No XP on Intel Macs

Filed under: OS Updates, Hardware, Windows, Macintosh, Apple, Microsoft

No XP on Intel Macs

by Marc Perton Jan 11th 2006

If you've been counting on being able to run Windows on those new Intel-based Macs, Apple's not about to make it easy for you -- despite Apple's new agreement with Microsoft not to block Windows on the new computers. According to Apple SVP Phil Schiller, the new Macs announced yesterday (those being the Intel iMac and MacBook Pro) may not be able to run current versions of Windows due to the fact that the computers will boot using the Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI), rather than a traditional BIOS (current Power PC Macs use Open Firmware). EFI was developed by Intel and allows a number of advanced features, including the ability to connect to the Internet from a command shell before the OS is loaded. Since EFI was developed after Windows XP, it's not supported by the current or earlier version of Windows (it is, however, supported by 64-bit versions, but the new Macs are 32-bit, so it's back to square one). However, all is not lost: Windows Vista will support EFI. So, if you're a Vista beta tester and have ordered a new iMac or MacBookPro, get those install CDs out; the rest of you will have to wait for the official Vista release, or find a way to hack XP to boot using EFI.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Jimmy said 8:54PM on 1-11-2006

Is it just me or does this seem like a bonus for Apple? I know plenty of people that would spend the money to get Apple hardware that runs Windows. Seems like a good combo to me...

Ian said 10:24PM on 1-11-2006

Another reason why Intel is probably having a field day with these new Macs: for the first time, they have a way to put their latest and greatest schemes on the market without legacy PC platform conventions getting in the way. In the Windows world, Intel has to keep everything compatible with Windows, BIOS, various existing standards, and the whole array of PC vendors that can be slow to move, but Apple is more than willing to start from a clean slate and use the latest and greatest, no matter what.

boneyard said 4:29AM on 1-12-2006

not officially perhaps, im sure it will be hacked on to it :)

paullus said 9:33AM on 1-12-2006

i was all ready to purchase my first mac. Now I'm going to have to wait until Vista is released whenever that is. Apple just lost out on thousands of new sales. I'll still get one just not now.

Mike said 12:27PM on 1-12-2006

Why not just way the few days (17 January) until the machines are actually available before believing what a sales guy says?

I'd also like to take this opportunity to complain about this website. I am very disappointed that all the freeware software stories are _only_ Windows software and I feel that Mac and Linux coverage has declined dramatically.

I don't use Windows and your stories about viruses, bugs and Microsoft's business escapades probably will give you a pretty good idea about why I don't use it.

How about going back to what you were like six-12 months ago? I don't mind Windows stories, I'd just like to occasionally see something relevant to the rest of us occasionally.

Thanks

phizm said 8:02PM on 1-12-2006

Why in Gods name would ANYONE want to run Windows on a Mac?? Seriously I can't think of one reason.

Dan Warne said 8:54AM on 1-13-2006

Intel Macs may be able to boot XP after all ... http://www.apcmag.com/apc/v3.nsf/0/64E7EA353646669ECA2570F50012430B

Aparaty cyfrowe said 11:37AM on 1-20-2006

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