Retina MacBook Pro - I want to run Windows from external drive

[Starfox]

Preemptive: Do not tell me about virtualization. I know all about it and I can't use it due to my needs. I need direct hardware access to the GPU.

Just like the title says, is there any way (official or not) to run Windows (7 or 8) on the Retina MacBook Pro from an external drive?

 

[Trey M]

Preemptive: Do not tell me about virtualization. I know all about it and I can't use it due to my needs. I need direct hardware access to the GPU.

Just like the title says, is there any way (official or not) to run Windows (7 or 8) on the Retina MacBook Pro from an external drive?

Would you not just be able to insert an install disc and point the install app to the external in the directory? Usually I'm presented with the option and people do run OS's off externals so I think that's all you would have to do

 

[Starfox]

It's not that simple, here's what the Bootcamp FAQ has to say: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4818#7

 

[Auzburner]

Preemptive: Do not tell me about virtualization. I know all about it and I can't use it due to my needs. I need direct hardware access to the GPU.

Just like the title says, is there any way (official or not) to run Windows (7 or 8) on the Retina MacBook Pro from an external drive?

It appears to be possible.

Booting Windows from external hard drive is possible:



In external HD install Mac OS X, and then install windows to same drive via bootcamp.

Delete Mac OS X partition, Resize Windows partition to size you want. VOILA



I tried, it works.

Source

Make sure you have a fast external drive. Buy a thunderbolt drive for the fastest experience or at least USB 3. You should search around the internet for a good how-to, it's likely someone built one.

It's not officially supported, but may be possible.

Unfortunately, with visualization this is a breeze.

 

[Interstella5555]

It's not that simple, here's what the Bootcamp FAQ has to say: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4818#7

Seems pretty simple to me

You can use Boot Camp to install Windows on any internal hard drive, but not on an external hard drive.