Install Windows 8.1 on a Mac running OS X Yosemite

This video will show you how to Install Windows 8.1 on a Mac running OS X Yosemite. For this guide you will need the Windows 8.1 iSO file and an 8GB or larger USB drive.

Hi All
So the long awaited video of how to Install Windows 8.1 on a Mac running OS X Yosemite is finally here. I have tried to add in as much important tips as I could without making the video too long and I hope it helps those of you that run into some issues with the install.
The main issues people seem to get are:
* Windows iso file permission error. For some reason users get this issue with the Windows iso file is placed on the desktop. Its like Yosemite has permissions that doesn’t allow files on the desktop to be mounted for some reason. Copying the file to the users documents directory should fix this issue.

* GPT partition error. I have already setup a video with some tips on how to solve this GPT partitioning error. So click the link to the video if you are having issues with that. Hopefully those tips will get it working for you.

* Touchpad & Volume buttons don’t work. To solve this issue you will need to download the Windows support software or Boot Camp drivers. To do that click here for a link to download the this software for your model of Mac.

If you have any comments or questions please feel free to ask also if you need a copy of Windows 8.1 you can buy it through the 123myIT store or download the Preview copy from the 123myIT downloads page.

Yosemite OS X

Want to know more about Yosemite? Direct link to Apple here.

163 thoughts on “Install Windows 8.1 on a Mac running OS X Yosemite

  1. Hi,
    I have a Win 8.1 Pro CD with external drive, therefor I do not need to make a Win 8.1 install disc from the iso file and just go straight to install. Is this correct?

    Thanks
    YAN

  2. I downloaded the windows blue but when choosing the ISO, it says my bootable USB could not be created because it only support versions of windows 7 or later (downloaded the 8.1 64 bit preview from your website). Any help would be appreciated!

      • Hi 123myit! I need help! i got an late 2012 imac yosemite. It stands ” Boot Camp only supports Windows 7 or later installation on this platform. Please use an ISO file for Windows 7 or later installation.” when im trying to dowload bootcamp. I tried with moving it to documents but it still do not work! Please help!! Maybe i need the 32bit version?

        • I ran into the same problem. You’ll have to change the Info.plist file of BootCamp (/Applications/Utilities/Boot\ Camp\ Assistant.app/Contents/Info.plist).

          Look for lines looking like this:
          DARequiredROMVersions

          MBP81.0047.B27 <– here you have to insert the Boot-ROM-Version you get from the system profiler (This version is from a late 2011 MacBook Pro).
          IM41.0055.B08
          IM42.0071.B03
          IM51.0090.B03
          IM52.0090.B03
          IM61.0093.B01
          MP11.005C.B04
          MB11.0061.B03
          MBP11.0055.B08
          MBP12.0061.B03
          MM11.0055.B08

          A second change is necessary because Apple didn’t allow USB-Boot for older models. The lockdown/lockout policy of Apple together with long lasting security flaws, being a five-eyed-state-company and stupid changes from one to the other version of MacOSX makes me planning the change to Linux in the near future.

          Look for
          PreUSBBootSupportedModels <- delete the "Pre"

          MacBook7,1
          MacBookAir3,2
          MacBookPro8,3
          MacPro5,1
          Macmini4,1
          iMac12,2

          In my case this was enough. It might be the case you have to adapt one of the strings below …USBBoot… to your machine.

          Save the Info.plist. Keep a copy of the original outside the I ran into the same problem. You’ll have to change the Info.plist file of BootCamp (/Applications/Utilities/Boot\ Camp\ Assistant.app/Contents/Info.plist).

          Look for lines looking like this:
          DARequiredROMVersions

          MBP81.0047.B27 <– here you have to insert the Boot-ROM-Version you get from the system profiler (This version is from a late 2011 MacBook Pro).
          IM41.0055.B08
          IM42.0071.B03
          IM51.0090.B03
          IM52.0090.B03
          IM61.0093.B01
          MP11.005C.B04
          MB11.0061.B03
          MBP11.0055.B08
          MBP12.0061.B03
          MM11.0055.B08

          A second change is necessary because Apple didn’t allow USB-Boot for older models. The lockdown/lockout policy of Apple together with long lasting security flaws, being a five-eyed-state-company and stupid changes from one to the other version of MacOSX makes me planning the change to Linux in the near future.

