Hello everyone,

I have just installed Windows 10 on my mid 2011 iMac. I used the macOS Boot Camp utility and everything went as smooth as silk. Here is what I did:

1) Went to https://www.123myit.com/boot-camp-drivers/ and downloaded the correct Boot Camp Support drivers for my mid 2011 iMac (in my case: version 5.1.5621). I downloaded these drivers onto a 16GB USB Flash Drive that had been formatted as MS-DOS (FAT)/Master Boot Record. Once the download was complete, I took out the USB Flash Drive and put it aside for later.

2) I then opened the Boot Camp utility and unchecked all boxes except Install Windows 8 (it may have said Install Windows 7 or 8).

3) I selected the Boot Camp partition size that I wanted (in my case 300GB for Windows and 200GB for macOS).

4) I installed Windows 8.1 (I had a legitimate DVD copy that I had bought – a Windows 7 DVD disk will also work). I installed Windows 8.1 to the “Boot Camp Partition” which I had previously formatted.

5) I relaxed and watched Windows 8.1 install on to iMac. Just like any normal install. At the proper time I typed in my 8.1 25 character activation code. I had to use a Windows keyboard and mouse as my wireless Apple keyboard and mouse were no longer working (no drivers yet).

6) When Windows 8.1 had completely installed, I plugged in my USB flash drive and installed the Boot Camp Support drivers (locate bootcamp.exe in the boot camp folder and install). I then restarted the computer. The iMac rebooted and things were looking good! The Apple keyboard and mouse were now working.

7) I actually used the 8.1 machine for a couple of days. I installed all Windows updates and checked to see if everything continued to work (mouse, keyboard, webcam, sound, graphics, etc.). Everything was in perfect working order. Time for the next and final big step: install Windows 10!

8) I went to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 and downloaded the Windows Media Creation Tool. I ran the tool and at a certain point was presented with a screen that asked: WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO? Two options were available: 1) Upgrade this PC now, and 2) Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC.

9) I selected UPGRADE THIS PC NOW. I then sat back, relaxed, and watched Windows 10 install on my iMac. It was a normal installation and went as smooth as butter.

10) After the Windows 10 installation was complete I had to reinstall the Bluetooth drivers (from the Boot Camp Support drivers: see step 6) because my Apple mouse had lost some functionality. Everything else was perfect! 

Good Luck and Best Wishes,

Randy The Computer Tech