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How to Install Windows 8.1 on a Mac Using Bootcamp

Note: These devices no longer use Boot Camp: MacBook Air M1, 2020 / MacBook Pro 13', M1, 2020 / Mac mini M1, 2020 / iMac 24-inch, M1, 2021. And Apple devices with an M1 chip.

To find out if you can install Windows 8.1, do the following:

  1. Click the Apple logo at the top menu bar.
  2. Select About This Mac to view your system details.
Note: On Intel PCs, you'll see Processor. On Apple PCs, you'll see Chip.

Proceed with the following steps:

Check for available software updates.

Note: Before installing Windows, ensure all macOS updates are installed.
  1. Open the Apple menu at the top-left corner of the screen and select System Preferences.
  2. Click on Software Update.
  3. If there are no updates available, you'll see a message stating your system is up to date.
Note: The system will automatically search for updates. Allow a few seconds for the search to complete. If updates are available, click Update Now and follow the instructions to download and install the updates.
Note: If the Mac restarts after an update, reopen Software Update to install any remaining updates.

Prepare the Mac for Windows installation

The Boot Camp Assistant prepares your Mac by creating a new partition for Windows called BOOTCAMP and downloading the necessary Boot Camp support software.

Note: If using a portable Mac, ensure it is connected to power before continuing.
  1. Insert your USB drive into the Mac and open Boot Camp Assistant under Applications > Utilities.
  2. At the introduction screen, click Continue.
  3. Select all options and click Continue.
  4. Choose the Windows 8.1 .iso file you've downloaded and the USB drive where you want to set up the installation file.
  5. Adjust the space needed for the Windows partition by dragging the center bar and click Install.
    6. Note: You cannot change the partition size later.
  6. Your Mac will then restart to begin the Windows 8.1 installation process.
Note: You can learn more about how to install Windows 8.1 by clicking here.

Install Boot Camp on Windows

After Windows is installed, the installation of compatible Boot Camp drivers for your Mac device will commence.

  1. Follow the on-screen prompts in the Boot Camp installer on Windows.
    2. Note: Do not press the Cancel button on any installer panels.
    Note: If a message appears saying the software you are installing hasn't passed the Windows logo test, click Continue Anyway.
    Note: You need not respond to any installer dialogue boxes that might appear briefly during the installation, but if a dialogue box asks you to install device software, click Install. If nothing appears, check behind open windows.
  2. Once the installation completes, click Finish.
  3. After the device restarts, follow any prompts for additional installation programmes that may appear.
Note: If the compatibility program doesn't start automatically, you'll need to install it manually. For details on how to do this, refer to the support article here.

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