How to Install Windows 7 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 check if you can install Windows 7, follow these steps:
- Click on the Apple logo in the menu bar.
- Select About this Mac to see information about your system.
Note: On Intel-based Macs, you will see Processor. On Macs with the Apple logo, you will see Chip.
Proceed with the following steps:
Check for software updates.
Note: You must install all macOS updates before installing Windows.
- Log in as an administrator.
- Close all open applications and log out other users.
- Select Apple Menu > System Preferences.
- Click on General in the sidebar.
- Then click on Software Update on the right. (You might need to scroll down).
- Install all available macOS updates.
Note: If your Mac restarts after an update, reopen Software Update to check for additional updates.
Prepare your Mac for Windows installation
The Boot Camp Assistant sets up your Mac by creating a new partition for Windows named BOOTCAMP and downloading the Boot Camp support software.
Note: If you are 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 options and click Continue.
- Choose the Windows 7 .iso file you have downloaded and the USB drive you want to use for the installation file.
- Allocate the desired space for Windows by dragging the divider and click Install.
- Your Mac will restart to begin the Windows 7 installation.
Note: The partition size cannot be changed later.
Note: You can refer to the section: How to install Windows 7? by clicking here.
Install Boot Camp on Windows
After installing Windows, Boot Camp drivers for your Mac will start to install.
- In the Boot Camp installer on Windows, follow the on-screen instructions.
- When the installation is complete, click Finish.
- After restarting the device, follow any instructions from additional installation programs that appear.
Note: Do not click the Cancel button on any of the installer screens.
Note: If a message appears saying the software you are installing has not passed the Windows logo test, click Continue.
Note: You do not need to respond to brief installer dialogues, but if asked to install device software, click Install. If nothing happens, there may be hidden windows needing your attention. Check behind open windows.
Note: If the compatibility program doesn't install automatically, you will need to install it manually.