 16 GB flash drive for downloading drivers.

Installing Windows XP, Vista on Macbook using Boot Camp

  1. Make sure you have the latest version of OS X, Mac firmware, and Boot Camp.
  2. To make sure your Mac can support the version of Windows you're installing, you can check Apple's website. By default Win XP and Vista are supported by all MacBook versions, MacBook Air 2008-2009 And MacBook Pro up to 2010 release.
  3. If you need additional drivers for Windows, place them on the flash drive in unpacked form and leave it USB connector until installation is complete.
  4. Go to the “Utilities” folder and find the “Boot Camp Assistant” program there.
  5. Following the instructions offered by Boot Camp, install the required version Windows OS. We refuse the offer to download drivers for Windows OS DURING INSTALLATION.
  6. After installing Windows OS, your Mac should boot into Windows OS. In Windows OS, go to the USB flash drive and open the file BootCamp.exe. Follow the instructions on the screen to install necessary drivers.

Installing a new version of Windows 7 on a Macbook

To install Windows 7, the sequence is as follows:


Installing Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 on Macbook

IN in this case installation is carried out with with minimal effort. When installing the latest versions Windows new Boot Camp performs all the necessary operations on its own. To install the latest versions of Windows you will need:


Sometimes Boot Camp does not allow you to install the OS due to the fact that the configuration or functionality of the Macbook differs from the “original” ones.

To solve this problem it is possible to use third party applications. Video of installing Windows on Macbook using another virtual machine: