The latest MacBook models will not be supporting Windows 7. That means that users who like to run Windows 7 on their MacBooks will either have to upgrade to Windows 8 or use third-party virtual machine, Apple Insider reports.
A support pages document lists Windows 8 as the only version of Windows to receive support from Boot Camp for the latest MacBook Air 11- and 13-inch models and the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina.
Boot Camp is Apple’s software that allows Mac users to install and use Microsoft Windows on their Mac machines, according to MacRumors.
Apple started eliminating support for Windows 7 when last year’s Mac Pro went on sale. Apple similarly ended support to Windows XP and Vista when the second generation MacBook Air came out in 2010.
Windows 7 has been available to the public since 2009. Windows 8 followed in 2012. Still, Windows users prefer using Windows 7, and it is the most heavily used Windows-based operating system, according to data from NetMarketShare.
Windows 8 received multiple changes and many Windows users decided not to upgrade. Companies and professional users have decided to pass on upgrading to Windows 8 because of its interface changes.
For those who insist on sticking with Windows 7 on their MacBooks, a third-party virtualization program will need to be used. Parallels Desktop 10 and VMWare Fusion 7 are two options that will offer support to Windows 7 on Apple’s latest operating system OS X 10.10 Yosemite. These virtualization programs will offer a more flexible and seamless user experience and allow for the two operating systems to work together.
Another option for Windows 7 users would be waiting for their free upgrade to Windows 10. Microsoft’s decision to offer free upgrades to Windows 10 is similar to Apple’s idea to offer free upgrades to OS X.
Windows 10 will debut later this year.
