Windows 7 On External Drive

[thetechfixer]

Hi, i want to install windows 7 so i can run it on my mac. is there any way i can install it on my external drive and whenever i want to use it, i can boot from my external drive. so basically the os is installed on my external drive?

 

[balamw]

Simple answer: yes as a Virtual Machine, no if you need Boot Camp/native speeds.

B

 

[thetechfixer]

so there is no possible way, even if its a little difficult

 

[balamw]

None that works every time that I am aware of.

Which Mac are you hoping to do this with.

B

 

[thetechfixer]

13" early 2011 macbook pro

 

[simsaladimbamba]

13" early 2011 macbook pro

You could go the OptiBay route: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1021124/

 

[balamw]

For those following at home this approach is to add a second internal drive in place of the optical drive. This does work.

B

 

[potato.hk]

It is possible, at least, partially.

Please check my thread.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1262722/

However, it only works on my Macbook Pro 2009 but does not work on my iMac. I am trying to ask if anyone can help or give me some hint.