And yet, in the short term, at least, the transaction can cause headaches for some users because of compatibility issues. In time, the move should be a good one, especially for those fully integrated into the world of Apple. The move means faster speeds and a blurring of the line between macOS and iPadOS. Currently, there exists the possibility to activate Windows 11 on a Mac for free if the same Mac has had an activated Windows 10 tied to your Microsoft account.The Apple Mac lineup is in a transition period as it moves new devices from Intel-based processors to its own silicon. I do not know if either of these currently hold true. Also, in the past, Windows 10 would accept a Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 product key.

In the past, Microsoft has allowed free upgrades from Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 to Windows 10. However, to activate Windows you may need to purchase a product key. Note: You can download, install and try Windows 10 or 11 without having a product key. I used the dism command to do a clean install of Windows 11 on my iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2011). However, Microsoft does leave the possibility of installing Windows 11 by use of the dism command. Your Mac does not meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 11. While your model Mac is probably capable of installing Windows without the use of a DVD or flash drive, I am unaware any website where such instructions are posted.

I can not explain why the OP's question states the Boot Camp Assistant is asking for a flash drive, unless modifications have be made to the Boot Camp Assistant application.Īccording to this Apple website, the only newest Intel Mac models can install Windows without a DVD or flash drive and the only version is 64 bit Windows 10. I should point out that Microsoft support ended for Windows 7 on Januand will end for Windows 8.1 on January 10, 2023.Īccording to the ist file included with the High Sierra version of the Boot Camp Assistant, your Mac ( MacBookPro8,1) should require the use of DVD when using the Boot Camp Assistant to install Windows. If you have (or had) High Sierra installed on your Mac, then instructions for installing Windows 10 without the Boot Camp Assistant can be found here. However, upgrading from a 64 bit Windows installed using the Boot Camp Assistant to a 64 bit Windows 10 is probably possible. The Apple websites Install Windows 7 on your Mac using Boot Camp and Use Windows 8.1 on your Mac with Boot Camp can confirm this information.Īccording to the Apple website Install Windows 10 on your Mac with Boot Camp Assistant, your Mac is not on the list of Macs that can install Windows 10 by using the Boot Camp Assistant. According to, the Boot Camp Assistant can be used to install at least the following versions of Windows.

Macbook pro win 10