Marypr

Q: I've installed windows 8.1 using bootcamp, but it isn't appearing as a boot option

I've installed  windows 8.1 using bootcamp but it isn't  showing up anywhere. when i go back to bootcamp to try in stalling again, it asks me to remove existing installation! i downloaded the required software from apple and then the install was from a USB installation of windows 8.1,64.

MacBook, OS X El Capitan (10.11.3), 2015, 12" macbook, 516gb

Posted on Sep 14, 2016 12:46 PM

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Q: I've installed windows 8.1 using bootcamp, but it isn't appearing as a boot option

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  • by Loner T,

    Loner T Loner T Sep 14, 2016 5:21 PM in response to Marypr
    Level 7 (23,828 points)
    Safari
    Sep 14, 2016 5:21 PM in response to Marypr

    From OS X Terminal, please post the output of

     

    diskutil list

  • by Marypr,

    Marypr Marypr Sep 15, 2016 5:58 PM in response to Loner T
    Level 1 (7 points)
    Windows Software
    Sep 15, 2016 5:58 PM in response to Loner T

    it is showing MAC HD and bootcamp. the partition was made ok and after restarting ,WININSTALL, appears on the desktop,but when i click on it there are no on screen instructions, just a list of the various folders. if i click on setup i get the message mac doesn't support windows apps! i followed all the instructions in bootcamp for downloading ISO from microsoft etc so don't know why the installer is not working as described in bootcamp help!

  • by Krazirob,

    Krazirob Krazirob Sep 15, 2016 6:04 PM in response to Marypr
    Level 1 (53 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 15, 2016 6:04 PM in response to Marypr

    reatart computer and hold down command during the reboot. Choices should come up to which drive you want to boot up with.

  • by Loner T,Helpful

    Loner T Loner T Sep 16, 2016 3:56 AM in response to Marypr
    Level 7 (23,828 points)
    Safari
    Sep 16, 2016 3:56 AM in response to Marypr

    Either you W8.1 installation is incomplete and you just have a partition, or, the BC Assistant failed to reboot and set the Installer as the boot option in NVRAM.

     

    1. Did the BC Assistant prompt for a USB to be inserted to create a USB Installer? If you have a 2015 Mac, it should not prompt you for a USB to install Windows. It uses an internal partition called OSXRESERVED.

    2. If you were asked for a USB to create a USB-based installer, connect the USB Installer via a USBc-to-USB adapter, without using a hub or any other external storage, and reboot the Mac and hold Alt/Option key. If you see a Windows or EFI Boot icon, choose Windows for models older than 2015, or EFI boot for later models.

    3. If you are not certain of the state you are in, remove the partition using BC Assistant (only) and start the process of installation again. Do not connect a USB Flash drive, unless BCA prompts you to connect one.

  • by Marypr,Helpful

    Marypr Marypr Sep 16, 2016 3:56 AM in response to Loner T
    Level 1 (7 points)
    Windows Software
    Sep 16, 2016 3:56 AM in response to Loner T

    thanks for getting back to me. 2 things. 1 my MacBook 12" 2015, does not have its own usb connection so I have to use an external via the power inlet. 2. the usb stick was attached once the iso was downloaded and need to be transferred to the usb drive. it stayed connect after that and at some point bootcamp download support software automatically, having requested  my password,  then we proceeded to the partitioning, once done, MAC restarted automatically. iwininstall appears on the desktop but doesn't actually start the install when clicked. so that is where I am at. I will try what you have suggested re rebooting and holding the alt/option key and see if that helps me!

  • by Marypr,

    Marypr Marypr Sep 16, 2016 3:57 AM in response to Krazirob
    Level 1 (7 points)
    Windows Software
    Sep 16, 2016 3:57 AM in response to Krazirob

    thanks, I will be giving that a try!

  • by Loner T,

    Loner T Loner T Sep 16, 2016 9:15 AM in response to Marypr
    Level 7 (23,828 points)
    Safari
    Sep 16, 2016 9:15 AM in response to Marypr

    The ISO is meant to be on your Mac, not on the USB. There is a USBc-to-USB adapter, which should be used to connect the USB Flash drive as the designated installer. It will be erased/formatted by BCA, if necessary.

  • by Marypr,

    Marypr Marypr Sep 16, 2016 4:10 PM in response to Loner T
    Level 1 (7 points)
    Windows Software
    Sep 16, 2016 4:10 PM in response to Loner T

    YYes the iso was downloaded to the MAC. If the reboot with alt/option doesn't work, I will try again with the different adapter you mentioned. I will have to get one first. The one I used is an official apple adapter but has power thru input USBc and connection for a monitor also. I would have thought that should be suitable for the purpose.

  • by Loner T,

    Loner T Loner T Sep 16, 2016 8:36 PM in response to Marypr
    Level 7 (23,828 points)
    Safari
    Sep 16, 2016 8:36 PM in response to Marypr

    Are you using this adapter?

  • by Marypr,

    Marypr Marypr Sep 17, 2016 9:24 AM in response to Loner T
    Level 1 (7 points)
    Windows Software
    Sep 17, 2016 9:24 AM in response to Loner T

    No, I have the USBc-VGA-USB adapter.

  • by Loner T,

    Loner T Loner T Sep 17, 2016 9:54 AM in response to Marypr
    Level 7 (23,828 points)
    Safari
    Sep 17, 2016 9:54 AM in response to Marypr

    Try the one I posted the link to. Do you also have an external monitor connected when you run into problems?

  • by Marypr,

    Marypr Marypr Sep 18, 2016 3:08 PM in response to Loner T
    Level 1 (7 points)
    Windows Software
    Sep 18, 2016 3:08 PM in response to Loner T

    NO, nothing else connect other than USB drive and power. I have now tried the booting holding alt/options key and that has booted with the windows EFI  option and that brings up the widows sign in screen. UnfortunateLynne, I then have no use of the keyboard or trackpad! No curser appears! Presumably because they are still tied to IOS!

  • by Marypr,

    Marypr Marypr Sep 18, 2016 3:10 PM in response to Loner T
    Level 1 (7 points)
    Windows Software
    Sep 18, 2016 3:10 PM in response to Loner T

    I Should add that it isn't the normal window screen that appears, just a very small screen asking for langaug details etc.

  • by Loner T,

    Loner T Loner T Sep 18, 2016 6:54 PM in response to Marypr
    Level 7 (23,828 points)
    Safari
    Sep 18, 2016 6:54 PM in response to Marypr

    Marypr wrote:

     

    I have now tried the booting holding alt/options key and that has booted with the windows EFI  option and that brings up the widows sign in screen. UnfortunateLynne, I then have no use of the keyboard or trackpad! No curser appears! Presumably because they are still tied to IOS!

    The built-in keyboard/trackpad on the Macbook should be tied to any OS, but the one running. This is unlike some BT devices.

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