          Look for
          PreUSBBootSupportedModels <- delete the "Pre"

          MacBook7,1
          MacBookAir3,2
          MacBookPro8,3
          MacPro5,1
          Macmini4,1
          iMac12,2

          In my case this was enough. It might be the case you have to adapt on of the strings below …USBBoot… for your machine.

          Save the Info.plist. Keep a copy of the Info.plist outside of the package /Applications/Utilities/Boot\ Camp\ Assistant.app. Otherwise the next step will fail.

          Last step to do:
          sudo codesign -fs – /Applications/Utilities/Boot\ Camp\ Assistant.app

          Now Bootcamp Assistant should start with the USB option selectable.

          • Don’t know how to tell this forum software to keep the array /array and string /string information visible.

            Hope you’re able to transfer my writing to the real Info.plist.

            I got info that all this isn’t necessary any more because Toast will do the job.

      • Please help me as well, I bought the full version of Windows 8.1 Pro, did everything by creating ISO and saved it to my Documents, but now I put it in the Boot Camp Assisstant and it says this “Boot Camp only supports Windows 7 or later installation on this platform. Please use an ISO file for Windows 7 or later installation.” What do I do??

  3. Great! Now running into a second issue =/

    During the partitioning phase, i get an error message saying “The disc cannot be partitioned because some files could not be moved. Back up the disc and use Disc Utility to format it as a single Mac OS Extended (Journaed) volume.

    Problem is, from the start of the Boot Camp Assistant screen, looks like it wants to be formatted as a MS-DOS (FAT). Thanks in advance for any suggestions you may have!

    • Same issue here!

      I think that when you are copying the files into the USB drive. The computer automatically formats the USB drive as a MS-DOS (FAT).

      You can actually see it happen if disk utility is open and you have the USB drive highlighted.

      I have tried to format the USB drive into MAC OS Extended (Journaled) volume, before I use Bootcamp Assistant.

      But once you run the Bootcamp assistant, it automatically re-formats the USB drive to be MS-DOS (FAT).

      Just wanted to shed some light on it.

      I also came upon this video, but I have not tried its solution because I have a 2014 Mac Book Pro.

        • Thanks Matt,

          Do you think I should still do a clean install of Yosemite?

          I just got this computer (MacBook Pro 15 mid 2014) 3 days ago.

          I still suffer from not being able to install Windows 8.1 with the problem stated above.

  4. Hi, I managed to install windows, but I know, to right click I have to use 2 fingers on the trackpad. Is there any way of changing this?

  5. Hi 123myit i got a problem dowloading windows 8.1 on (late 2012) imac yosemite. I stands like this ” Your bootable USB drive could not be created. Boot Camp only supports Windows 7 or later installation on this platform. Please use an ISO file for Windows 7 or later installation.” help i have tried with moving it to documents it still dosent work!!! PLZ HELP! Maybe i need the 32 bit version?

  6. I have dowloaded the windows drive boot camp on my computer for a late 2012 imac but it still stands “Boot Camp only supports Windows 7 or later installation on this platform. Please use an ISO file for Windows 7 or later installation.” HELP!!!! can i drag in the windowsBlue iso to my usb and select my usb instead and get windows 8.1?

    • Hi Clarence
      Mate you are all over the place slow down a bit 🙂

      I don’t have that iMac, but here are the high level steps which you need to follow.
      1. You needs the Windows iso file which has the Windows OS files or a Windows DVD. This depends on your Mac hardware and OS X version.
      2. You need a USB preferably 8GB or greater.
      3. Bootcamp will extract or copy the files from the Windows iso file or DVD to your your USB and create a USB installer drive.
      4. Bootcamp may or may not download the supported boot camp drivers, so you may have to download them after the fact.

      Good luck
      Matt

  7. If i download windows 7 on my mac with bootcamp and then download windows 8.1 on the windows 7? If it works i will do that instead 😀

  8. Hello thanlks for helpin us.

    i folow all ur video and install windows 8 sucssfuly, but there is no WiFi

    how can i activate the WiFi wireless Network

    thanks

  9. Hi,

    After installing windows 8. when i turn on my Mac later,

    MacBook directly open windows 8 – it doesn’t give me the option to choose between windows or OSX.

