Boot Camp — Windows 10

Hi everyone, I'm trying to install Windows 10 on a MacBook Pro 2018, version A1990, seqioa, and it's not working. I keep getting the error "Windows cannot locate the disk and partition specified in the unattended answer file's <ImageInstall> setting." Make sure the setting references a valid partition and restart the installation. I've tried everything, but nothing works.

Reset NVRAM

Reset SMS

FireVault is disabled

Tried via USB by holding down the option key

Tried everything Loner T wrote, nothing helps.


Help me solve this problem.

MacBook Pro 15″

Posted on Mar 17, 2026 8:18 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 17, 2026 7:11 PM

Assuming you're running Sequoia or Tahoe (the latter has a very narrow window within which it will run), everything should be in order for Windows 10 and later. The latest operating systems always carry firmware upgrades for their target machines, which might also fix issues running Windows.


First, let's look for any issues with the computer and SSD. (see this Apple Support doc). Anything other than code ADP000. you need to see your local Apple-certified gurus ASAP.


If Apple Diagnostics passed, run Disk Utility and launch First Aid to verify SSD integrity.


To boot from a Windows USB stick, you first need to lower the pre-boot security. Enter Recovery (Command+R on startup) and set the startup security to Medium (middle option of three).


Get back to macOS and download Windows 10 version 22H2 (64-bit). Save the ISO where you know you can find it. Then, run Boot Camp Assistant again and walk the steps you see onscreen. If this fails in the same spot, boot from a USB stick with Windows 10 version 1909 or later. If you are able to install Windows from USB, you need to go back to macOS one more time, then launch Boot Camp Assistant again. This time, though, use the top menus to download the Windows support software to a separate flash drive. Once this is done, go back to Windows and install the software you just downloaded


Good luck,

Nate

5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 17, 2026 7:11 PM in response to fara__isma

Assuming you're running Sequoia or Tahoe (the latter has a very narrow window within which it will run), everything should be in order for Windows 10 and later. The latest operating systems always carry firmware upgrades for their target machines, which might also fix issues running Windows.


First, let's look for any issues with the computer and SSD. (see this Apple Support doc). Anything other than code ADP000. you need to see your local Apple-certified gurus ASAP.


If Apple Diagnostics passed, run Disk Utility and launch First Aid to verify SSD integrity.


To boot from a Windows USB stick, you first need to lower the pre-boot security. Enter Recovery (Command+R on startup) and set the startup security to Medium (middle option of three).


Get back to macOS and download Windows 10 version 22H2 (64-bit). Save the ISO where you know you can find it. Then, run Boot Camp Assistant again and walk the steps you see onscreen. If this fails in the same spot, boot from a USB stick with Windows 10 version 1909 or later. If you are able to install Windows from USB, you need to go back to macOS one more time, then launch Boot Camp Assistant again. This time, though, use the top menus to download the Windows support software to a separate flash drive. Once this is done, go back to Windows and install the software you just downloaded


Good luck,

Nate

Apr 3, 2026 7:22 PM in response to fara__isma

If anything, it sounds like the unattended install file was not processed correctly. My apologies for the late reply, but I've been busy in real life. Be that as it may, we're going to have to try a different approach. What you need to do first is to undo Boot Camp and let's start again from the very top. You'll be asked to create the partition you need to place Windows upon it. Remember the size value of that partition. Walk through the wizard until you get to the point where you get the error about the install file. Before you restart, go ahead and insert a USB stick with Windows 10 build 1909 or later on it.


next, reboot the machine while holding down the option key. If you see your USB drive, select the USB icon labeled "Windows". Now, click the upward pointing arrow beneath it, and quickly press a key. Windows should start directly from the USB stick, and let me tell you, it's a lot easier if that flash drive has some kind of light on it that indicates it being accessed.


if you are successfully booting from the USB drive, you should see the Windows 10 setup screen with a language and keyboard selection. Go ahead and click Next on this screen. This takes you to another purple screen with an install button. Click it. You'll be asked to accept the legal paperwork next. Read through it if you want, but you'll have to check the box below.


The following screen is the partition screen, and you're going to see a bunch of partitions on the system. The one you want is called Boot Camp. Give it a click and then select the "drive options" button below that. With the highlight still on Boot Camp, select the button labeled format. While this will erase the label, it also converts that partition to the Windows file system. Once it's done, hit next, and it should proceed. You'll have to wait a bit if you got this far. If all goes well, Windows will be able to load. At some point, you'll be asked for a product key. You can ignore this for a bit, but you may have to select the edition of Windows that you have as well.


Since you don't have Internet yet (because you don't have any drivers), you may be able to get around the Microsoft account requirement. Do so if you are able. This makes what's called a local account. Proceed as usual.


once you get the desktop, the next big step is to go back to macOS and have Boot Camp assistant download the drivers to a separate flash drive. It's one of the options in the top menu.


when you have your drivers, go back to windows, plug, the flash drive in, and go to it in file explorer. Next, run the Boot Camp setup file and follow the instructions on the screen. Restart as needed, holding down the option key if you want to get back to windows. This time, though, there should be a hard drive labeled windows. If everything has proceeded according to plan, you should have the full support of your Mac hardware.


good luck,


Nate



Boot Camp — Windows 10

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