First Time Use of Boot Camp Inquiry

Question

First Time Use of Boot Camp Inquiry

I'm interested in installing Windows 8.1 Pro (for students) as part of a job requirement for online tutoring, which requires Windows to operate their software. My research into how to install Windows onto a Mac has led me to some great information, however, it is only for DVD installation. If I were to purchase and download Windows from the Microsoft Store, how would I install it if it's not in DVD format? Is DVD format required to create the ISO file, or is the download already in ISO format? If so, do I just need to follow the instructions here and here?

Just looking for clarification or more details to avoid complications on a computer I rely on for work and school.

iMac (Yosemite) latest version.

iMac, OS X Yosemite (10.10.2)

Posted on Apr 10, 2015 11:47 AM

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Answer 1

Loner T

Level 9

59,536 points

Apr 10, 2015 12:05 PM in response to Community User

The requirement of a DVD depends on the Mac you are installing it on. A Mac with a built-in Optical drive requires physical DVD media containing the Windows Installer. It also requires a USB2 flash drive to hold Bootcamp drivers that support Apple-specifc Hardware.

Microsoft store will give you a Product Key. You can use it to download a Download Manager (.exe) which requires a Windows PC. This Download Manager will let you create a USB or DVD (or both) for your use.

The two articles that you reference are very good starting points for installing windows.

I also recommend https://help.apple.com/bootcamp/mac/5.0/help/#/bcmp173b3bf2 as a very helpful article.

If you want to install Windows on multiple computers in a Lab setting, there are additional utilities, which allow you to install Windows using a Network Boot. You may need a Windows server for mass deployment in such a set up.

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb742378.aspx

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/2008.07.desktopfiles.aspx

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