800-862-5965 sales@macminivault.com

Alternative OS Installations

Bare metal installs of Windows, Linux, and VMware ESXi

Need to run OS X 10.6, Windows Server 2008/2012, Linux, or VMware ESXi? We offer over a dozen different alternative OS installations available for 2012/2014 model Mac minis. This service came from many lab hours testing and developing custom system images and scripts to take full advantage of your colocated Mac mini. Remote reboot functionality is maintained, even with Ubuntu LTS Linux distributions. We offer the option to wipe the default operating system from any Mac mini and to install an alternative operating system for FREE (additional licenses may be required).

2018/2020 Mac mini OS Options
 

We are currently working to offer alternative operating systems for the 2018 Mac minis. We will update this page as soon as more options become available.

2014 Mac mini OS Options

VMware ESXi

Are you looking to virtualize without running OS X as a host OS? We can load ESXi onto a Mac mini where you can host multiple virtual machines. We recommend loading up on memory to take full advantage of the Mac mini hardware. Contact support for any questions in regards to running VMware on a Mac mini.

Linux

Are you more comfortable in the command line? We are able to natively install Ubuntu Server 16.04 / 18.04 / 20.04 LTS on 2014 Mac minis. The installation includes the base operating system without a desktop environment. We also configure the system to automatically power up on power failure.

Windows Server 2016

Do you need to run a Windows server? We can load Windows Server 2016 with the necessary drivers to a 2014 Mac mini. We currently only install the Standard version of Server 2016. A license is required and will need to be entered into the OS a short period after it is placed online.

2012 Mac mini OS Options

VMware ESXi

Are you looking to virtualize without running OS X as a host OS? We can load ESXi onto a Mac mini where you can host multiple virtual machines. We recommend loading up on memory to take full advantage of the Mac mini hardware. Contact support for any questions in regards to running VMware on a Mac mini.

Linux

Are you more comfortable in the command line? We are able to natively install Ubuntu Server 16.04 / 18.04 / 20.04 LTS on 2012 Mac minis. The installation includes the base operating system without a desktop environment. We also configure the system to automatically power up on power failure.

Windows Server 2016

Do you need to run a Windows server? We can load Windows Server 2016 with the necessary drivers to a 2012 Mac mini. We currently only install the Standard version of Server 2016. A license is required and will need to be entered into the OS a short period after it is placed online.

Get Started

When placing an order use the Alternative OS drop down in the configurable options section to select an alternative OS.