Windows 10 Instability with Bootcamp (2017 21.5 iMac)

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Level 1

4 points

Windows 10 Instability with Bootcamp (2017 21.5 iMac)

Really frustrated with Bootcamp on this **** machine. My old iMac worked perfectly with Bootcamp running Windows 7, but for some reason the newer versions only support Windows 10 - and yet it doesn't even do it properly. No matter what I try - I always have to abandon trying and go back to just macOS and give up any hope of having a dual boot system.

After installation - it always goes to the Windows safe-screen thing saying there was an issue... After rebooting many times, it usually gets to Windows 10 finally... But then it will randomly once again go to that safe screen saying to repair or try booting windows. it's a never ending cycle that never stops - and I've tried different things. I read one thing about not having USB devices plugged in while installing. That didn't work. I've tried removing and then reinstalling bootcamp fresh... Nothing.

It's just frustrating. Why even have bootcamp and support Windows if it can't run the **** thing?

Posted on Dec 13, 2018 1:09 PM

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Answer 1

Wizzykin Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 14, 2018 6:37 AM in response to Loner T

Thanks for the idea - but no go. It has something to do with Bootcamp itself, apparently. I installed Windows 10 and restarted 5 times with no problems. I install Bootcamp Software to get the drivers going and then the problems all start. I don't think Windows Update has anything to do with it.

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Answer 2

Wizzykin Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 14, 2018 4:24 PM in response to Loner T

Hmm - I'm curious to try something then. Is there a way for me to just get the drivers I need for the hardware I have and install them manually on a fresh Windows 10 and not even install bootcamp on the Windows 10 partition? Is bootcamp even necessary on it - since I can just restart the computer and select my startup disk manually? I'll need to find a way to download the drivers in my macOS, put them on a flash drive, and install them from there.

Edit: I suppose all I'd need would be the network drivers to get the wi-fi connection working, then I could have windows just detect and download drivers. I just need to figure out what drivers I need for it.

I'm just really, really surprised that Apple did such a poor job with bootcamp. My 2011 iMac ran Windows 7 like a dream. I wish I could install Windows 7 on this one.

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Answer 3

Loner T

Level 9

59,471 points

Dec 14, 2018 6:46 PM in response to Wizzykin

W10 on Sierra is pretty stable compared to W10 on Mojave. If you use BC Assistant -> Action -> Download and a USB2 flash drive,, in the Drivers folder, you will see individual drivers that you can install.

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Answer 4

Wizzykin Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 15, 2018 7:45 AM in response to Loner T

It was plugged in the whole time - I'll need a driver of some kind for Windows 10. The problem is the bootcamp driver installer names don't tend to be helpful and I don't want to end up installing something I don't need that'll screw everything up. I may just deal with one monitor.

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Answer 5

Loner T

Level 9

59,471 points

Dec 13, 2018 2:02 PM in response to Wizzykin

Are Windows Automatic Updates enabled?

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Answer 6

Wizzykin Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 13, 2018 4:17 PM in response to Loner T

My current attempt never managed to boot into windows; otherwise, I'm not sure what I've set it to previously when I got it to temporarily work.

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Answer 7

Loner T

Level 9

59,471 points

Dec 13, 2018 4:59 PM in response to Wizzykin

You can try removing/re-installing Windows. Do not connect to any networks physically to avoid forced updates.

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Answer 8

Loner T

Level 9

59,471 points

Dec 14, 2018 1:11 PM in response to Wizzykin

If Windows has installed standard WHQL drivers, BC drivers may cause issues.

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Answer 9

Wizzykin Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 14, 2018 6:57 PM in response to Loner T

Thanks - got it running OK for now. I need to figure out which driver is for the thunderbolt so I can get my second monitor working. I got internet, sound and the keyboard up and going, though.

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