Windows 8 EFI Install Update

[proengin]

I'm not sure it's only drivers. Perhaps Apple also did changes to their EFI firmware to be more compatible. Would be interesting to find out. What BootCamp version did you download?

I don't know how to nail the BootCamp version but the drivers were downloaded to my USB flashdrive as part of the Bootcamp setup process. I think the most important updated drivers for mid June MBA are those for Broadcom BC43xx wifi, Intel HD5000 GPU and trackpad. I've seen some comments about the trackpad (though looks identical) being totally different from previous MBA's.

I dug deeper into the standard SATA AHCI controller driver installed in device manager, in fact this is simply for the 3rd party controller resides on the PCIE SSD instead of the onboard Intel controller. In this sense, it is not a direct indication of EFI mode.

 

[webdudeuk]

Can you post a screenshot of device manager with extensive details shown for the sound device? IT would be good if you used unknown hardware identifier or a similar program to determine whether or not a Cirrus Logic chip is used for sound. Thanks.

It's a Cirrus Logic CS4208 (AB 114).
Driver Version 6.6001.3.9
Driver Date 25/04/2013

There's a "Standard SATA AHCI Controller" driver

And an "Intel HD Graphic 5000"
Driver Version 9.18.10.3165

 

[yfnew]

well for rMBP's audio issue, I found a tutorial about installing windows 8 in EFI mode for Mac that provided a solution for rMBP's audio issue: (sadly the tutorial is not in English. It is in Chinese)http://www.tinpont.com/default/windows8_on_macbook_pro_retina_booting_natively_via_efi.html

This tutorial basically said that the audio driver issue shows up if you manually install the bootcamp drivers. To solve this problem, just directly install the bootcamp driver using the official installer.

I can't try this method right now since I am not at home. Any one want to have a try?

 

[mac-hacks]

[Guide] How To Install Windows 8 RTM

After quick scan threw this thread, I notice few are having issue with GPU. Here a complete guide on how to install Windows 8 UEFI on Mac with ATI and IntelHD 3000/4000 GPU.

FYI - This guide does not solve the audio issue…!!!

https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/15483249/

 

[muffinface]

EFI working on Mac Pro 2010 (5,1) with sound.

Just wanted to report that the EFI install of Windows 8 on a Mac Pro 2010 went perfectly, sound working after bootcamp driver install.

The two problems I've had though:

Device manager shows that I have missing drivers for "bluetooth USB host controller"

I've searched all over the internet and I haven't found a solution for this, at least a specifically "windows on mac" solution anyway.

On top of that, it seems the gestures on my Apple trackpad and right click aren't working either. I'm hoping someone on here can help me out with this issue as i'm out of ideas. I'm assuming that both are related somehow maybe?

 

[fusion71]

I just wanted to confirm it is also possible to install Windows 8 in efi mode on a Mac mini late 2012. Everything seems to work (including Cirrus Audio, Broadcom network wireless, Intel 4000 video and hdmi audio) after installing the latest bootcamp 5.0.5033 drivers.

This guide http://spblinux.de/blog/2013/03/mac-mini-late-2012-triple-boot-osx-win8-opensuse12-3/ describes how to setup a triple boot OSX, Windows 8 and Linux system on a late 2012 Mac mini.

This guide describes how to install Windows 8 efi on an external usb HD/stick
http://blog.exchange-addict.com/2013/02/windows-to-go-uefi-only_19.html
. I used an external USB HD since I didn't have a certified Windows to GO USB stick (these have a "flipped removable bit" so they present themselves as a fixed drive to windows and can have more than one partition on them).

It is not necessary to "clean" the mac hard drive with Windows Diskpart.exe as long as it is a pure GPT disk with a protective mbr instead of a "hybrid" mbr. Unfortunately, if you used bootcamp assistant or mac disk utility to create your windows partition, most likely a hybrid mbr will be created and this will only allow installation of windows in BIOS mode. You can convert the disk back to pure GPT (without losing your original partitions) using the GDisk utility available here
http://sourceforge.net/projects/gptfdisk/
(option "n" in expert options to "create a new protective MBR").

Once I confirmed my disk was partitioned as pure GPT with Gdisk, I created the MSR (Microsoft Reserved Partition) and Windows Partition using windows Diskpart.exe and proceeded with Windows 8 installation as described in the linked guides.

 

[MJL]

@fusion71: Thanks. Always looking for improvements.

Questions:

1) which model Mac mini 2012?
2) any backup / restore options for the partition? (important to me to be able to recover fast)

 

[fusion71]

@MJL

I have a late 2012 Mac Mini, i7 2.3GHz, 1TB HD, HD 4000 graphics as described
here http://support.apple.com/kb/SP659.

