Techcaro.com Lifestyle Innovation & Creativity |
Learn about the general requirements to install Microsoft Windows 7 and earlier versions of Windows using Boot Camp. Review the tables in this article to determine which Windows versions you can use with your Mac.
Before you begin
These instructions are for Windows 7 and earlier. Check the tables below to see if these versions of Windows work with your Mac:
- Windows XP: Home Edition or Professional with Service Pack 2 or Service Pack 3 (Boot Camp 3)
- Windows Vista: Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate, Service Pack 1 or later (Boot Camp 3)
- Windows 7: Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate (Boot Camp 4 or 5.1)
Newer Mac computers work with later versions of Windows. If you don’t see your Mac listed below, refer to these articles instead:
- For information about Windows 8.1, see Use Windows 8.1 on your Mac with Boot Camp.
- For information about Windows 10, see Use Windows 10 on your Mac with Boot Camp.
Before you install Windows, you should start your Mac from OS X and check for software updates to make sure OS X and your computer’s firmware are up to date.
System Requirements
To install Windows 7 and earlier using Boot Camp, you need the following:
- An Internet connection
- An administrator account in OS X to use Boot Camp Assistant
- The keyboard and mouse or trackpad that came with your Mac (If they aren’t available, use a USB keyboard and mouse)
- A minimum of 2 GB of RAM
- 30 GB of free disk space is recommended if you’re installing Windows for the first time, or 40 GB of free disk space if you are upgrading from a previous version of Windows
- An authentic Microsoft Windows full install disc or ISO file
- A built-in optical drive, or a compatible external optical drive is required if you’re using an install disc
- A 16 GB or larger USB storage device or drive formatted as MS-DOS (FAT) to install Windows Support software (drivers)
