This article has been archived and is no longer updated by Apple.

Create an ISO image for Boot Camp from Windows installation media

If your copy of Windows came as an installation DVD, you need to create an ISO image from this media to install Windows using Boot Camp. If you don't, you might see the message "press any key" or your Mac might not start up from Windows during installation.

Current versions of Windows are available as downloadable ISO files, or as physical installation media. If your copy of Windows came as an installation DVD, you might need to create an ISO image from this media to install Windows on your Mac.

If your copy of Windows came on a USB flash drive, see Use Windows 10 on your Mac with Boot Camp for more information.

Create your own ISO

Use these steps to make an ISO copy of your Windows DVD:

  1. While your Mac is started from OS X, insert the Windows installation DVD in an external optical USB drive or connect your Windows USB drive to a USB port on your Mac.

  2. After the installation media mounts in the Finder, open Disk Utility from the Utilities folder (choose Go > Utilities).

  3. Select the USB optical drive or Windows flash drive so it's highlighted in the Disk Utility window.

  4. Choose File > New Image, and then select your Windows DVD or flash drive from the submenu.

  5. Choose DVD/CD master from the Image Format menu, then choose none from the Encryption menu.

  6. Give the new file a name, then click Save. If prompted, enter an administrator user name and password. A progress bar appears while the image file is created (it might take some time to create the image file).

  7. After imaging is done, eject your Windows installation disc or flash drive. If you're using an external optical drive, disconnect it from the USB port after the disc ejects.

  8. From the Finder, locate the disk image file you created earlier. Single click on it to select it, then press the Enter or Return key on your keyboard to rename the file. Change the disk image file extension from .cdr to .iso. When prompted, click "Use .iso" to verify this change.

     Are you sure you want to change the extension alert

Make sure your device is "removable"

When creating an ISO image or copying drivers to a USB flash drive, make sure the device you're using works as a removable drive. Some devices mount as a fixed storage device and can't be ejected.

Connect your flash drive or SD Card, then try to eject it from the Finder. If you don't see an option to eject the drive in the Finder sidebar, this device can’t be used to install Windows.

Use Boot Camp to install Windows from your ISO file

After you've created your ISO file, use Boot Camp Assistant to install Windows on your Mac.

During installation, you might see a screen that asks you which tasks you want to perform.

No alt supplied for Image

Make sure you have all three tasks selected:

✓ Create a Windows 8 or later install disk

✓ Download the latest Windows support software from Apple

✓ Install Windows 8 or later version

When you click Continue, Boot Camp Assistant prompts you to locate the ISO file you created. Select it and click OK to begin installing Windows.

Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.

Published Date: