HT201457: Use Windows 8.1 on your Mac with Boot Camp

Learn about Use Windows 8.1 on your Mac with Boot Camp
Edenthor
Level 1 (4 points)
Mac OS X

Q: Is it possible to install Windows 7

Hello.

 

I'd like to know if there's any way I can install Windows 7 on my Macbook Air 13'' from early 2015. When I open Boot Camp (v 5.1.4), it says it must be Windows 8 or a later version but I want Windows 7 which is previous.

MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015), OS X Yosemite (10.10.3)

Posted on Apr 9, 2015 7:59 PM

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Edenthor

Q: Is it possible to install Windows 7

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Kappy,Helpful

    Kappy Kappy Apr 12, 2015 11:10 AM in response to Edenthor
    Level 10 (271,101 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 12, 2015 11:10 AM in response to Edenthor

    Windows on Intel Macs Without Boot Camp

     

    There are presently several alternatives for running Windows on Intel Macs without Boot Camp.

     

    1. Parallels Desktop for Mac and Windows XP, Vista Business, Vista Ultimate, or Windows 7.  Parallels is software virtualization that enables running Windows concurrently with OS X.
    2. VM Fusion and Windows XP, Vista Business, Vista Ultimate, or Windows 7.  VM Fusion is software virtualization that enables running Windows concurrently with OS X.
    3. CrossOver which enables running many Windows applications without having to install Windows.  The Windows applications can run concurrently with OS X.
    4. VirtualBox is a new Open Source freeware virtual machine such as VM Fusion and Parallels that was developed by Solaris.  It is not as fully developed for the Mac as Parallels and VM Fusion.

     

    Note that Parallels and VM Fusion can also run other operating systems such as Linux, Unix, OS/2, Solaris, etc.  There are performance differences between dual-boot systems and virtualization.  The latter tend to be a little slower (not much) and do not provide the video performance of the dual-boot system. See MacTech.com's Virtualization Benchmarking for comparisons of Boot Camp, Parallels, and VM Fusion. A more recent comparison of Parallels, VM Fusion, and Virtual Box is found at Virtualization Benchmarks- Parallels 10 vs. Fusion 7 vs. VirtualBox. Except for Crossover you must have a valid installer disc for Windows.