    Please help me

  10. Hi, I have a late 2011 macbook pro, I only have 2 choices when at the select task screen. I have created a media file on my usb but, once the updates from windows support software is complete, it states i should enter the windows disk. Could you please help me with this? Thank you

  11. Hi,
    I got an error “Windows support sw could not be saved to selected drive. An error occurred while saving the Windows support Software”.

    I have Macbook Pro Mid 2014 model. I have updated to latest Yosemite.
    I have my Win 8.1 iso copied to Mac HDD and 32GB usb connected. Opened Bootcamp and elected all three options and continued. But, when progress makes it to mid (Windows support software),it show this error. I repeated for 4-5 times, but still with same error.

    What would be the possible mistake? or any other alternative?

    • Hi Aby
      Windows support software needs to be downloaded from Apple. Do you have a reliable internet connection?
      Otherwise you can take the tick out of Windows support software and download it manually, link below.
      MACBOOK PRO
      Good luck.
      Cheers
      Matt

    • HI Cheryl Kautz
      That’s weird ? Do you have that disk 4 there? If you want you can manually partition the disk with Disk Utility and then hold down the ALT option key boot in and manually create it.
      Altho it is weird it didn’t show up.
      Cheers
      Matt

    • HI Cheryl Kautz
      That’s weird ? Do you have that disk 4 there? If you want you can manually partition the disk with Disk Utility and then hold down the ALT option key boot in and manually create it.
      Altho it is weird it didn’t show up.
      Cheers
      Matt

  12. I have an .iso on my desktop and an empty 16gb usb in my computer formatted for the FAT file system. In the Boot Camp Assistant menu where you need to select all three options, it does not give me the option to “Create a Windows 7 or later version install disk”. I have continued and it gives me a message saying “The installer disk could not be found”. Any ideas what I am doing wrong?

  13. Hi, I have to problems with my Macbook Pro late 2013, Itunes doesn’t want to play my songs and on my sound it shows no audio devices found, I’ve try a few steps and none had worked, can I get some help with this plzz..

  14. Hi ,
    I got my 15″ macbook pro retina mid 2014 . I have followed your instructions , but every single time I get into the Partition part , it’s always says like this .”The disk cannot be partitioned because some files cannot be moved. Back up the disk and use Disk Utility to format it as a single Mac OS Extended (Journaled) volume. Restore your information to the disk and try using Boot Camp Assistant again.” i try to google it and find nothing to solve this problem . i don’t mind reverting my mac back to factory setting because litteraly still got nothing important in the hard disk . Hopefully you can solve this one

    • i forgot to mention . I can boot the windows via USB drive . does it mean that if the USB drive is not plugged in i can’t boot the windows ? and if it can boot the windows w/o using the USB drive , how about the hard disk running on windows? sorry for the long question and bad english .

    • Hi Clif
      Its good that you don’t have anything of value on the disk this is the best place to be in because you can setup everything from scratch.
      I am familiar with the first error. Some people have been getting that with Yosemite.
      Look I have not come across this error myself. But its the same story for this and any partitioning errors that you might get.

      My advise would be to start from scratch and do a clean install of OS X Yosemite from USB. I haven’t had a chance to do a video on how to create an OS X Yosemite USB just yet, its on my list of things to do. But the steps should be something similar to the links below.

      First do a back up of any data.
      Then create a OS X USB.
      https://www.123myit.com/2014/01/create-bootable-os-x-mavericks-usb-drive/

      Then do a clean install of the USB. Simular to this one.
      https://www.123myit.com/2014/03/clean-install-os-x-mavericks-usb/

      Failing that you can wait till I do an OS X Yosemite USB video. I should hopefully have it done by Monday.

      Once OS X is re-installed, then you should have a clean platform to install Windows on.

      I hope that helps.
      Good luck
      Matt

  15. I don’t have the “Create a windows 7 or later install disk” option in bootcamp assistant. I have a early 2011 Macbook Pro, but my Optical drive doesn’t work so I don’t have the option of installing from a disk.

