MP 1,1-5,1 Windows 11 on Mac Pro 5,1

[what2be]

While theoretically it is not needed anymore, edit your plist to include use Misc → BlessOverride → \EFI\Microsoft\Boot\bootmgfw.efi

Make sure your EFI parition actualy has a "Microsoft" folder. If it doesn't, copy it from the Windows EFI.

My EFI has a microsoft folder. I can see the BlessOverride in my plist but not sure where to add the rest of the string. I also dont see my windows install when I look in OSX under "Startup Disk". And how do I make the bootpicker come up automatically? I have to hold option down every time I want to boot to a specific OS. Lastly, Can someone post the correct format? Ie,

<key>Misc</key>
<dict>
<key>BlessOverride</key>
<array/>
<key>Boot</key>
<dict>
<key>ConsoleAttributes</key>
<integer>0</integer>
<key>HibernateMode</key>
<string>None</string>

 

[Remzremz]

Hello everyone!
I’ve created a USB stick using Rufus (I followed Lance’s video). But it dosen’t show up in the bootpicker at all. USB ports do work, tried couple of usb-sticks, they do work and can be seen in MacOs. But it just dosen’t seem bootable.
What am I missing here?

P.S. I have cMP 4.1->5.1, MacOS 12.6.6. Monterey + OC Martin Lo package 0.9.2.

 

[Darmok N Jalad]

Hello everyone!
I’ve created a USB stick using Rufus (I followed Lance’s video). But it dosen’t show up in the bootpicker at all. USB ports do work, tried couple of usb-sticks, they do work and can be seen in MacOs. But it just dosen’t seem bootable.
What am I missing here?

P.S. I have cMP 4.1->5.1, MacOS 12.6.6. Monterey + OC Martin Lo package 0.9.2.

What I do to get Windows going on the cMP is I start the install on a different machine, let it copy the files, and when it prompts for the first reboot, shut down instead. Transfer the drive to the cMP, and OC will detect a Windows drive, continue with it, and Windows will do the hardware detection dance, then you'll be all set. With a Rufus build, it can be pretty much any old system--mine is an old AMD Jaguar board with 4GB of RAM. You just have to get past the copy phase. It's important to not let it detect hardware on your burner machine, as it will try to redetect on the cMP and might error out. I found you don't need any bootcamp drivers whatsoever, just stock GPU drivers from your vendor of choice.

 

[hwojtek]

My EFI has a microsoft folder. I can see the BlessOverride in my plist but not sure where to add the rest of the string.

Writing from memory, but this should be something like this:

<key>Misc</key>
    <dict>
        <key>BlessOverride</key>
        <array>
        <data>/EFI/EFI/Microsoft/Boot/bootmgfw.efi</data>
        </array>
        <key>Boot</key>

Again: this should not be needed for Open Core editions from last year or so. OC should pick up the Windows partition automatically.

I also dont see my windows install when I look in OSX under "Startup Disk".

You will not see this disk. It is not bootable from MacOS point of view so not visible in Startup Disk prefpane.

And how do I make the bootpicker come up automatically?

Make sure your config.plist contains "true" in ShowPicker. Please, have a thorough read of the famous post #1. Also make sure you do not edit your config.plist on the EFI partition. Copy it to desktop, rename the file on the EFI partition, make changes to the copy and then copy back the edited file to EFI partition. Various bugs happen otherwise.

 

[etrosemore]

Hello all

I have been running Martin Lo's OC package on my cMP 5,1, Sapphire RX 580, Monterey 12.6.6. About a year ago, I installed Windows via rufus "to go" on a second SSD and ran it well for a while, getting updates etc. One day, I was on a video call and my power surged. Computer shut down. After that, windows no work anymore. Tried to reinstall on three different SSDs. Two SATA III and one NVME. Keep getting blue screen when setting up the Microsoft account "Windows has run into a problem". I then copied Lance McVickar's "microsoft" efi folder. Mounted the target drive and replaced microsoft folder on there with Lance's folder. Now, i get to the end of the first phase of the install and get the error message "Windows couldn't complete the installation."

Any idea how I can get Windows running again? I thought about trying to do the install from a DVD but I am not sure if I can boot from the superdrive with ML OC installed

Any help appreciated!

 

[JordanGallimard]

Hello there !
I just installed Windows 11 successfully using the tutorial listed above (the one with the regedit edition, for whatever reason Rufus stucked at the end of the install when my ssd with opencore was in, and I didn't want to remove it, so it worked that way). I just ran into a problem : now in clover, I can't see my windows disk and therefore mount the EFI (before windows it worked) and as a result, I can't move the microsoft folder from my EFI folder (from Opencore) to the EFI folder of the windows disk). Moreover, it is not listed in the hide volumes section of clover, but wen the boot picker shows up, everything is working, booting in windows etc.
Do you have any idea ? And does the action to move it is necessary ? (I read the discussion above, but I'm not sure if I understood correctly).
Thanks !

