This tutorial will show you how to install the Windows 8.1 Operating System on your Mac in the Yosemite OSX 10.10. This tutorial should be used if your Mac has an Optical Drive. You will need a blank DVD and a Flash Drive (at least 4Gb) to complete this process.


PART 1
Step 1. Go to your account on Full Sail's OnTheHub Site: Click Here 


Step 2. Log in and click on “Dreamspark Premium” across the gray toolbar. Then click on Windows 8.1.


Step 3. Add Windows 8.1 to your cart.


Step 4. Go to your shopping cart and begin the checkout process. Follow the prompts until you reach the screen with your order receipt. Please keep in mind that this software download will not cost you anything. You may see an option to purchase additional services, but these are optional and can be disregarded. 

Step 5. Once the checkout is complete, you will see your order details which include your Product Key and download link. You will need to copy your Product Key before beginning the download, as outlined below. 

5A. Your Product Key will display in RED lettering (our code is blocked out in this example). You will need to write this code down, as you will need to enter it once you are on the Windows side, at which point you will not be able to access this page. 

IMPORTANT: After 30 days, you will no longer be able to access this screen. Make sure you copy your product key and save it in a safe place, as you will need your Product Key if you have to reinstall Windows in the future. 

5B. After copying your product key click "Start Download."


Step 6. A new window will appear asking you to download two files. The first file is the Secure Download Manager, and the second download is your order package (.sdx file). Download the Secure Download Manager first.


Step 7. Once the Secure Download Manager is finished downloading you will need to install it before continuing to download the .sdx. The steps are outlined below.

7A. Locate and double click the SDM.pkg file:


7B. Click "Continue." 


7C. Review the software license agreement and click "Continue."  


D. Click "agree" to agree to the license agreement. 


7E. You will most likely be asked for your computers password to complete the installation. When installation is complete, click "Close." 


Step 8. Download the Order Package (.SDX file) and open the file. The Secure Download Manager will now open and you will see the screen below. Click "Start Download" next to the Windows 8.1 64-Bit Download. Make sure to download the 64-bit version. The screenshot below shows the download in progress.



PART 2
Step 9. Once the download is complete, locate the .ISO file in Finder. By default, it will likely be downloaded in your Downloads folder. 


Step 10. Once you locate it, double click on it.


Step 11. Navigate to your Disk Utility application. It is located in Finder > Applications > Utilities. You can also use the spotlight search (command+spacebar) to locate the application. Once Disk Utility is open, insert your Blank DVD into your optical drive. 




Step 12. Once Disk Utility is open, select the Windows .ISO file that appears on the left. Then click on the burn button at the top of the Window.


Step 13. It is highly recommended that you change the Burn Speed to 2x. This will reduce the risk of an error occurring during the burn process. Once this is done, click the "Burn" button.




Step 14. If the process was successful, you should see the following prompt. Once this is done, please proceed to part 3.


PART 3
Step 15. Once the download is complete you are ready to begin with Boot Camp Assistant. Start by opening the Boot Camp Assistant application. It is located in Finder > Applications > Utilities. You can also use the spotlight search (command+spacebar) to locate the application. 




Step 16. Once the Boot Camp Assistant is open you'll see this screen, click Continue and move to the next screen.


Step 17. This step is where you will need your USB Flash Drive and your newly created Windows installation disk. Plug it into your computer at this time. Please keep in mind for this process the Flash/Hard Drive needs to be formatted and all data will be erased. So if there is anything on the drive you wish to keep please back it up on another computer/hard drive before continuing. 

17A. All boxes should already be checked off by default in this window. Click "Continue."


17B. You will proceed to this page. This page is asking where you would like the Drivers for Windows (Windows Support Software) to be downloaded to. Your flash drive should appear in this window, please select this and click the continue button. 


Step 18. After the process is complete, you will need to select how to divide your hard drive. Select "Divide Equally" and then click "Install." This will begin the partitioning, and your computer will restart and boot from your USB Drive. This will begin the installation of windows and you will no longer be able to access this tutorial from the computer you are installing from. If you wish to continue using this tutorial please either print it or open it on another computer.



Part 4
The next steps begin after the computer restarts. We apologize for the low quality of the photos but we are unable to take screen shots during this part of the process. 

Step 19. Choose your Language, Time and Currency Format, and Keyboard or input method. Then click "Next."


Step 20. Enter the Product Key that you received on the OnTheHub website (Step 5). Click “Next” to continue.


Step 21. Read the licensing agreement and check the box to accept the license terms. Click "Next" to continue. 


Step 22. You will need to choose which partition to use to install Windows 8.1. Please follow the prompts as outlined below. 

22A. Choose the partition located on the bottom of the list (ours says Drive 0 Partition 4). You will see an error at the bottom of the screen saying it cannot be installed on this partition-- this is okay, after you format the drive, the error will go away. Click on the correct drive once and then click "Format." 


22B. You will receive a message stating that all data on the drive will be lost. Click "Okay" to format the drive and click "Next" on the main window.


22C. After clicking "Next" the Windows 8.1 installation will begin. This can take some time so please be patient while the computer installs the operating system. After this process completes, the computer will reboot (possibly more than once).



PART 5
Step 23. You will be prompted to setup your Windows preferences. The selection prompts are shown below. 

23A. Choose a color and a PC name, and click "Next."


23B. Click "Use Express Settings" and "Continue." 


23C. Fill in your account information and click "Finish." 


23D. After you make your selections, your default applications will begin to install. This can take some time, so please be patient.



PART 6
Step 24. Next you will see a “Welcome to the Boot Camp installer” prompt. This will install the Apple Support Drivers to allow the use of your hardware on the Windows 8.1 Operating System. Follow the prompts as outlined below. 

24A. Click "Next."


24B. Check the box to accept the terms in the license agreement, and click "Install."


24C. Click "Finish."


24D. Click "Yes" to restart. 


After restarting, your installation should be complete, and your computer will boot into your Windows Desktop. If you wish to switch back to your Mac partition, simply restart your computer and hold the Option key on your keyboard. Once it loads, you will be given an option to choose your Macintosh HD or Windows HD. Click on “Macintosh HD” and it will load your Mac operating system. 

By default, your computer will restart into the Windows partition. If you wish to change the default, open System Preferences on the Mac OS, and go to “Startup Disk.”