  16. Hi,
    I have a Mid 2014 Macbook Pro 15″ and followed every step shown here to install Win 8.1 Pro to my MacBook. Everything work fine until we reach the part that says “Getting Finished” an error message pop up that says ” Windows could not update the computers boot configuration. Installation cannot proceed”

    Do you have any idea how to solve this. I mostly do all my work on Windows. Is it possible I just delete the OS X Yosemite from my MacBook and just do a clean install of Windows 8.1.

    Thanks
    Yan

  17. So I have a product key for Windows 8.1, and don’t need to buy it. However I don’t have the DVD or files for the software. How can I get those?

  18. Hey
    when i try to install Windows i cant use my keyboard or touchpad to go trough the installation. I tried it with an external usb keyboard and mouse to. So i cant survive the checkbox where i have to select my language etc.
    Please help me! 🙂
    Thanks

    • Hi tim
      What model of Mac do you have? Can you make sure you have the USB keyboard added when you start the process?
      Not sure what else you can do in this case.
      Cheers
      Matt

  19. Hi I have a macbook pro late 2011 with OSX Yosemite. I’ve been trying to install windows 8.1 via dvd copy however, when I’m on the installation of windows, the drivers cannot be found even if I downloaded the drivers from bootcamp and put it in a thumb drive.

  20. I have a iMac (27-inch, Mid 2011) running Yosemite. I followed your instructions but when I get to Select Tasks in BCA my options are different and it only has 2 checkmarks (you video has 3)?
    (1) Download the latest Windows support software from Apple
    (2) Install Windows 7 or later version

    I have both checked but when I get the next screen called Save Windows Support Software, there is no option to choose the .ios file. It only shows the destination disk?

    If I let it run anyways and save to the USB drive, it says it can’t find the Windows Disk when it try’s to install it.

    HELP PLEASE

  21. Hii,
    Thank you for all of your efforts.
    I got an error that says “Back up the disk and use Disk Utility to format it as a single Mac OS Extended (Journaled) volume. Restore your information to the disk and try using Boot Camp Assistant again.” I don’t know why it says that, my laptop is brand new so I don’t really think it’s necessary to back up my data, right? but the thing is, when I try to my drive it couldn’t be formatted, all options are disabled.
    I’d really appreciate your help.
    Best regards,
    Sara.

  22. Hi Matt,
    It seems I have the same “Boot Camp only supports Windows 7 or later installation on this platform. Please use an ISO file for Windows 7 or later installation.”

    issue as others have had, I can’t seem to see a fix for this in the comments. I have tried from documents and from desktop.

    I have a Brand new macbook pro retina, yosemite 10.10.2 and the latest boot camp. I got the ISO from your website, the blue 64 bit version.

    Any ideas??
    Also my first ever Mac so take it steady, I only have one day on this OS.

    Regards

    Paul

      • Hi Matt,
        I did try moving the ISO file and it didn’t recognise it. However, will try the process again and see how I get on. Is there anything else I could be missing? The usb drive is also a new 8gb drive.
        Regards,
        Paul

  23. Hello 123myit,

    I’m trying to install windows 7 on my macbook bro 13insh mid 2010, my disc port doesn’t work. I was able to create the windows 7 install disk on usb, but when the computer restart it show error massage that there is no disk found. and when I go to the boot camp during the start up the USB doesn’t show up also. I tried to create a windows 7 install disk on hard disk and different USB but it still not showing up when I start my computer and hold OPTION. please if you have a soulotion help me :D:D:d

  24. Hey! Great vid, but still have a problem. I want to install Windows 8.1 x64, and all is working fine, until the windows installation is almost finished. Just before the computer would reboot (like is happening in the vid) it says that the “installation is canceled”, and “Windows could not update the computer’s boot configuration. Installation cannot proceed”… I have a (mid 2014) mac pro 15” inch, i don’t know the problems lay there…

  25. I bought the full version of Windows 8.1 Pro online. I was sent a confirmation email with a link to my download that takes me to a page with a “Download Now” button and the product key.

    Downloaded it, but when I click on it in Finder I get this message: “You can’t open the application ‘OSGS14WindowsSetupBox-32bitand64bit-Englisg-4141408.exe’ because Microsoft Windows applications are not supported on OS X.”

    I tried downloading the same thing from a Windows PC and copy it onto a USB, but when I open it on my Macbook Pro I get the same message.