 

[hwojtek]

Uhm, never used Clover, OC makes my computer boot all the three systems I use. But isn't Clover used for legacy installations and not EFI installations?
Also, you are OK with just one EFI partition in a computer. It should contain all the support files of your OSes in their respective folders. Multiple EFI partitions are not handled by Windows very well.

 

[5ibl1]

I’m jumping in this discussion as I’ve run into an error with Windows 11 installer. (I also created a new topic for my problem before I noticed this discussion.)

I’m trying to get Windows 11 installed on my cMP running Monterey with Martin Lo’s OC and I’m stuck with an error saying ”Windows 11 installer couldn’t create a new partition or locate an existing one” when I’m choosing the drive to install to. I’ve tried formatting the drive but it won’t fix this. OC is installed on an m.2 SSD with Monterey. I’m guessing the m.2 could cause problems (at least I read having external drives connected to the computer could) but I’m not sure. I haven’t tried moving OC to another drive and don’t even know if it’s possible to turn the computer on without a Mac OS drive if I wanted to try installing Windows without the m.2.

Any ideas how to solve this?

(edit: I’m using a Windows 11 installer created with Rufus on a usb drive)

 

[hwojtek]

It is possible to start most (if not any) x64 operating system directly on the Mac. Not advisable, though, if the system you are trying to run is Windows, as it will wreck your NVRAM.

I don't know if you have a native boot screen capable GPU, but the whole ordeal is not that complicated, so:
- start with copying your whole Open Core EFI folder from m2 SSD to the desktop
- if you have a native boot screen capable card, insert your Windows USB installer, mount it's EFI partition, copy the EFI folder from the desktop to USB EFI partition, shutdown, remove the m2 SSD, boot from USB (hold option between chime and Apple logo, select USB's EFI on boot screen), proceed with Windows installation.

- if you don't have such card or don't want to mess with your Windows USB installer, follow the steps to create an OpenCore rescue CD with your existing OpenCore setup as the basis. Once it's done, shutdown, remove the m2 SSD, insert the Windows USB installer and boot from CD (hold C between chime and Apple logo). OpenCore will start from the CD and allow you to proceed with Windows installation.

(remember - Windows does restarts during install, every time it happens you need to make sure it restarts using OpenCore - so either after any restart you need to select the USB EFI as the boot source and once Open Core boot picker is visible you need to select the "Windows" disk, or use the CD and proceed accordingly)

No matter which way you go, once you're done, reinstall the m2 SSD, again start from an external OpenCore EFI (USB or CD), using OpenCore boot to MacOS. Mount your EFI partition, mount the Windows EFI partition, move the "Microsoft" folder from Windows EFI to your MacOS boot EFI, re-bless the MacOS by selecting "restart" from System Preferences. Now you should see two options on OC boot - MacOS and Windows.

 

[5ibl1]

It is possible to start most (if not any) x64 operating system directly on the Mac. Not advisable, though, if the system you are trying to run is Windows, as it will wreck your NVRAM.

I don't know if you have a native boot screen capable GPU, but the whole ordeal is not that complicated, so:
- start with copying your whole Open Core EFI folder from m2 SSD to the desktop
- if you have a native boot screen capable card, insert your Windows USB installer, mount it's EFI partition, copy the EFI folder from the desktop to USB EFI partition, shutdown, remove the m2 SSD, boot from USB (hold option between chime and Apple logo, select USB's EFI on boot screen), proceed with Windows installation.

- if you don't have such card or don't want to mess with your Windows USB installer, follow the steps to create an OpenCore rescue CD with your existing OpenCore setup as the basis. Once it's done, shutdown, remove the m2 SSD, insert the Windows USB installer and boot from CD (hold C between chime and Apple logo). OpenCore will start from the CD and allow you to proceed with Windows installation.

(remember - Windows does restarts during install, every time it happens you need to make sure it restarts using OpenCore - so either after any restart you need to select the USB EFI as the boot source and once Open Core boot picker is visible you need to select the "Windows" disk, or use the CD and proceed accordingly)

No matter which way you go, once you're done, reinstall the m2 SSD, again start from an external OpenCore EFI (USB or CD), using OpenCore boot to MacOS. Mount your EFI partition, mount the Windows EFI partition, move the "Microsoft" folder from Windows EFI to your MacOS boot EFI, re-bless the MacOS by selecting "restart" from System Preferences. Now you should see two options on OC boot - MacOS and Windows.

