User profile for user: Domlei001
Domlei001 Author
User level: Level 1
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How do I install windows 10 on Separate HDD without Bootcamp

I would like to have OS X installed on an SSD in bay 1, and Windows 10 Pro on an SSHD in bay 2. The remaining 2 bays will be used for storage. How can I do this without using Bootcamp to partition the SSD in bay 1? Thanks. Would also like to do same for 2012 MP 12 Core Sierra.

Mac Pro, iOS 10.1.1

Posted on Apr 27, 2018 10:51 PM

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User profile for user: Loner T
Loner T
User level: Level 9
59,536 points

Posted on Apr 28, 2018 7:13 AM

  • Download the Bootcamp drivers to a USB2 flash drive when booted in macOS, using BC Assistant -> Action -> Download (if on BCA 6.x) or Download option (if on BCA 5.x).
  • Remove all disks physically from the MP, except the SSHD in Bay 2, and move it to Bay 1.
  • You will need a DVD Installer of Windows, which can be created, if necessary, using the corresponding ISO from Microsoft. Insert the DVD, reboot and hold Alt/Option and select the Windows icon (not EFI boot) from the DVD, erase/format the SSHD as a MBR/NTFS disk and install Windows.
  • Install BC drivers from the USB2 flash drive, using setup.exe from the Bootcamp folder, and create a Windows backup and Windows System Restore point.
  • Insert your other disks, and the order of disks is not relevant anymore.
  • Test and verify that you can run macOS and Windows and switch between the two.
  • If you plan to use W10 1709 (Fall Creators), be aware that it has issues, so may need to use W10 1607 (Anniversary).
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User profile for user: Loner T
Loner T
User level: Level 9
59,536 points

Apr 28, 2018 7:13 AM in response to Domlei001

  • Download the Bootcamp drivers to a USB2 flash drive when booted in macOS, using BC Assistant -> Action -> Download (if on BCA 6.x) or Download option (if on BCA 5.x).
  • Remove all disks physically from the MP, except the SSHD in Bay 2, and move it to Bay 1.
  • You will need a DVD Installer of Windows, which can be created, if necessary, using the corresponding ISO from Microsoft. Insert the DVD, reboot and hold Alt/Option and select the Windows icon (not EFI boot) from the DVD, erase/format the SSHD as a MBR/NTFS disk and install Windows.
  • Install BC drivers from the USB2 flash drive, using setup.exe from the Bootcamp folder, and create a Windows backup and Windows System Restore point.
  • Insert your other disks, and the order of disks is not relevant anymore.
  • Test and verify that you can run macOS and Windows and switch between the two.
  • If you plan to use W10 1709 (Fall Creators), be aware that it has issues, so may need to use W10 1607 (Anniversary).
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User profile for user: Loner T
Loner T
User level: Level 9
59,536 points

Apr 29, 2018 7:26 AM in response to Domlei001

Apple seems to hide these pretty well. See the Legacy Guides on Boot Camp - Apple Support. For example, for your specific case, see page 6 of Boot Camp Installation & Setup Guide for macOS 10.7 which has

If you have a Mac Pro with more than one internal disk and you want to install Boot Camp on a disk that isn’t in the first hard drive bay, remove the drives in the lower numbered bays. You can reinstall the drives after you install Boot Camp.

It is much faster to just have the CD/DVD and the designated Windows disk.


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How do I install windows 10 on Separate HDD without Bootcamp

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