How to Clean Install Windows 11 on a MacBookPro14,2

This article explains the steps required to perform a clean installation of Windows 11 on a MacBookPro14,2, while ensuring proper hardware functionality such as the Touch Bar.

Prerequisites

• A MacBookPro14,2 with macOS already installed
• A Windows 11 installation USB
• An external storage device (USB flash drive or external SSD)
• Boot Camp drivers downloaded in advance

Step 1: Download Boot Camp Drivers

While macOS is still installed on the Mac, download the required Boot Camp drivers.

1. Launch the Boot Camp Assistant.
2. Use it to download the Windows support software (drivers).
3. Save the downloaded drivers to an external storage device such as a USB flash drive.

Alternatively, you can download the Boot Camp drivers using the following tool:

• https://github.com/timsutton/brigadier

This method is useful if Boot Camp Assistant cannot retrieve the drivers directly.

Step 2: Start the Windows Installer

1. Boot the Mac from the Windows 11 installation USB.
2. When the Windows installer starts, proceed until you reach the disk selection screen.

Step 3: Delete Existing Partitions (With Caution)

On the disk selection screen:

1. Delete all partitions except the ESP (EFI System Partition).
2. Inside the ESP, do not delete the APPLE directory.

Important: The APPLE directory inside the ESP is essential for proper Touch Bar functionality. Removing it may cause the Touch Bar to stop working in Windows.

Step 4: Install Windows 11

1. Select the remaining unallocated space.
2. Proceed with the Windows 11 installation.
3. Wait for the installation to complete and for Windows to boot successfully.

Step 5: Install Boot Camp Drivers

After Windows 11 has finished installing:

1. Connect the external storage device containing the Boot Camp drivers.
2. Run the Boot Camp installer (Setup.exe).
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install all drivers.
4. Reboot Windows when prompted.

Conclusion

By carefully preserving the ESP and the APPLE directory while performing a clean installation, you can successfully install Windows 11 on a MacBookPro14,2 with full hardware support, including the Touch Bar. Installing the correct Boot Camp drivers afterward ensures stable and usable Windows performance on Apple hardware.