Is It Possible to Install Windows 7 x64 on a Late 2016 MacBook Pro 15 Inch with a Touch Bar?

Many users are still in the dark age of attempting to run legacy operating systems on modern hardware. A common question has been whether it is possible to install Windows 7 x64 on a late 2016 MacBook Pro 15-inch model with a Touch Bar. This article addresses this query, exploring the feasibility and the challenges involved in such an installation.

Why Installing Windows 7 on a Late 2016 MacBook Pro 15-inches is Advised Against

Windows 7 reached its end of supported life on January 14, 2020. This means that Microsoft no longer provides security updates or technical support for the operating system. Installing a legacy OS like Windows 7 on a modern machine risks exposing it to security vulnerabilities that could compromise the system.

The Extensive Reasons Behind the Precautions

First, the macOS updates and the operating system features designed for modern machines would be incompatible with Windows 7. This incompatibility makes managing and utilizing the system difficult, and potentially harmful to the hardware.

Second, the cost and value retention of the Late 2016 MacBook Pro 15-inch with a Touch Bar have declined significantly. For a mid-2016 to late 2016 model, replacing it with a more recent and powerful device would be a more prudent financial decision. Despite its advanced Touch Bar, the hardware is outdated, making it less viable for modern and resource-intensive tasks.

Technical Feasibility: Can It Work?

Theoretically, it is possible to install Windows 7 x64 on an early 2016 or later version of the MacBook Pro, including the Late 2016 model, if you have the necessary hardware and software to handle the task. However, as of 2023, the most common hardware that can be used for this task is the SuperDrive combined with a USB-C to USB-A adapter.

Here are the steps to consider for such an installation:

Prepare the USB Drive: Buy a USB drive with a minimum capacity of 16GB to store the Windows 7 installation files. Create a Bootable USB: Use a tool like Rufus to create a bootable Windows 7 USB drive. Set Up the SuperDrive: Connect the SuperDrive to your MacBook Pro with a USB-C to USB-A cable. The MacBook Pro needs to be able to read the CD/DVD drive. Boot from the USB Drive: Hold down the Option/Alt key as you turn on the MacBook Pro to access the boot menu. Then, select the USB drive and proceed with the installation.

Running Windows 7 in an Emulator

If the installation process is too challenging or if you have concerns about performance, an alternative is to run Windows 7 in a virtual machine on macOS. However, even in this scenario, you need to disable network access to ensure that the virtual machine does not face security issues.

Tools like VirtualBox or Parallels can be used to create a virtual machine. Ensure that you use the paravirtualized drivers to optimize the performance and minimize compatibility issues. Additionally, you should install internet security software in the virtual machine to protect your primary macOS system from potential security risks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the advice is strongly against installing Windows 7 x64 on a late 2016 MacBook Pro 15-inch due to the outdated nature of Windows 7 and the attractiveness of modern alternatives. However, if you have a specific requirement and are willing to take the security and performance risks, you may opt to use an emulator on macOS.