Mac Pro 2013 and Windows 7

Question

Level 1

8 points

Mac Pro 2013 and Windows 7

I want to install Windows 7 via Bootcamp.

Bootcamp Assistant (BCA) states it won't take anything earlier than Windows 8.

I don't want to use Windows 8 and I also need the full power of the Mac Pro so virtual software isn't an option.

I have tried several methods on the internet including using a media DVD to 'fool' BCA to think I am about to install Windows 8 but on the restart eject the CD and replace it with Windows 7 but nothing.

It seems the Windows 7 ISO and DVD don't get recognised by the Mac Pro, the Windows 8 DVD picks up and boots but the Windows 7 DVD does not.

Any ideas?

Mac Pro, OS X Yosemite (10.10.2)

Posted on Feb 11, 2015 1:51 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Japib

Level 4

2,843 points

Feb 11, 2015 1:58 PM in response to Shappaeye

Bootcamp Assistant (BCA) states it won't take anything earlier than Windows 8.

Reply

Answer 2

The hatter

Level 9

61,031 points

Feb 11, 2015 2:47 PM in response to Shappaeye

I thought it was "8.1"

I know Windows will boot from Thunderbolt, but has to be installed on internal SSD, then cloned to Thunderbolt, and you can reclaim the space BCA set aside later.

I would have to look, there were excellent threads on MacRumors going back to early 2014 on how and if you could skip doing the install, and just partition and download the drivers.

Do you want UEFI or not?

I have more trust in avoiding BCA and doing a "native" unassisted install

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1832017

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1653997

Just sharing my experience on this thread - I was able to use the instructions here - Install Windows 7 or 8 on an external USB3 or Thunderbolt drive without using bootcamp and used the StarTech Thunderbolt Dual Hard Drive Enclosure. The enclosure has two SSDs, one dedicated for Windows and the other that's my storage drive for OSX. I can boot off the enclosure by holding the option key and selecting the Windows drive. Seems to be working fine.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1692097

Mac: Install Windows 7 or 8 on an external USB3 or Thunderbolt drive without using bootcamp

I could not find the exact thread I was looking for to do exactly what you purpose and want.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1692097

Reply

Answer 3

Loner T

Level 9

59,536 points

Feb 11, 2015 5:26 PM in response to The hatter

According to Boot Camp: System requirements for Microsoft Windows operating systems - Apple Support

Mac model	Windows 8 64-bit	Windows 7 64-bit	Windows 7 32-bit	Windows Vista 64-bit	Windows Vista 32-bit	Windows XP 32-bit
iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014)	BCA	BCA	-	-	-	-
iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2014)	BCA	BCA	-	-	-	-
iMac (27-inch, Late 2013)	5	5	-	-	-	-
iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013)	5	5	-	-	-	-

W7 64-bit is supported, but W7 32-bit is not. Are you certain your W7 media is correct and complete? If the media has both 32-bit and 64-bit on it, it will be rejected.

Reply

Answer 4

Shappaeye Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 12, 2015 12:16 AM in response to Loner T

Thanks all for the replies,

I have a Mac Pro not an iMac but it does state it no longer supports Windows 7.

I am just amazed the lengths I am going to trying to get Windows 7 on my system with no success.

Windows 8 goes on sweet as a nut but Windows 7 doesnt even get to boot from step 1.

Reply