I first installed Windows 8 on an external USB HDD "Windows to Go" to test out whether it installed with efi and that the drivers worked. I was able to image the Windows partition with Acronis TI 2011 plus pack rescue USB. The plus pack rescue media is required since a standard TI 2011 install doesn't work with GPT disks.

The rescue USB can also restore the partition but a boot repair is necessary ie after restoring the windows partition, use Windows 8 installer/Win PE 4.0 disk and bcdboot.exe to rebuild the (u)efi boot BCD store in the EFI partition.

Other suggestions for imaging (haven't tried personally) maybe easier eg Windows Backup and Restore, Paragon Hard Disk Manager 12 Suite but I would recommend a time machine backup of your OSX partition first.

 

[MJL]

@MJL

I have a late 2012 Mac Mini, i7 2.3GHz, 1TB HD, HD 4000 graphics as described
here http://support.apple.com/kb/SP659.

I first installed Windows 8 on an external USB HDD "Windows to Go" to test out whether it installed with efi and that the drivers worked. I was able to image the Windows partition with Acronis TI 2011 plus pack rescue USB. The plus pack rescue media is required since a standard TI 2011 install doesn't work with GPT disks.

The rescue USB can also restore the partition but a boot repair is necessary ie after restoring the windows partition, use Windows 8 installer/Win PE 4.0 disk and bcdboot.exe to rebuild the (u)efi boot BCD store in the EFI partition.

Other suggestions for imaging (haven't tried personally) maybe easier eg Windows Backup and Restore, Paragon Hard Disk Manager 12 Suite but I would recommend a time machine backup of your OSX partition first.

Thank you - at the moment I am using Winclone for partition imaging (and resizing) and it works like a charm.

There is a hiccup with Winclone though - when I put the drive in AHCI mode it does not want to back up. As work around I backup in non AHCI mode and after restore I have just to take the step to changing it. Fortunately only required once in 3 - 6 months so not too bad and in a pinch it will run without being modified. When resizing I have to tell it to modify the BCD. (done automatically)

I am planning on getting another 2012 - need the extra processor cache (6Mb) and will start experimenting with that, I've always been wanting to run it in EFI but so far never managed 100% functionality and reliability.

 

[08380728]

Just wanted to report that the EFI install of Windows 8 on a Mac Pro 2010 went perfectly, sound working after bootcamp driver install.

The two problems I've had though:

Device manager shows that I have missing drivers for "bluetooth USB host controller"

I've searched all over the internet and I haven't found a solution for this, at least a specifically "windows on mac" solution anyway.

On top of that, it seems the gestures on my Apple trackpad and right click aren't working either. I'm hoping someone on here can help me out with this issue as i'm out of ideas. I'm assuming that both are related somehow maybe?

What video card is in your Mac Pro. Mine has the Nvidia GT 120. I can get the install to EFI but upon reboot to Windows, the logo is displayed for 20 seconds then the screen goes black. I can only resolve this by removing the "nvlddmkm.sys" driver from C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\. In summary it can't use any Nvidia driver, i've tried many, it can only work with MS's default with no acceleration. Love to know what video card you have to allow this to work. Thanks

 

[MJL]

@MJL

I have a late 2012 Mac Mini, i7 2.3GHz, 1TB HD, HD 4000 graphics as described
here http://support.apple.com/kb/SP659.

I first installed Windows 8 on an external USB HDD "Windows to Go" to test out whether it installed with efi and that the drivers worked. I was able to image the Windows partition with Acronis TI 2011 plus pack rescue USB. The plus pack rescue media is required since a standard TI 2011 install doesn't work with GPT disks.

The rescue USB can also restore the partition but a boot repair is necessary ie after restoring the windows partition, use Windows 8 installer/Win PE 4.0 disk and bcdboot.exe to rebuild the (u)efi boot BCD store in the EFI partition.

Other suggestions for imaging (haven't tried personally) maybe easier eg Windows Backup and Restore, Paragon Hard Disk Manager 12 Suite but I would recommend a time machine backup of your OSX partition first.

update: tried this out on a 2011 Mac mini and I did not manage to get it going. Waiting for the sale of a 2010 Mac mini server before buying the 2012 model and trying again.

Windows 8 with Start button (and booting directly into a Windows 7 feel alike environment) has been running smoothly. Quite pleased how it is working, some nice tweaks present in 8 (that were not present in 7).

 

[fusion71]

update: tried this out on a 2011 Mac mini and I did not manage to get it going. Waiting for the sale of a 2010 Mac mini server before buying the 2012 model and trying again.

Windows 8 with Start button (and booting directly into a Windows 7 feel alike environment) has been running smoothly. Quite pleased how it is working, some nice tweaks present in 8 (that were not present in 7).

I wonder if anyone has managed to get the Intel HD 3000 working in EFI mode on a mac......?

