0

Installing Windows 8.1 on Mac Using Bootcamp: A Step-by-Step Guide

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 devices with an M1 chip.

To verify if you can install Windows 8.1, perform the following steps:

  1. Click the Apple logo in the menu bar.
  2. Select About This Mac to view system information.
Note: On Intel processor PCs, you will see 'Processor'. On Apple silicon Macs, you will see 'Chip'.

Proceed with the following steps:

Check for Software Updates

Note: Before installing Windows, ensure all macOS updates are installed.
  1. Open the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Preferences.
  2. Click Software Update.
  3. If no updates are available, a message will state the system is up to date.
Note: The system will automatically search for updates. Wait a few moments for the search to complete. If updates are available, click Update Now and follow the instructions to download and install them.
Note: If the Mac restarts after an update, reopen Software Update to install any additional updates.

Prepare the Mac for Windows Installation

Boot Camp Assistant will prepare your Mac by creating a new partition for Windows named BOOTCAMP and downloading the necessary support software.

Note: If using a portable Mac, connect it to power before proceeding.
  1. Insert your USB drive into the Mac and open Boot Camp Assistant > Applications > Utilities.
  2. Click Continue on the introduction screen.
  3. Select all options and click Continue.
  4. Select the Windows 8.1 .iso file and the USB drive where you want to create the installation media.
  5. Adjust the partition size for the Windows installation by dragging the center bar, then click Install.
    6. Note: The partition size cannot be modified later.
  6. Your Mac will restart to begin the Windows 8.1 installation.
Note: For further instructions, refer to the section: How to Install Windows 8.1? by clicking here.

Install Boot Camp on Windows

After Windows installation, Boot Camp drivers compatible with your Mac will install.

  1. Follow the on-screen instructions in the Boot Camp installer on Windows.
    2. Note: Do not click Cancel on any installer panels.
    Note: If a message indicates the software has not passed the Windows logo test, click Continue.
    Note: You do not need to respond to brief installer dialogue boxes during the installation, but if prompted to install device software, click Install. If nothing happens, check for hidden windows requiring your attention.
  2. Click Finish when the installation is complete.
  3. After the device restarts, follow the instructions for any additional installation programs that appear.
Note: If the compatibility software does not install automatically, you will need to install it manually. For detailed instructions, refer to this support article.

Check out what our satisfied customers are saying.

We’re dedicated to your success, and their feedback shows why we’re the trusted source for Microsoft licences.