Q: Retina Macbook Pro- Install windows 8 in Native EFI mode help

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Rocky_Wookie

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Q: Retina Macbook Pro- Install windows 8 in Native EFI mode help

Hi everyone

I would like to setup up windows 8 along side with Mountain Lion since I need to do some of my academic work on windows side. ( I prefer native boot no virtualisation)

However, I would like to ask does the bootcamp assistant format the new partition to GPT format or MBR ? As far as I know Windows 8 (EFI mode) required GPT partition.

How do I install Windows 8 (64 bit) with EFI mode?

PS: When I create a USB install disc with Bootcamp assistant. The startup screen will show up like this.

MacBook Pro (Retina, Mid 2012)

Posted on Aug 12, 2013 11:03 PM

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Q: Retina Macbook Pro- Install windows 8 in Native EFI mode help

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by Kappy,

Kappy Aug 12, 2013 11:14 PM in response to Rocky_Wookie
Level 10 (271,811 points)

Desktops

Aug 12, 2013 11:14 PM in response to Rocky_Wookie

As best I can determine only the 2013 MBA is able to boot Windows in EFI mode. I don't know why this is important for you. You can install Win8 via the normal Boot Camp route.

10.8 Boot Camp Manual
Boot Camp 5- Frequently asked questions
Mac Basics- Using Windows on your Mac via Boot Camp
Tip for Boot Camp Partition Problems
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by Rocky_Wookie,

Rocky_Wookie Aug 12, 2013 11:20 PM in response to Kappy
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Aug 12, 2013 11:20 PM in response to Kappy

The problem is the USB install disc only shows up in EFI boot , no Bios emulated windows option here. Thats why is my biggest concern.

EFI modes also seems to bring more benefit, faster boot times.

Does u use the Bootcamp assistant to create the windows partition?
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by Kappy,Helpful

Kappy Aug 12, 2013 11:28 PM in response to Rocky_Wookie
Level 10 (271,811 points)

Desktops

Aug 12, 2013 11:28 PM in response to Rocky_Wookie

Yes, Boot Camp Assistant is used to set up Windows on a Mac.

It is possible to use Windows without Boot Camp by using an alternate boot loader such as:

Boot Runner
The rEFInd Boot Manager - Roderick Smith

I've not used either, although in the past I used rEFIt from which rEFInd is derived.
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by Rocky_Wookie,

Rocky_Wookie Aug 12, 2013 11:46 PM in response to Kappy
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Aug 12, 2013 11:46 PM in response to Kappy

Thanks for the reply. I will see how things going on when my macbook arrive at my door step tonight.

I have heard of a trick to skip bootcamp assistant. Using Disk Utility to create an unformated partion and boot up with Windows 8 USB install disc to format it to NTFS.

As i worry BCA will create a hybrid MBR like the old BCA that ship before 10.8.3 (not sure abt BCA 5).

Hopefully the installation will go smooth and drivers will work as well.
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by nbar,

nbar Aug 12, 2013 11:46 PM in response to Rocky_Wookie
Level 5 (6,980 points)

Aug 12, 2013 11:46 PM in response to Rocky_Wookie

As you pointed out, Bootcamp assistant is just software to partition your disk correctly for Windows. You can manually partition your disk accordingly without BCA at all:

How to manually partition (“Boot Camp”) your Mac for Windows
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by Rocky_Wookie,

Rocky_Wookie Aug 12, 2013 11:57 PM in response to nbar
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Aug 12, 2013 11:57 PM in response to nbar

Hi, do u install Windows 8 on a retina macbook pro via EFI mode?

If yes, can you tell me hows the driver support in EFI mode?
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by nbar,

nbar Aug 13, 2013 1:21 AM in response to Rocky_Wookie
Level 5 (6,980 points)

Aug 13, 2013 1:21 AM in response to Rocky_Wookie

1) No. My experience with dual -booting is not appropriate for these forums. That being said...
2) You will need the drivers provided by bootcamp, but probably need to obtain them in a round-about way explained below.

The solution (Bootcamp via EFI):
1) Normal bootcamp setup (flash drive, downloading support software, partitioning, etc)
2) Reboot (option + power) > boot into the EFI_BOOT partition rather than WININSTALL.
3) Windows will subsequently install
4) Upon installation, then install bootcamp support software.
5) The result: BCA drivers + EFI partition = UEFI =

The catch******
As far as I know, this only exists natively for 2013 MBA, in which case the process will fail as of step (3). However, if you install the bootcamp drivers from the latest update onto the USB installer itself, I think it may work.

Boot Camp Support Software 5.0.5033 - Support - Apple
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by BobTheFisherman,

BobTheFisherman Aug 13, 2013 4:28 AM in response to Rocky_Wookie
Level 6 (15,712 points)

Aug 13, 2013 4:28 AM in response to Rocky_Wookie

You are making this far to complex. Windows 8 installed using Bootcamp Assistant works well. There is no need to change any boot loading options etc. All your Office and other Windows programs will work.
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by nbar,

nbar Aug 13, 2013 5:12 AM in response to BobTheFisherman
Level 5 (6,980 points)

Aug 13, 2013 5:12 AM in response to BobTheFisherman

"The problem is the USB install disc only shows up in EFI boot , no Bios emulated windows option here."
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Q: Retina Macbook Pro- Install windows 8 in Native EFI mode help

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by Kappy,

by Rocky_Wookie,

by Kappy,★Helpful

by Rocky_Wookie,

by nbar,

How to manually partition (“Boot Camp”) your Mac for Windows

by Rocky_Wookie,

by nbar,

Boot Camp Support Software 5.0.5033 - Support - Apple

by BobTheFisherman,

by nbar,

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by Kappy,Helpful