Installing Windows 11 on a Mac the Hard Way

I have a MacBook Pro from 2015 that I want to dual boot with macOS and Windows. Why Windows? Well, gaming, mostly. I’ve long since moved to an Apple Silicon Mac, so this trusty old 2015 MBP is something I use more for backup and entertainment purposes.

The macOS now runs via Open Core Legacy Patcher (OCLP). Besides, there was a PopOS installation that I once removed, and now, the bootloader still suggests me to switch between macOS and PopOS.

It is of critical importance that the OCLP macOS keeps working after the Windows installation.

WARN: If you run a patched macOS version via the Open Core Legacy Patcher, do NOT use the Boot Camp Assistant app to partition your drive or install Windows. Boot Camp Assistant will attempt to create a “Hybrid MBR” partition scheme, which will break your UEFI boot structure and can severely mess up your OCLP bootloader. Instead, you should the Windows installation manually. It’s not difficult if you follow the right instructions.

Phase 1: Preparation & Driver Extraction #

Download the Windows 11 ISO directly from Microsoft’s official website onto your Mac.
Grab the Apple Drivers: Open Boot Camp Assistant on your Mac. Do not click continue. Instead, go to the top menu bar and select Action > Download Windows Support Software. Save this folder (usually named WindowsSupport) to an external flash drive or an external hard drive. You will need this later to get your Wi-Fi, audio, and trackpad working in Windows.

To be continued …

Phase 1: Preparation & Driver Extraction #

You aren't going to just walk away, are you?