    How do I get the Installer like you have on your desktop in your video after downloading it from the link?

      • Hi Matt,

        Thanks so much! Only one problem, the Windows PC I have access to runs on Windows XP / Vista (not sure which one) and when I click on your ‘Create Media’ download link and select ‘Run’ I get an error message that says “Upgrade Assistant can only be started from Windows 7. Windows 8.1 is not designed for installation on devices running Windows XP or Windows Vista.”

        Do you perhaps have a ‘Create Media’ link for someone who doesn’t have Windows 7 please?

        • Okay so managed to download the Create Media File onto a USB. Now I’ve got the USB in my mac and started following the steps in your video to Install Windows with Boot Camp Assistant, but I’m stuck where you select/choose the iso file (the one on your desktop), but there’s no such file on my USB. I have no idea what to do now?

  26. Hi,
    I keep getting the error message: ‘Boot Camp only supports Windows 7 or later installation on this platform. Please use an ISO file for Windows 7 or later installation.’, I have gone into disk utility, and removed/ejected all possible windows disks but it still happens. Any reason or should i contact windows for a new ISO?

  27. hi.
    i am trying to install windows 8.1 on a 2010 macbook pro 13 inc
    i have now successfully make bootcamp show the option to create a windows 7 install disk how ever it does not show the other part of create windows 7 or “later version” install disk .
    and also i get an error when making a windows 8.1 bootable disk which says
    “boot camp only supports windows 7 installation on this platform.plz use an iso file for windows 7 installation””
    need help plzz
    thank you

    —–afrah—-

  28. Hi Matt,
    I have just followed the steps outlined but it keeps getting stuck at Boot Camp Assist stage with:
    “Boot Camp only supports Windows 7 or later installation on this platform. Please use an ISO file for Windows 7 or later installation.”
    I am using a OS X Yosemite Version 10.10.1.
    Can you advise?
    Appreciate your help!
    Alanna

  29. I’m getting a new imac. Can i install the preview direct and upgrade a year later to a normal version? In that case i don’t have to backup anything. Or will windows be gone if your preview is outdated for to long?

  30. Hi I followed your tutorial and after it finished partitioning, my laptop restarted to install windows but then the screen is now just black. What do I do?

  31. hello sir i have tried to install windows 8.1 on os x yosemite 10.10.3 but something is wrong with my bootcamp assistant.

    when i open bootcamp assistant when i press continue there is only two options
    1.download the latest windows support software from apple
    2.install windows 7 or later version
    there is no create a windows 7 or later version disk option.
    then also i hit continue then there is no file to choose option only there is a pendrive selected option what i do
    pls help

  32. hi 123myit

    i have tried copying the iso file into the documents folder but still the problem persists.
    please solve my problem asap.

  33. When trying to create the windows files from bootcamp assistance (after I created the iso file from my 8.1 DVD) it gets about 40% of the way complete then it just hangs. I originally was trying to accomplish this from the desktop but saw your permission tip and tried it again from Documents but with the same result. Any Suggestions?

    OS X Yosemite Version 10.10.3
    Norm

    • Hi Norm,
      Is it hanging or just going slow. Usually I say if it doesn’t have an error message then its probably still doing something?
      You could try a different USB maybe a bigger one?
      Cheers
      Matt

  34. hi my issue is that i am trying to use a windows disc that i bought 8.1 but i can’t get the macbook pro to go to the mac disc even though the disc has access permission

  35. I did everything step by step but when windows setup starts after choosing language and inputting product key I get this error message.

    “No Images Are Available” message in the “Select an OS to Install” window.

    what to do ?

  36. Hey there. I have a little problem here. I’m running on Yosemite 10.10.3 and I can’t even run the Boot Camp Assistant. Whenever I try to run it, a dialog box appeared saying “Boot Camp Assistant cannot be used. This mac does not support Boot Camp”. I have no problem running it before the update. Need help please !!!

  37. hello,
    I did everything in the video but after I format the Bootcamp partition, i can’t press the next button, it is grayed out, because it says “windows cannot be installed to this disk. the selected disk has an mbr partition table…” what can i do? this is a macbook pro 13′ with yosemite 10.10 late 2011, Please help me, can it be because of the usb? or something else

  38. Hi. Thanks so much for all the helpful videos. Im having an issue, with installing 8.1…

    PLEASE HELP!!!!

