Install Windows 10 on Mac Mini (Late 2012)

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Install Windows 10 on Mac Mini (Late 2012)

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I am wanting to update my Mac Mini Windows 7 partition (Boot Camp) to Windows 10.

Looking at the instructions on Apple's site, they say to run Apple Software Update on the Windows side for the latest version of Boot Camp. I do that, but nothing new installs (and nothing new for Boot Camp has installed for months). So, how can I know if my Boot Camp stuff on Windows is good to go?

To put it another way, any issues with upgrading to Windows 10 on a Late 2012 Mac Mini? I just don't want a bunch of driver issues to crop up. The web site said the update should work, and I have about 15GB of free space (but could make over 20GB if I should...thoughts?).

Just wanted to check in with the support forum before taking the plunge...

Thanks,

sutekh138

Mac mini, OS X Yosemite (10.10.1)

Posted on Sep 7, 2015 1:16 PM

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Answer 1

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dww10000

Level 1

12 points

Jul 13, 2016 8:13 AM in response to Loner T

The WIDCOMM driver would not find a bluetooth device so it would not install. Plus I realized it was a BC driver also.

Anyway, I found a workaround to my problems, below. Hope it is useful to someone.

Still not certain I will have bluetooth under Win 10, but we will see.

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Answer 2

Loner T

Level 9

59,513 points

Sep 7, 2015 5:54 PM in response to sutekh138

Are you referring to Use Windows 10 on your Mac with Boot Camp - Apple Support ?

The normal procedure is to boot in Windows, download the W10 Installer, run it and upgrade W7 to W10 in-place. If successful, run Apple Software Update which will give you the BC6 drivers for W10 as appropriate for your Mac year/model. There are known issues with W10 drivers that come from such an upgrade.

BC Assistant will also download BC6 drivers. You can verify this by running BCA, using only option 2 (Download Software) and then checking Bootcamp.xml on the USB where the drivers are download for Product version which is currently 6.0.6133. It may also be higher.

The specific issues are related to AppleSSD driver and some signature issues on the other drivers.

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Answer 3

sutekh138 Author

Level 1

1 points

Sep 7, 2015 5:57 PM in response to Loner T

So, just do it and then clean up after? The help (that web site) made it sound like I should have everything updated BEFORE upgrading to Win10. But I suppose I can just go ahead and go for it.

Boot Camp 6 is what I want, then? But I can't download that until I upgrade to Win10? I have not seen any reference to Boot Camp 6 on Apple's web site. Why don't they just post the exact procedure with no ambiguity?

This installation is sort of experimental anyway -- I might as well just give it a whirl...

Thanks!

sutekh138

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Answer 4

dww10000

Level 1

12 points

Jul 11, 2016 8:02 AM in response to Loner T

On my mac mini late 2012 running windows 7 under bootcamp 5.xx, the windows 10 update procedure halts at the very first screen due to its self diagnosis of a Bluetooth hardware incompatibility. I have updated all software and drivers for both windows 7 and OSx. Not sure what to do next.

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Answer 5

Loner T

Level 9

59,513 points

Jul 11, 2016 8:12 AM in response to dww10000

W10 has issues with Broadcom hardware. You should look for a non-BC Broadcom driver from the Broadcom web site.

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Answer 6

dww10000

Level 1

12 points

Jul 11, 2016 8:51 AM in response to Loner T

Thanks, I will try the WIDCOMM branded driver after I back up my entire WinMac system. Just in case someone else needs the info, here is the link:

https://www.broadcom.com/support/bluetooth

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Answer 7

dww10000

Level 1

12 points

Jul 13, 2016 8:05 AM in response to dww10000

Next chapter on updating Mac mini late 2012 to Windows 10:

1. Windows 7 refused to update using update icon due to Broadcom bluetooth incompatibility.

1. Windows 7 refused to add latest Win 7 updates so I deleted logs and updates in DataStore and Download subdirectory in Windows folder (after stopping win update utility in admin)

2. Turned on Win 7 update in admin, left overnight and found updates to Windows 7 next morning.

3. Rebooted in Windows 7 and presto, it was asking me if I wanted to update to Win 10. I said yes and it took about 2 hours.

4. Normal win 10 update icon was still telling me it couldn't be done.

5. Ran Apple software update from Win 10 and it installed bootcamp 6.x normally.

6. Bootcamp icon in task bar still tells me I am running Bootcamp 5.1

7. After about 30 minutes of playing around things appear to be normal.

8. Bootcamp icon still tells me I am running 5.x although the install history tells me I am running 6.x

9. I don't think I will have Win 10 bluetooth capability, I haven't tested it, and don't care since I use a separate USB wireless dongle for keyboard and mouse.

10. I did not have to do a clean Win 10 install via bootcamp and reinstall all my programs and data, and that is wonderful.

11. I am running a Mac Mini Server late 2012 with all latest Windows and OX and Server updates with two 1 terabyte drives and 16GB RAM. OX and Windows share one drive and the other is for data.

12. Hope this is helpful to someone.

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