wkkunkle

Q: Newest MacBook Pro w/ Retina Display, Boot Camp, and Windows 7?

Hi,

 

I am considering the purchase of a new machine and am interested in the idea of having a dual world with a MacBook Pro using Boot Camp, as I am a Systems Analyst and rely heavily on a Windows machine for the majority of my work.  However, I like the idea of having a Mac, as well.

 

I looked at How to install Windows using Boot Camp - Apple Support and it states (my highlighting in red);

Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need.

    • An Intel-based Mac
    • A Microsoft Windows install disc or disk image (ISO) containing a 64-bit version of Microsoft Windows 7 or later*
    • An Apple keyboard, mouse or trackpad, or a USB keyboard and mouse
    • A 16 GB or larger USB 2 flash drive that you can erase
    • At least 30 GB of free disk space on your startup drive


However, I then looked at System requirements to install Windows on your Mac using Boot Camp - Apple Support and it shows that the newest MacBook Pro w/ Retina Display is NOT compatible with Windows 7:

Table key

The tables will have one of these symbols or entries in each column. This is what they mean.

    • BCA: Use Boot Camp Assistant (BCA) to download the latest Boot Camp software. The support software available from Boot Camp Assistant is newer than what is currently available as a manual download.
    • 4 or 5:  These link to the manual download for the related version of the Boot Camp support software you need to install Windows on your Mac. You can also get the right version by using Boot Camp Assistant.
    • DVD: For older Macs, Windows drivers are located on the Mac OS X installation DVD that came with your computer.
    • Dash "-": This version of Windows is not supported.

MacBook Pro

Mac modelWindows 8 64-bitWindows 7 64-bitWindows 7 32-bitWindows Vista 64-bitWindows Vista 32-bitWindows XP 32-bit
MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015)

BCA

-----
MacBook Pro
(Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015)
BCA-----

 

I tried to do an online chat with Sales Support and first she told me it does work and then when I asked why the compatibility page says differently, she said then that it must not be compatible.  In other words, she had no clue.

 

I don't understand why Windows 7 w ould be deemed incompatible with the newest MacBook Pro devices, even though it is compatible with the older ones, especially since Windows 7 is still a valid, supported operating system used widely in personal and business environments.  Therefore, I want to believe the compatibility chart is mistaken.  However, I don't want to risk spending the type of money on a MacBook Pro to find out that I,in fact, cannot use Boot Camp and Windows 7.

 

Can anyone please give me a definitive answer?

 

Thanks.

Posted on Aug 3, 2015 9:57 PM

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Q: Newest MacBook Pro w/ Retina Display, Boot Camp, and Windows 7?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Aug 3, 2015 10:23 PM in response to wkkunkle
    Level 10 (271,328 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 3, 2015 10:23 PM in response to wkkunkle

    The chart is correct.

  • by wkkunkle,

    wkkunkle wkkunkle Aug 4, 2015 9:34 AM in response to Kappy
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 4, 2015 9:34 AM in response to Kappy

    Thanks for the information.  Still seems odd to me that they would make the new machines NOT be able to run Windows 7 ... but Boot Camp was the main reason I was considering a MacBook Pro, so I guess that leaves me looking back to a Windows device.

     

    Thanks again.

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Aug 4, 2015 1:03 PM in response to wkkunkle
    Level 10 (271,328 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 4, 2015 1:03 PM in response to wkkunkle

    New machines come with the latest version of Boot Camp Assistant which was intended for use with Win8 and above. If the previous version of Boot Camp Assistant can be found, and if it will run, then you should be able to install Win7. No promises, however. Maybe before you make your decision you should look into benefits of updating to Win10.