Is it possible to install windows 8 on a computer without a disc drive?

September 23, 2013 6:14 AM

I bought a 2012 Imac without an optical disc drive. I researched difficulties others have had with this process and windows 7, like the thread here. After a week of trying I'm no closer than I was when I started. I have a copy of Windows 8 system builder that I want to install. The problems I face are these. *Microsoft only allows upgrades of Windows 8 to be downloaded. Stand alone copies are only available on a disc. Apple says Bootcamp does not work with the upgrade * it seems impossible to get an actual legal copy of the windows 8 iso. Digital River has only Windows 7 iso's. * I purchased an ASUS optical drive from Amazon that came without cables but the sata cables linked with this device do not fit with the back of the iMac.I am probably sending the drive back to Amazon, but am not sure where I go from there. Any suggestions?
posted by Xurando to Computers & Internet (4 answers total)

What about getting the Apple external drive, instead of the Asus? You'd be guaranteed it will work with your iMac.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 6:25 AM on September 23, 2013 [1 favorite]

I'm confused - did your Asus drive come with eSATA cables? You'll need one that connects via one of the connection types your iMac offers, probably USB.

(Also, for what it's worth, Windows 8.1 will finally have full install available for purchase.)
posted by Tomorrowful at 6:28 AM on September 23, 2013

Boot Camp Assistant lets you install with an ISO on a USB drive (PDF, top of page 4), so can you just rip the Windows 8 DVD to an ISO?


If you haven't already, you'll also want to read Apple's Windows 8 FAQ.
posted by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug at 6:49 AM on September 23, 2013 [2 favorites]

You can also try the Windows 7 USB download tool from Microsoft. It was destined to work Windows 7 but still works with Windows 8!
posted by Attozes at 1:26 AM on December 21, 2013