You can run Windows on a Mac, but the method depends on which Mac you have. Macs with Apple silicon (M1 and later) run the ARM version of Windows 11 in a virtual machine, while older Intel Macs can also use Apple’s Boot Camp to install Windows natively. This guide explains how to tell which you have, compares Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion, UTM and Boot Camp, walks through setup, and covers licensing and app compatibility.
Quick Answer
- Apple silicon Mac: install Parallels Desktop (paid, Microsoft-authorized) or VMware Fusion (free), and create a Windows 11 ARM virtual machine.
- Intel Mac: use a virtual machine, or Boot Camp Assistant to install Windows 10 on its own partition.
Step 1: Check Your Mac’s Chip
Click the Apple menu > About This Mac. If it says Chip: Apple M1 (or M2, M3, M4 and so on), you have Apple silicon. If it says Processor: Intel, you have an Intel Mac.
Your Options Compared
| Option | Macs | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parallels Desktop | Apple silicon and Intel | Paid subscription | Microsoft-authorized for Windows 11 on Apple silicon; easiest setup and best integration |
| VMware Fusion | Apple silicon and Intel | Free | Solid performance; slightly more manual setup |
| UTM | Apple silicon and Intel | Free (open source) | Flexible; best for technical users |
| Boot Camp | Intel only | Free, built in | Runs Windows natively for best performance; Windows 10 officially, not Windows 11 |
| Windows in the cloud | Any | Subscription | Windows 365 or other cloud PCs stream Windows through a browser or app |
Option 1: Parallels Desktop
- Download Parallels Desktop from its official website and install it.
- Open it. The installation assistant offers to Get Windows 11 from Microsoft.
- Click Install Windows. Parallels downloads and sets up the ARM version automatically on Apple silicon.
- Sign in with or create a Microsoft account when Windows starts, and activate Windows with a valid license.
Option 2: VMware Fusion (Free)
- Download VMware Fusion from Broadcom’s website (a free account is required) and install it.
- Download a Windows 11 ARM64 ISO from Microsoft’s software download page.
- In Fusion, choose File > New, drag in the ISO, and follow the wizard. Allocate at least 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of disk.
- Complete Windows setup, then install VMware Tools for better graphics and file sharing.
Option 3: Boot Camp (Intel Macs Only)
- Download a Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft.
- Open Boot Camp Assistant (Applications > Utilities).
- Select the ISO, choose a partition size (64 GB or more), and click Install.
- Your Mac restarts into Windows setup. After installation, the Boot Camp installer adds Mac drivers.
- Hold the Option key at startup to choose macOS or Windows.
Back up your Mac with Time Machine before partitioning.
Licensing
You need a valid Windows license to activate Windows after the trial period. Windows 11 Pro and Home licenses can be bought from Microsoft or retailers. Unactivated Windows works with limitations such as a watermark and restricted personalization.
What Works and What Doesn’t
- Most apps: Windows 11 on ARM runs ARM apps natively and emulates most x64 apps, including Microsoft Office.
- Games: many games run, but some with anti-cheat software or requiring DirectX 12 features may not.
- Drivers: hardware that needs special x64 drivers may not work on ARM Windows.
- Performance: VMs share your Mac’s memory; 16 GB or more of RAM makes a big difference.
Alternatives
- Check whether the app has a Mac or web version.
- CrossOver runs some Windows apps on macOS without installing Windows.
- See how to run Windows programs on Mac.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Boot Camp on an M-series Mac?
No. Boot Camp is only available on Intel Macs.
Is Windows on ARM the same as regular Windows?
It looks and works the same, but it’s built for ARM processors and emulates many traditional x64 programs.
Summary
- Check your chip in About This Mac.
- Apple silicon: use Parallels, VMware Fusion or UTM with Windows 11 ARM.
- Intel: use a VM or Boot Camp.
- Activate Windows with a valid license.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.