I agree with you that I much prefer Windows 8 in desktop mode with Start Button eg after installing "StartIsBack" application. Underneath the cosmetic changes, the fundamentals of Windows 8 are much improved compared to Windows 7 such as the much faster boot times and (u)efi support.

More recently I've also had success running Windows Server 2012 in "To Go" (u)EFI mode on an external USB2 hard drive connected to my Mac Mini Late 2012. As with Windows 8, the latest bootcamp 5.0.5033 drivers installed OK and audio (Cirrus Logic) and video (Intel HD 4000) worked -

http://www.flickr.com/photos/100154877@N03/9494949124/sizes/o/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/100154877@N03/9491812025/sizes/o/in/set-72157635040615604/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/100154877@N03/9491812975/sizes/o/in/set-72157635040615604/

 

[Matchy]

Hi everyone, just got my new (refurbish 2012 retina macbook pro 15 inch).

Was wondering does it provide support for native EFI boot in windows 8? (everything work from audio to GPU. I dun care about turning on the intel HD 4000)

If yes, how to install Windows 8? (just use the stock bootcamp assistant or do it in the disk utility?)

As I know EFI boot require the partition table to be GPT rather than a GPT MBR hybrid.

Anyone can share their experience here?

Update: try to create a USB install drive with the bootcamp assistant- and at start up i saw:

{mac os} {recovery} {EFI}

does this mean I can only install with EFI mode?

 

[MJL]

base mac mini 2012 arrived.
followed Microsoft's instructions to set up for (U)EFI install (whole drive) http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh825045.aspx
booted from external Windows 8 DVD (hold down option key)
selected EFI install
after finishing inserted USB key with Bootcamp and install Bootcamp

All working (inclusive audio) however booting not any faster (only shutdown)

no further testing done - waiting for second SSD and drive cable to arrive (two 128 Gb SSD's will be installed)

PS existing 5400 rpm drive is noisy when slowing down - a reject in my book, never ever got a decent life out of a drive that had noisy behavior. Not letting any "genius" near the machine since they do more damage than good. (e.g. no antistatic procedures)

 

[monkeybagel]

Hi everyone, just got my new (refurbish 2012 retina macbook pro 15 inch).

Was wondering does it provide support for native EFI boot in windows 8? (everything work from audio to GPU. I dun care about turning on the intel HD 4000)

If yes, how to install Windows 8? (just use the stock bootcamp assistant or do it in the disk utility?)

As I know EFI boot require the partition table to be GPT rather than a GPT MBR hybrid.

Anyone can share their experience here?

Update: try to create a USB install drive with the bootcamp assistant- and at start up i saw:

{mac os} {recovery} {EFI}

does this mean I can only install with EFI mode?

Image

My 2013 MacBook Pro with Retina display will not boot Windows 8 or 8.1 using EFI. It blue screens before setup finishes, and always at random places. My Mac Pro 12-core, however runs it fine. The only way to know for sure is to try.

 

[Memole]

Hi everyone, just got my new (refurbish 2012 retina macbook pro 15 inch).

Was wondering does it provide support for native EFI boot in windows 8? (everything work from audio to GPU. I dun care about turning on the intel HD 4000)

If yes, how to install Windows 8? (just use the stock bootcamp assistant or do it in the disk utility?)

As I know EFI boot require the partition table to be GPT rather than a GPT MBR hybrid.

Anyone can share their experience here?

Update: try to create a USB install drive with the bootcamp assistant- and at start up i saw:

{mac os} {recovery} {EFI}

does this mean I can only install with EFI mode?

Image

i have installed Windows 8.1 on external HDD without any issues using EFI mode

so anyhow the Windows it self works the Intel HD 4000 works so is NVIDIA but i use HD 4000 because i wanna save some battery life

The real issue of rMBP 15" when booting in EFI mode is EFI of the Apple that Apple didnt updated EFI for the rMBP but MBA 2013 have no issues to boot windows using EFI

but i still have hope that apple might update firmware on rMBP or at least update the Bootcamp drivers for it but overall i dont care for the sound as i only use Windows just to write some programs in C#

 

[08380728]

Tried today installing Win 8.1 RTM (EFI) on the Mac Pro 4,1. Installed fine, by default it uses MS's basic display driver (since I have dual 23" Cinema display only one was online). I attempted to install the latest Nvidia Geforce 326.80 driver (GT120S AKA 9500GT). The install started but once it got to the actual driver file the screen went black and the machine restarted itself (crashed) and defaulted back to using MS's basic display driver. I've tried numerous version of the Geforce driver and i've failed to find one that will install successfully and be used.

Would like other Mac Pro users with a different video cards than the Nvidia GT120 to give it a crack and see if they can install a driver from their respective manufacturer (eg AMD Radeon) and get their 8.1 EFI system to use the driver instead of the default MS basic display driver.

