Windows 10 install, do I need the DVD / optical drive?

I am attempting to install win 10 on my iMac11,1 (late 2009)

I have been running into road blocks getting windows to install.


Is there a way to do a legacy BIOS install by tricking the computer to thinking a USB is a dvd?


Posted on Jan 9, 2021 5:54 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 9, 2021 6:30 PM

Bearded Phantom wrote:

I am attempting to install win 10 on my iMac11,1 (late 2009)

W10 is not officially supported on Macs older than 2012.

I have been running into road blocks getting windows to install.

This is normal and expected. See System requirements to install Windows using Boot Camp for macOS - Apple Support for reference.

Is there a way to do a legacy BIOS install by tricking the computer to thinking a USB is a dvd?

No. You must use the built-in Optical drive to install W7. Some 2009 iMacs do not support W7 64-bit.

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 9, 2021 6:30 PM in response to Bearded Phantom

Bearded Phantom wrote:

I am attempting to install win 10 on my iMac11,1 (late 2009)

W10 is not officially supported on Macs older than 2012.

I have been running into road blocks getting windows to install.

This is normal and expected. See System requirements to install Windows using Boot Camp for macOS - Apple Support for reference.

Is there a way to do a legacy BIOS install by tricking the computer to thinking a USB is a dvd?

No. You must use the built-in Optical drive to install W7. Some 2009 iMacs do not support W7 64-bit.

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Windows 10 install, do I need the DVD / optical drive?

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