Which version of Windows???

[glasswave]

Hi all,

I've been loving playing around with my new top end late 2013 retina MacBook Pro! But it's becoming time to get more serious.

I need to install Windows using boot camp. Which version of Windows works best on a rMBP? Win 7 ulimate-64 or is is Windows 8 or 8.1 better. How does each work with the retina display? Do you have to scale you text and icons? Does it do 4 to 1 pixel binning to simulate 1440x900? How does the touch pad work? Do you still have all the gestures?

I run Win 7-64 & osX at work and w7-64 on my home workstation, but I'll upgrade to 8.1 for the mbp if it gains me anything.

 

[Jaben3421]

Hi all,

I've been loving playing around with my new top end late 2013 retina MacBook Pro! But it's becoming time to get more serious.

I need to install Windows using boot camp. Which version of Windows works best on a rMBP? Win 7 ulimate-64 or is is Windows 8 or 8.1 better. How does each work with the retina display? Do you have to scale you text and icons? Does it do 4 to 1 pixel binning to simulate 1440x900? How does the touch pad work? Do you still have all the gestures?

I run Win 7-64 & osX at work and w7-64 on my home workstation, but I'll upgrade to 8.1 for the mbp if it gains me anything.

I'm not positive on this, so correct me if I'm wrong, but last I heard Windows 7 doesn't fully support the rMBP resolution. I think only Windows 8 can fully support the rMBP's high resolution. As far as Windows 8 or 8.1, if you can find 8 for cheaper than buy it and upgrade for free. But remember that every time you need to fresh install, you have to install 8 and upgrade to 8.1. Other than that, get which either one you can find cheaper.

 

[maflynn]

I'd say windows 8 is your best bet at this stage, its a solid OS and you can disable metro if you wish. The supplied drivers for apple are current and support the retina hardware.

 

[Turnpike]

I'm not positive on this, so correct me if I'm wrong, but last I heard Windows 7 doesn't fully support the rMBP resolution. I think only Windows 8 can fully support the rMBP's high resolution. As far as Windows 8 or 8.1, if you can find 8 for cheaper than buy it and upgrade for free. But remember that every time you need to fresh install, you have to install 8 and upgrade to 8.1. Other than that, get which either one you can find cheaper.

Does anyone have anything to add to this....? I'm looking to use Parells and Windows 7 on both a Retina 15" MBP and again on a 27" iMac. I really prefer to use Windows 7, and dont mind buying Windows 7 Ultimate if that would help.

1) Is one version of Windows 7 better than another for either machine? (Win 7 Home Premium vs Win 7 Ultimate

2) Will any version of Win 7 let me enjoy the Retina part of the display on the MBP?

Thank you!

 

[nathan43082]

This thread makes it seems as if you can just install 8.1, bypassing 8.0 altogether…
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1692097/

 

[saturnotaku]

2) Will any version of Win 7 let me enjoy the Retina part of the display on the MBP?

Only if you set the resolution to 2880x1800 and scaling to 199%. Otherwise, Windows 8.1 has better (though not as good as OS X) support for HiDPI.

 

[oldhifi]

I have Windows 7 on my Mac Mini, no problems..but never use the upgrade do a full install..

 

[mintfan7200]

Get windows 7 it is a great os . Windows 8 is ok but I think windows 7 is a better option in my opinion . You should also give linux a try .

 

[willie45]

Can i just be clear because I'm going to buy windows 8. I will run it on a 27" iMac mid 2011. I believe I need the 64bit version is this right? Also I am slightly confused because I was about to buy one then noticed it said it was for windows 7 upgragers but then it also said it would do a "full install" which I assume means it would be fine for my purposes. ( I don't have any version of windows at all at the moment )

It also says 32/64bit so I assume it will install either?

Here's a link to what I'm considering buying

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-W...UTF8&qid=1393516579&sr=8-2&keywords=windows+8

thanks for your help