Thanks for your help. I actually managed to ”solve” this myself by erasing the partitions on the disk I would install Windows on, not just formatting it. This worked and the installer went through nicely. My computer restarted itself a few times during the install and booted every time with Opencore just as it should.

 

[Macschrauber]

Take care not to mess the bootrom with an uefi Windows certificate. It could disturb the refreshing process (garbage collection) of the circular NVRAM cleanup.

You should be prepared with a bootrom backup. I made a tool for diagnose / backup.

The link is in my signature.

 

[rare6499]

Hi guys,

If I want to install windows 10 or 11 to a 4.1 (flashed to 5.1) that has no OS currently installed, can I just create a bootable DVD and install from there? Do I need opencore or a copy of Mac OS? My limited understanding is if I boot from dvd disc it will get around many of the issues present when booting from a USB. Is this correct or do I have to install Mac OS first and opencore first to protect the nvram?

 

[Macschrauber]

The best first step is to backup the firmware. In case you will get certificates you can flash back your firmware backup.

The tool in my signature makes this in one step and checks for Windows certificates and other things what is important for a healthy NVRAM / firmware.

If you have no MacOs installed you can use a Linux Stick like the GRML Package what has flashrom. Of course using MacOs and the GUI tools is a lot easier.

 

[rare6499]

Thanks for the advice, I have a copy of my firmware backed up on cd as a safe measure. Can I then proceed with the above steps to install windows? That’s where I’m getting somewhat confused, all I want is to have windows 11 (or 10) as the only OS, if I install off a dvd drive does that bypass the usual problems related to a usb installer and I shouldn’t need open core or anything else installed? I’ve read so much my head is spinning!

As much as I have searched I can’t seem to find the answer, so I need open core or similar or can I just install windows from the dvd drive on to the HDD with no other patches or software or OS. If I install from the dvd does this mean there’s no risk to the certificates in the boot room?

 

[Macschrauber]

If you want to be safe start with the alt-key and select Windows with the Boot Picker from the CD.

You can even start an (u)Efi installation from a CD if you choose EFI Boot from the CD. I dont know in what circumstances this happens, but in theory it can happen.

Avoid everything with Windows what has (u)EFI in his name until you have NVRAM protection from OpenCore or RefindPlus.

If you have your backup firmware file and another Mac available you can use my tool to check the copy. If not you can mail it to me and I do.

 

[rare6499]

Thanks for the advice, so I would still need to have opencore or refindplus installed? Can I install them irrespective of macOS? The whole purpose is not to have any install of macOS, only windows.

I appreciate the advice and the assistance

 

[haralds]

Use this repo, boot to Win10 and select Auto Upgrade option just like in the picture. After the process finishes you will have Win11.

I am planning on upgrading my Windows 10 install using legacy BIOS boot with standard BootCamp. The current version has been running well for a decade with upgrades all along.
Just to make sure, this creates all the patches required to have Windows 11 run under those conditions similar to doing a RUFUS USB with conversion to ISO, mounting that, and installing from setup.exe?

 

[sfalatko]

Thanks for the advice, so I would still need to have opencore or refindplus installed? Can I install them irrespective of macOS? The whole purpose is not to have any install of macOS, only windows.

I appreciate the advice and the assistance

That depends - if you are using a supported macOS version (Mojave or earlier) you could do a Legacy Windows install. With EnableGop you could get the Apple boot picker with pretty much any GPU and would avoid issues with Windows certificates.

If you want to use Catalina or newer then OC is the way to go (choose your install method for OC). With bootpicker (OC feature) you could still use Windows in Legacy mode.

I've figured this out as I've not wanted to replace or move my existing Windows install to UEFI.

Regards,
sfalatko

 

[Macschrauber]

Thanks for the advice, so I would still need to have opencore or refindplus installed? Can I install them irrespective of macOS? The whole purpose is not to have any install of macOS, only windows.

I appreciate the advice and the assistance

No, just a hint to be careful not to start EFI Boot from a Windows DVD.

And, OC or RefindPlus lives in the ESP and dont need a Mac OS.

Nevertheless I would recommend having a compatible MacOs in the drawer just in case...

 

[rare6499]

That depends - if you are using a supported macOS version (Mojave or earlier) you could do a Legacy Windows install. With EnableGop you could get the Apple boot picker with pretty much any GPU and would avoid issues with Windows certificates.

If you want to use Catalina or newer then OC is the way to go (choose your install method for OC). With bootpicker (OC feature) you could still use Windows in Legacy mode.

I've figured this out as I've not wanted to replace or move my existing Windows install to UEFI.

