Boot Camp "The computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error" Loop

iSimon88 wrote:

I have tried 1607, 1703 and 1709 now multiple times - all result in the same frozen "Getting started" screen and eventually the "The computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error" loop as described in the opening post.

This is driving me mad!

You need to use 1607 for a 2013 MBA, which has an Intel GPU and you must disconnect from the network (wired) physically and also not connect to any wireless networks, till your Windows installation is complete. You seem to be getting bad drivers from Windows Update ('forced').

What is the current macOS version on your Mac?

Remove the current Windows partition using BCA, run SMC and NVRAM Reset, connect the USB2 Installer, and click only the Install option in BCA, partition, and test. Do not connect any other external storage except the USB2 installer.

As a test, re-install the 128GB original SSD, and try to install Windows.

The 2015 SSD is unlikely to work correctly in a 2013 MBA.

The 2015 MBA - MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015) - Technical Specifications - has a PCIe SSD. MacBook Air 13" Early 2015 Teardown - iFixit shows a different PCIe 3.0 SSD compared to the 2013 model.

The 2013 MBA - MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2013) - Technical Specifications and MacBook Air 13" Mid 2013 Teardown - iFixit also show a PCIe model, but an older model.

Remove the current BC partition, using BCA only, run SMC/NVRAM reset and then retry BCA and try to install Windows.

I had this problem as well, but installing Windows 10 Home (without the S and N) worked for me. The S does NOT stand for "standard" but more like simple - you can only install programs from the windows store, for example.

While your Mac reboots, hold the Alt/Option key? What available selections do you see? If you see macOS, select it and check.

I had a similar problem with Bootcamp. But I find a very simple solution for it. At the first steps of the Windows install process I choose Windows Home and not Windows X, wich I choose before. So try to choose not the first Windows version of the list, for me work Windows Home fine. The Windows install is complete. So im happy.

iSimon88 wrote:

Thank you for your assistance it however still isn't working!

I have:

-Removed the BC partition with the BCA.

-Reset SMC and NVRAM

-Downloaded the 1607 iso again onto another new 2.0 USB drive

...works brilliantly up until "Getting started" following by the "Computer restarted unexpectedly" message.

Windows 7 and 8.1 work quite well but essentially run into the same problems when upgrading...

The ISO should be on your Mac's internal disk in Document or Desktop (but not Downloads), and BCA should build the USB2 installer. If you use a Windows Media Creation Tool USB, it does not have the necessary BC drivers to allow reboot environment to support proper functionality of Apple-specific hardware.

Do not un-install Windows. Try How to reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support and check if your default OS is macOS.

Also, see Start up your Mac in Windows or macOS with Boot Camp - Apple Support .

It’s a problem with the BootCamo drivers. I worked on this problem this week-end: the problem come from the AMD or/and the Intel drivers provided by Apple.

My « solution »: install win 10, but not the last Apple boot camp drivers!!!

By the way, you can install all the windows updates ...

If you have the loop boot problem, try to boot the computer on windows. After a few tries, you will see a « restoration » system. You have some options on the menu.

- boot on safe mode and uninstall the graphics drivers

- go back to a previous restoration point (if you had activated it previously)

- go back to a « fresh install »

It’s the only solutions I know, maybe others exists.

TheAnton51 wrote:

I tried pressing option+command+R+P. When i connected to my network, 15 minutes later this popped up.

Apple says this page is unavailable. What does this mean? Please help solve this, its been frustrating me for days!

You are unable to connect to the Apple Internet Recovery servers from your Mac. If you are using a wireless connection, please try a wired connection, if possible.

iSimon88 wrote:

The new 256gb SSD drive is from another macbook and replaces the 128gb drive I had before.

Did the 256GB SSD come from the same year/model Mac as the one you are using it in?

iSimon88 wrote:

Should I still allow bootcamp to download the "latest support software" or tweak the installation in some way?

Yes. The issue is Windows Update, not BC drivers.