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Boot Camp Finally Supports Windows 7 On Macs

Posted by timothy on from the just-like-real-boot-camp-only-nicer-colors dept.

Dave Knott writes "After some delay Apple has updated Boot Camp to support Windows 7 on Macintosh computers. They have also provided an upgrade utility that facilitates transition to Windows 7 for Mac owners who have existing Vista installations. The new version of Boot Camp requires OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard)."

16 of 216 comments (clear)

  1. ...Windows 7 runs great on VirtualBox on Mac by flydpnkrtn · · Score: 3, Informative

    .....just sayin'

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    1. Re:...Windows 7 runs great on VirtualBox on Mac by tepples · · Score: 3, Informative

      Running an upgrade without a valid license for the qualifying previous version might stop working after the next BSA audit. (And I'm not talking Scouts either.)

    2. Re:...Windows 7 runs great on VirtualBox on Mac by joshki · · Score: 2, Informative

      psst....

      The OSX upgrade costs 29 bucks.

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    3. Re:...Windows 7 runs great on VirtualBox on Mac by node+3 · · Score: 2, Informative

      Not quite. Microsoft used the launch of Windows XP to increase the price of Windows dramatically.

      Besides, when amiga3D says, "they planned it that way", he doesn't mean they planned it back then in 1995. He means they planned it that way last year when they priced Windows 7.

    4. Re:...Windows 7 runs great on VirtualBox on Mac by MojoStan · · Score: 3, Informative

      Newegg: $105 I'm still a little confused though as to what, exactly it is that you don't get with the system builder edition that you would get with the full retail version.

      Ars Technica had a nice article explaining the differences when Vista was released: "Buying OEM versions of Windows Vista: the facts"

      My summary (in order of importance):

      • An OEM or "system builder" version of Windows is tied to the computer on which it is initially installed. Unlike retail versions, OEM versions cannot be transferred to another computer, even if you remove it from the first computer.
      • OEM versions include either 32-bit Windows or 64-bit (not both), so you must choose before you buy. Retail versions come with both.
      • OEM versions cannot be returned once opened. That makes the 32/64 bit decision important.
      • No pretty box, no user manual, and no free support. Experienced computer users don't need that stuff, anyway. OEM users still get free windows updates, MS's support web site, knowledge base, and paid support options.
      • OEM versions only allow clean installations. No "in place upgrades" are allowed, which no sane techie would do anyway. Windows Easy Transfer is available for those that want to easily transfer files, settings, and accounts.

      To me, the only important limitation is the no-transfer limit. However, since the OEM version is roughly half the price of the full retail (not upgrade) version, I don't think it's a big deal. Also, I've read in many forums (including Slashdot) that MS will provide a new activation code for OEM versions if you say you "had to replace the motherboard" on your PC.

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  2. I've been running it for months.... by ducomputergeek · · Score: 3, Informative

    I've been running Windows 7 Eval edition since august when OS 10.6 came out. Even without bootcamp, it dectected my wireless card and intel graphics on my MacBook without any problems. How is this just now news?

    --
    "The problem with socialism is eventually you run out of other people's money" - Thatcher.
    1. Re:I've been running it for months.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Informative

      Because now (about 2 weeks ago actually) it's officially supported. I too have been running it for about 6 months on my MBP, and about the only improvements I've seen is temp is a lot cooler with the new drivers.

    2. Re:I've been running it for months.... by itsdapead · · Score: 2, Informative

      I've been running Windows 7 Eval edition since august when OS 10.6 came out. [snip] How is this just now news?

      Before, it worked. Now it should just work (tm). At least until you get to the bit where Windows takes over :-)

      Back in the early days of Intel Macs, the beta bootcamp included essential firmware updates (e.g. the EFI BIOS legacy support stuff). Since then, however, you've just been able to slam in a Windows DVD and go, although if you're not careful you'll hose OS X in the process because Windows doesn't understand the OS X partition table.

      These days, BootCamp is just the point'n'click wizard that holds your hand while you partition your hard drive to hybrid GUID/MBR and set up a dual boot system. Probably recommended, though, unless you have a Mac Pro and are installing windows onto its own hard drive.

      --
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    3. Re:I've been running it for months.... by BitZtream · · Score: 2, Informative

      There are now optimized Win7 drivers, previously you were using generic drivers without acceleration provided by Microsoft or drivers designed for Vista from old versions of Bootcamp.

      Both worked fine, but lacked full acceleration and feature set.

      I've noticed the trackpad is better now, not so overly sensitive to touch or irratic. I've noticed no change in video performance at all. I really don't know what the differences are from a user perspective but as a causual gamer, I haven't noticed a difference in Company of Heros or StarTrek Online. Performance or quality seems the same.

      I have had a bluescreen since updating which I never had before, but that was while playing StarTrek Online which I never played before. Only happened once and may have been there before the upgrade as well. It IS Windows after all.

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  3. Unofficially for a while... by mederjo · · Score: 3, Informative

    I've been running Windows 7 RTM without problems on my Nehalem Mac Pro using Bootcamp for months. It was so painless I've forgotten the details but I think I started off with the Leopard Boot Camp and then updated it with the Boot Camp off the Snow Leopard GM. I did a clean install on a new partition. Windows 7 installed more easily than Vista Ultimate 64.

  4. Re:Why do need to buy 10.6 to get this? more ways by iMouse · · Score: 5, Informative

    You DON'T NEED this update to run Windows 7 on a Mac in Boot Camp. This update is more or less targeted at newer Macs that already shipped with Snow Leopard that are experiencing problems installing 7. (see link)

    http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/windows-classic-linux-other-os/174668-windows-7-27-imac-black-screen.html

    Windows 7 installed on Boot Camp 2.0 in Leopard also works fine.

     
      ...more ways people post crap before doing any research.

  5. Hint: If you want Win7 64bit on older MBP by linumax · · Score: 3, Informative

    These Macs won't have an issue with 64bit Win7 (or Vista). If however, you have an older machine as in my case (2007 Santa Rosa MBP) you might have trouble installing Windows 7 using the DVD.

    In case it locks at boot up when trying to install you can modify the ISO and burn it to a new DVD. I used this guide and it worked fine.

    1. Re:Hint: If you want Win7 64bit on older MBP by linumax · · Score: 2, Informative
      Firstly, it's only 64 bit and secondly the problem is not related to bootcamp at all. The second link has some explanation:

      Unfortunately, I could not get the Windows 7 x64 DVD to boot. After restarting and choosing the Windows DVD at the boot screen, the screen would blank out and just display “Select CD-ROM Boot Type” and refuse to continue.

      I had the exact problem as above so posted this workaround in case others with older machines had it.

  6. A year late... by V50 · · Score: 3, Informative

    Heh, I've been running Windows 7 64 bit on my MacBook Pro for just over a year now, having downloaded the first public beta out of curiosity. IIRC, it took just a minor amount of tweaking to the get Vista drivers to work for Windows 7 beta.

    On that note, I'm mildly dismayed to find Win7 ending up good enough to be used as my primary operating system, which as happened mostly because the DirectX World of Warcraft seems to run better than the OpenGL one for me. That and a few other programs. I feel dirty having OS X end up as my third most used OS on this computer. (Triple booting Ubuntu 9.10, Win7-64, OS X 10.6).

  7. Re:Good place to ask for help by MichaelSmith · · Score: 2, Informative

    Thanks that very helpful. I found a howto which links to an install of SP2 and I tried that file directly. But it does the same thing as my brothers file. It fails with a message saying the system has less than 4 mb free. I will try the full slipstreaming thing. Thanks.

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  8. Re:In other words by node+3 · · Score: 4, Informative

    You're partially right in that Apple does want people to upgrade to the current OS. But if their motives were as underhanded as you imply, it seems a bit odd they'd price Snow Leopard at $29.

    Forces any 4+ year older Mac out of the way since they only started making Intel chips (required for 10.6, no PowerPC chips) in 2006. And thats if you didn't buy an older Mac off the shelf. While the $29 isn't much, it's still a forced upgrade

    No one is forced to buy Snow Leopard. Boot Camp with XP and Vista drivers is a feature of Leopard. Windows 7 compatible Boot Camp is a feature of Snow Leopard.

    Regardless, Leopard still runs just fine. But like every OS upgrade, if you want the new features, you need the new system.

    I'm not sure what you're getting at regarding the older Macs, as they can't run Windows 7 anyway.