Regards,
sfalatko

I don’t want to use any macOS install. All I want is to install Windows 10 (or 11) on a new blank SATA SSD as the only OS on the system. My assumption is, if I install from a dvd (therefore installing on legacy mode) this should mean I don’t need any other software or patches etc in the background.

No, just a hint to be careful not to start EFI Boot from a Windows DVD.

And, OC or RefindPlus lives in the ESP and dont need a Mac OS.

Nevertheless I would recommend having a compatible MacOs in the drawer just in case...

Thanks, I appreciate the assistance - looks like I don’t need any additional programs or software then, only the installer from the DVD. Is there a way to tell during the install process whether it’s in legacy mode or uefi?

 

[startergo]

I am planning on upgrading my Windows 10 install using legacy BIOS boot with standard BootCamp. The current version has been running well for a decade with upgrades all along.
Just to make sure, this creates all the patches required to have Windows 11 run under those conditions similar to doing a RUFUS USB with conversion to ISO, mounting that, and installing from setup.exe?

Yes. It is an automatic process without user intervention.

 

[gatd4]

could some please post a step by step to upgrade win 10 to win 11 on parallels mac pro 5.1?
thanks

 

[Dewdman42]

here's a question for you that are running Win11 on top of OpenCore. I am hoping to install native boot, not legacy bootcamp. but I want to try to organize my partitions in such a way that it will be very difficult, if not impossible to accidentally boot win11 without going through OC for sure.

I plan to keep a Mojave partition around somewhere just for administration of OC..however that could be on a separate USB drive if it makes sense.

what I want to know is that if I reset NVRAM or do anything that would lose track of OC being the primary boot partition, I want to make sure that by default it will never attempt to boot win11 directly without OC. my GPU does not have boot screen support, so that will help to avoid that from happening that way, but anyway any pointers about how I can lock that in to avoid any accidental boot to Win11 without OC would be appreciated.

 

[mode11]

here's a question for you that are running Win11 on top of OpenCore. I am hoping to install native boot, not legacy bootcamp. but I want to try to organize my partitions in such a way that it will be very difficult, if not impossible to accidentally boot win11 without going through OC for sure.

I plan to keep a Mojave partition around somewhere just for administration of OC..however that could be on a separate USB drive if it makes sense.

what I want to know is that if I reset NVRAM or do anything that would lose track of OC being the primary boot partition, I want to make sure that by default it will never attempt to boot win11 directly without OC. my GPU does not have boot screen support, so that will help to avoid that from happening that way, but anyway any pointers about how I can lock that in to avoid any accidental boot to Win11 without OC would be appreciated.

Stick OC on the EFI of the Windows partition.

Also, work out which bay your Mac defaults to after a NVRAM reset (likely bay 1) and stick the W11 / OC drive there.

Though I’d just sell the MP and buy / build a PC. No use running a 14 year old computer if not using macOS.

 

[Dewdman42]

So help me remember OC, it's been more than a year since I messed with my OC config. If OC is on the EFI partition of the #1 drive..that will make sure that after NVRAM reset..that will be the drive that boots by default until I start blessing things otherwise. Right so far?

Is there anything I can do accidentally while blessing, that might somehow cause the win11 partition to boot without OC, or is blessing a thing you do to the whole drive..in which case you're basically blessing the EFI partition of whichever drive you want to be booting up, OC or otherwise..so as long as OC is on the EFI where win11 is...then I guess the only way it could accidentally happen might be if I actually revetted that EFI to normal factory setup, then a reboot would try to boot win11 without OC. Right?

Can i assume that if the EFI partition just gets corrupted in some way such that its not factory, but also not able to boot up OC properly either...could it default back to booting win11 without OC or will that just end up not being able to boot the disk until I fix the EFI...or try to go to the next disk to see if it can boot, etc.?

I do plan to do my OC admin from a mojave partition somewhere and generally that has to boot without OC. So I guess i should put that on a different disk, probably USB, so that when inserted it will boot there without OC..and since I don't have GPU boot screen I can't think of any reason right now why I might accidentally boot to the win11 device partition somehow that way either. Just checking.

I hear ya about the 5,1. well its a 12 core 3.46 and honestly runs pretty good still with monterey I'm using it my main machine, but I'm gonna get an M4 soon for my main machine...there is no reason to lose it, can't sell it for very much..and it has a lot of RAM in it also...not to mention a bunch of ssd drives (any new computer I would probably go M.2. so...its not inexpensive to get a new windows box, if I got a new windows box I would feel compelled to spend quite a lot. And this one will serve the only purpose I have for it..so why not. As long as I can set it up into a fairly foolproof way that will just run as is most of the time. Possibvly I will leave it as Monterey for a long time too, its debateable whether I need Windows...there are a couple things I could benefit from having a win machine around, so this could be it