1

I have Windows 8.1 Pro 64 bit installed on my iMac (20-inch mid 2007). I have downloaded from Microsoft a free copy of Windows 10 Pro 64 bit. Microsoft did not ask me to do so. I decided since Window 10 is free, I would like to try it. I do not have a Product Key. During installation, I want to format my Windows partition and do a clean install of Windows 10. When finished, I what Windows 10 to be activated.

Update 1:

In response to bmike answer, I will add the following.

My Mac's firmware will not boot the 64 bit Windows DVD releases by Microsoft. I have to burn a special DVD where the EFI booting is removed. The procedure is given here. I also have problems installing the Boot Camp Support Software 4.0.4033. The solution to this problem is posted here. So when Apple posts, basically you have to have a 2012 or newer Mac to run Windows 10, I would not believe this to be true.

Microsoft has always incorporated the ability to use previous version drivers to run Windows. This goes all the way back to the days of OS/2.

Improve this question

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
2

According to Apple's Knowledge Base article, your iMac isn't supported directly in Boot Camp.

You should probably get VirtualBox or another VM solution to run the Windows 10 as that would bridge the driver gap better than trying to piece things together yourself. It might be possible, but I don't know where you'd start on it...

Improve this answer
2
  • 1
    Well according to Apple, Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 - 64 bit versions are not supported on my iMac. Windows upgrade advisor differed and I was able to do a clean installs of all 4 with all hardware shown to be working in the Device Manager. My question was not how to get Window 10 installed, but rather how to get it to Activate.
    – David Anderson
    Commented Aug 14, 2015 at 0:47
  • @DavidAnderson Fair enough - I just assumed non-activation didn't count as a successful install. You're clearly past the short answer I added so it will have to help others that aren't as far into the install as you are. Sorry I can't be of more help.
    – bmike ♦
    Commented Aug 14, 2015 at 2:03
1

I upgraded to from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10. I was able to either click "Skip" or "Do this later" when asked for the Product Key. Once I finished installing, Windows 10 activated.

Running Windows 10 from an upgrade was a disaster. However, this fixed my problem. Now, when I do clean installs, Windows 10 activates.

Improve this answer
0

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .