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install Windows 7 and/or 8 64-bit

Is the new retinal-display MacBook Pro able to install Windows 7 and/or 8 64-bit architecture via BootCamp or is it limited to 32-bit?

iMac, Macbook Pro, iPhone, Mac OS X (10.7.2)

Posted on Aug 22, 2012 5:52 AM

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Posted on Aug 22, 2012 5:57 AM

You can install either but if you want to use all your computer's resources (RAM) you will need to install Windows 64 bit.


There is no reason to install 32 bit Windows on any 64 bit computer.

6 replies

Aug 22, 2012 8:11 AM in response to Joe Mooney

Give yourself 90day free trial of Windows 8 Release



The 90 trial is much improved over Preview.

Windows 8 Release Edition (Enterprise, Trial)


In October Windows 8 hits stores $39 and you can get a taste using the Preview or the 90-day Enterprise that is the Releast version but expires - so you could go free and then $39 later.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/jj552442


http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter

https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en/category/w8itpro

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_8?auth=1


Aug 23, 2012 4:47 AM in response to Joe Mooney

Any new Mac since Late 2009 and many from Early 2008 as well, can install 64-bit versions.


And even those that are on the "unsupported list" and there is a tech note for 64-bit, it is still possible which I do on my 2006 Mac.


So not sure who or what but you gave yourself the green. In my book there is no need today for 32-bit OS except on maybe a tablet or 2GB devices.


Macs that work with 64-bit editions of Microsoft Windows Vista and Windows 7


Some computers require Microsoft Windows 7

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4410

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1899

FAQ: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3986

Aug 24, 2012 8:53 AM in response to The hatter

To all,

Sorry about the green thing. I accidently hit the wrong button and wasn't sure how to change it:-( I did get the answer to my question:-) As to the other Mac's being able to use 64-bit....well, if you say so......Actually, I wasn't able to do it on my 2011 iMac 27" :-( After many tries and using a complete installation package ( initally tried with an upgrade from Vista) spoke with Apple and they told me it couldn't be done:-( I will check out your references as may try it again:-) BTW, I am trying to install the Windows 8 trial right now....I am being asked for a product key. I haven't seen that as an issue or a problem in any of the posts, nor in online tutorials...Is there one or have I screwed up something?? Thanks in advance:-)

Once again sorry about the green thing:-(

Aug 24, 2012 9:29 AM in response to Joe Mooney

Go back to the download page for 8 Preview and there is the/an activation key.


You can also sign up for the 90-day free Trail of Enterprise which is much better, better be after all it is the full released edition.


As for 2011 and Genius... forgot to throw salt over your right shoulder! that's all. Or take it with a grain of salt as the case may be. Clueless.


There is a tech note on the 27" 2010 and Windows 7 too about black screen.

http://www.apple.com/support/bootcamp/

install Windows 7 and/or 8 64-bit

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