I'm trying to install windows via BootCamp, however i've come to know that the NTFS format that Windows uses isn't formatted automatically to my drive. I also found I'm supposed to be able to do that in the installation process in Windows (drive selection for installation), but the option isn't highlighted/available for me. Can someone please help me with this?
MacBook Air, macOS Sierra (Beta) 10.12
during your installation Using Windows Advance Partition, select the bootcamp partition and format it.
Thats what I tried, I clicked on that one and it wasnt an option to Format. That's why I'm so confused.
Does it maybe have something to do with the fact I'm using an external HDD from my old MacBook? Does it have to be a Flash Drive?
if you are using an external HDD which have been previously used in macbook, you have to format it as FAT or exFAT, the partition scheme in macbook is GTP and windows only allows you to instal MBR, otherwise windows doesn't let you to format it.
Are you using the external HDD as a USB Installer or as a destination for Windows installation?
Depending on your model, you may need a USB Flash drive (8+GB) for 2012-2014 models.
2015 and later models do not use any external storage.
2011, and older models need a physical DVD to install Windows. USB can be used for such models only for downloading/installing BC/Windows Apple drivers. Some older models need the 'Grey' restore disks for BC drivers (BC3.x).
The external HDD is for the installation destination. I'm using a 2013 MacBook Air. So as sina370 said, since it is a drive taken from another MacBook (09' white MacBook) then it makes sense why it can't be formatted by Windows.
Alright, ill just go buy a flash drive with the space I need, thanks guys!
RyanCooper50 wrote:
The external HDD is for the installation destination.
You cannot install Windows on an external disk, without using third-party tools.
I'm using a 2013 MacBook Air. So as sina370 said, since it is a drive taken from another MacBook (09' white MacBook) then it makes sense why it can't be formatted by Windows.
Alright, ill just go buy a flash drive with the space I need, thanks guys!
The USB will contain the Windows Installer, but not a functional Windows installation that you can move to different Macs.
So a typical 8+GB USB drive should work? i've heard that's what everyone else uses.
SanDisk, Lexar and Sony brands work well. PNY has some challenges. Kingston USB3 devices cause problems. NoNAME USBs are problematic.
Yeah i found that out the hard way with a NoName China USB. I found a SanDisk one that looks like it will fit my needs
Thanks again!
by the way, how would you recommend Corsair or Samsung? I'm only curious if anyone knows how well they'd work with this application.
Samsung and Corsair should also work. Use a USB2 flash drive.
Alright, thanks!
So I'm back, Ive received my PNY USB drive and did the process with BC. When I boot into Windows this time, it doesn't even show the drive I've booted into (or the PNY drive in other words) is this the challenge you were referring to?
Yes. This is a pain. Manufacturers use shortcuts in products, and the consumer gets frustrated. Please try and find a SanDisk or Lexar, 8 gb or larger disk.
Ahh, ok. Does that mean I can't use a third party program to change this?
W10 NTFS format for BootCamp