I'm not sure if the issue it particular to my video card or the problem is caused by Apples EFI implementation.

 

[MJL]

Did you use Apple's Bootcamp drivers? It is not a standard windows machine and more often than not only the Apple drivers will work.

 

[Quackers]

My 2013 MacBook Pro with Retina display will not boot Windows 8 or 8.1 using EFI. It blue screens before setup finishes, and always at random places. My Mac Pro 12-core, however runs it fine. The only way to know for sure is to try.

Yes, I had to boot my Windows 8 install USB installer in legacy mode first and enter command prompt then go through the clean/convert/create partitions procedure first. Once the hybrid mbr is gone the installer will offer the Boot EFI mode and you can continue. I think it baulks when seeing the hybrid mbr.
It wasn't a straightforward installation on mine though (15" retina MBP, mid 2012). Well actually the first time was good but subsequent attempts have been diffcult. Boot configuration errors, hardware failing to start and a graphics problem as well.
All fixed now and it goes well, but without sound, as has been stated here often enough.

 

[624636]

Hi,

Does someone test the EFI install of Windows 8 (or 7) on the new iMac 2013 (Iris Pro and Nvidia version) ?

The MBA 2013 is OK with Windows 8 except one problem with the WIFI (Actually I have to "Power Down" and press the "alt key" and not use "Restart" to go to Windows. If not the WIFI card seems to to work but not receive any network (maybe with it could be fix with a new Broadcom driver ?) ---

Maybe it could be great to create a thread with the windows drivers version of the mac devices because we could not know if Apple updates the drivers in the bootcamp WinSupport files it provides by the OSX assistant and some drivers from manufacturer support page could be used directly but it's quite difficult to know (i.e. Broadcom)

Actually, for my Macbook 2013, I do not use the Bootcamp Installer :
1) I use "dpinst.exe" for install this drivers :
- AppleBluetoothBroadcom64 (in $WinPEDriver$) ;
- IntelHDGraphics64 (in $WinPEDriver$) ;
- IntelxHCISetup (in $WinPEDriver$) ;
- AppleCamera64 ;
- AppleKeyboardInstaller64 ;
- AppleMultiTouchTrackPadInstaller64 ;
- AppleNullDriver64 ;
- AppleWirelessMouse64 ;
- AppleWirelessTrackpad64 ;
- BroadcomNetAdapterWin8x64 ;
- CirrusAudioCS4208x64 ;
- IntelInf ;
- IntelMEI ;
2) Then launch "bootcamp.msi" in the cmd as administrator

3) And everything works fine

 

[Romain202122]

Hello,

i have an iMac 27" late 2013 and i install windows on an external hard drive, everything is working except the sound, to be honest, when i installed boot camp drivers, i launched the "setup" but i couldn't install it "boot camp is unsupported" so i launched " bootcamp.msi" and it worked, except that i have no sound, i can't control brightness and the track-pad isn't working.
could you help me ?
thank you

 

[hacker3000]

Just wanted to tell that I succesfully installed Windows 8.1 in EFI-mode on my rMBP 13" Early 2013 (i5 2.6GHz, 256GB SSD). I swiped the complete SSD with diskpart and installed only Windows straight from the USB-Stick. I installed latest BootCamp drivers, updated Intel HD Graphics to the latest (I got BSODs unless updating it) and everything is working as it should! Just the speakers sound a bit different under Windows than under OSX...

After that i swiped the SSD again, installed OSX 10.8.5 on a 50GB partition, and installed Windows 8.1 to the free space, works perfectly!!!

 

[masi0]

@up

I did setup my mid 2012 MBP using EFI - all went smooth except audio
it seems to be HD Audio but not enabled by Windows

i have tried both Cirrus/Realtek drivers with no luck

Any help?

 

[trionghost]

@up

I did setup my mid 2012 MBP using EFI - all went smooth except audio
it seems to be HD Audio but not enabled by Windows

i have tried both Cirrus/Realtek drivers with no luck

Any help?

I got the same problem, and can't find solvation for 2 years
It work well in bootcamp, but not working on EFI installation.
In opposite main problem of bootcamp is file corruption if you jump from win to mac and back friquently. Hybrid GPT/MBR is awfull

 

[yjchua95]

I got the same problem, and can't find solvation for 2 years
It work well in bootcamp, but not working on EFI installation.
In opposite main problem of bootcamp is file corruption if you jump from win to mac and back friquently. Hybrid GPT/MBR is awfull

Ivy Bridge and earlier Macs do not support the UEFI 2.0 standard, so any attempts to install Windows in UEFI will fail with various results.

Only Haswell and later Macs support the UEFI 2.0 standard, so Windows in UEFI is installed by Boot Camp Assistant by default and runs flawlessly.