    I have a macbook pro early 2011, a 16gb usb, and the windows 8.1 installation dvd.

    So far i have downloaded the drivers from your link – the file ‘bootcamp5’ contains 3 sections 1) winPEDrivers, 2)auto unattended.xml and another 3)bootcamp folder. What do i do with these?

    Iv also copied the cd to my documents using disk utility and saved it as an iso. file.

    Iv started running bootcamp assistant but there is NO OPTION TO CREATE WINDOWS 7 or LATER DISK. When iv started the assistant without this option it gets to the stage where it asks me to choose the partition size for windows and Mac, when iv chosen it says an error occurred and could not partition.

    Please help, iv spent 2days trawling through ever site

    Thanks

  39. Hi,
    I ve got problem when I’m trying to install Windows 7 with Bootcamp. In the divide partition part, it is always fail to do this step. Even I cannot use Disk Ultility to format and create another partition.
    Thanks for helping me!

      • I open bootcamp and tick the three options, it seems like everything is going as it should, the partition I made it 32gb and then after the system restart the windows installer doesn’t start. My WiFi isn’t recognised until I perform another system restart and so it’s at this point I’m lost and don’t know what to do to install windows onto the partition created. I have a 21.5 inch iMac late 2013 Yosemite 10.10.4

          • Hi I used your preview version. I had a thought earlier and would by any chance the fact I’m using an ‘over drive mini’ 256gb as my usb storage which is usb 3.0. I’m about to try again using a 16gb SanDisk usb 2.0.

          • Hi, just to let you know that all is good now. I changed the usb device and it seems like that was the problem. I did get the GPT error message though. Luckily all I had to do was restart and open the efi windows and everything installed perfectly. So I want to finish off with saying great job on your videos Matt and thanks.

  40. Hi. I’ve been running Windows 8.1 successfully for a couple of months using Bootcamp on my iMac however after the latest Windows update it appears to have been corrupted and is unable to fix whatever problem it has developed. I can no longer open Windows past the startup screen where it is attempting to repair itself – will I have to reinstall it all over again and if so, how should I go about doing this? I would love to be able to save some of my files if possible.

    • HI Gillian
      First thing I would say is to try going into OS X and see if you can read the files on the boot camp drive. If this is the case you might be able to copy the files from Windows drive to your OS X drive and backup the data that way.
      Try that first and let me know how you get on.
      Cheers
      Matt

      • Thanks Matt. I’ve had a look through the bootcamp drive and I can’t see the files I’m after. As I’ve been using an Access DB I’m starting to wonder if the files may be stored up in a cloud thought that might just be wishful thinking. There doesn’t seem to be any files in the bootcamp drive which look like they’re associated with Office?

          • I’m using Office 365 but alas it doesn’t seem to have any files stored there.
            I couldn’t see any db files anywhere on the Bootcamp drive unfortunately as you suggested. I have saved a copy of the Windows files from my Bootcamp drive just in case they may be in there somewhere and I have now reloaded a new version of windows and am starting from the beginning again.
            🙁

          • Hi Gillian
            Office 365 may have been store in the cloud then, so yes you maybe right can you check there some how? I am not totally familiar with it just yet but plan to buy it in the future.
            Cheers
            Matt

  41. This video was so helpful! Thank you! The weird thing is…I’m at the point where it’s asking “taking care of a few things” and downloading all the apps and stuff for windows, but it never asked me for my product key information? I downloaded the 64 bit version from your site and saved it to a USB and followed the instructions on the video. Was the download maybe a preview version or something? It didn’t come up with a box to even put the preview version’s product key in.

  42. I want to install windows on my imac late 2012, i want to be able to retrieve my files from my “external hard drive for mac”, will i be able to bring the files over when i “do” install windows?

  43. Hello 123myit,

    I did follow every single step of ur video. But at the step of restarting windows (10:00) I got a problem. It said “Recovery: ur pc have to be repaired, the operating system couldn’t be load because the kernel is missing or contains errors.” I dont get it. What should be solved for this problem? Thanks

    Regards
    Harry

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *