1warren
Level 1 (4 points)
Windows Software

Q: Windows 8.1 on Mid 2010 Mac Book Pro

Hey Everyone,

 

I am trying to install Windows 8.1 on my 13" Mid 2010 Macbook Pro. I keep getting the message that Windows 8 is not supported on my mac whenever I go through the Bootcamp installation process. However I am seeing that other people have successfully installed Windows 8.1 on a mid 2010 13" Macbook pro. I am running El Capitan right now. Is there any way for me to get around this, or do I have to go and find Windows 7?

MacBook Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11.4)

Posted on Mar 28, 2016 9:00 AM

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1warren

Q: Windows 8.1 on Mid 2010 Mac Book Pro

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  • by mende1,

    mende1 mende1 Mar 28, 2016 9:04 AM in response to 1warren
    Level 10 (93,319 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 28, 2016 9:04 AM in response to 1warren

    Welcome to Apple Support Communities

     

    Your Mac is compatible with Windows 8.1, but Apple did not release drivers for it. Of course that there are ways to install Windows 10 on your Mac, but I cannot discuss it here.

     

    If you really need Windows 8.1, I suggest you to install it on a virtual machine (you can use VirtualBox to create it), so you can run Windows and OS X at the same time. Keep in mind that performance will be worse than installing Windows with Boot Camp.

     

    If you need the best performance, you can try installing Windows 7. It's still supported and it will run without any issue. See -> Install Windows 7 and earlier on your Mac using Boot Camp - Apple Support

  • by 1warren,

    1warren 1warren Mar 28, 2016 9:19 AM in response to mende1
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Windows Software
    Mar 28, 2016 9:19 AM in response to mende1

    hmm ok.. I will be running Autocad on the Windows partition so performance is really important.

     

    So I cant use Windows 8.1 and I would have to figure out how to get Windows 10. If I decide to use windows 7 will I need the actual windows 7 cd? Or can I download it online ?

  • by mende1,

    mende1 mende1 Mar 28, 2016 9:22 AM in response to 1warren
    Level 10 (93,319 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 28, 2016 9:22 AM in response to 1warren

    1warren wrote:

     

    So I cant use Windows 8.1 and I would have to figure out how to get Windows 10. If I decide to use windows 7 will I need the actual windows 7 cd? Or can I download it online ?

     

    If you already have a Windows 7 DVD, use it. If not, you will have to look for a Windows 7 download and burn it to a DVD.