Since 2006, Apple has been offering Boot Camp on all of its computers by default, which allows users to dual-boot Windows and macOS on their machines. This spares them the need to rely on virtualization, which negatively impacts the operating system's performance. However, with the debut of the M-series chips, Apple stopped including Boot Camp on the latest Mac models. So, for you to run Windows 11 on an Apple Silicon Mac, you will now need to rely on a virtual machine. Whether you're on macOS Sonoma or an earlier OS version, the steps you have to follow are the same, and we will be highlighting them in this guide.
Why would you install Windows on your Mac?
Considering that macOS runs pretty reliably on Apple computers and offers a rich set of advanced features, you may wonder why anybody would want to install Windows 11 on their Mac. For starters, some apps are exclusive to Windows, and macOS may not offer an equivalent. So, if you want to update your Sony DualSense controller and don't own a PlayStation, then you will need the Windows-exclusive companion app.
You might also want to do some software development and testing on Windows, create certain workplace instructions or workflows, and familiarize yourself with Microsoft's OS to help friends troubleshoot their devices remotely. Though, arguably, the biggest reason is app exclusivity, since many independent developers release handy apps and tools for Windows only.
What you'll need to run Windows on M-powered Macs
To run Windows 11 on an M-series Mac, you will need the following:
- A Mac with Apple Silicon. An Intel-powered Mac works, but this guide is geared toward ARM Macs.
- Parallels Desktop, which you can download here. There's a free trial, but you'll need a license. The standard version costs $130, while the Pro one is on a subscription model at $120/year.
- A Windows activation license, which you can purchase here.
How to run Windows on Apple Silicon using a virtual machine
To run Windows 11 on an Apple Silicon Mac, you will need to follow the steps below:
- Install Parallels Desktop.
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Once you launch it, a pop-up will appear and display the download progress of the needed files. Wait for the download process to conclude.
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Parallels Desktop will then request access to some of your Mac's files. Click Next and grant access to ensure Parallels Desktop works reliably.
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A screen will then appear, prompting you to Install Windows. Hit that button.
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A progress bar will reflect the download process of Windows 11.
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After it finishes downloading, it will start installing Windows 11 in the background. Don't click anything.
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An Installation Complete screen will then appear, and you can click anywhere on it to dismiss it.
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Parallels Desktop will then prompt you to create or sign in to your Parallels account. Do so.
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The app will then display the Windows License Agreement. Hit Accept after reading it thoroughly.
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You should then be welcomed by an Edge tab highlighting that the installation process was a success.
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Use the Start button to go to the Settings app on Windows 11.
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In the Home section, click on Activate now.
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Hit the Change button next to Change product key.
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Enter the Windows 11 product key you've purchased, and click Next.
- Windows will then verify its authenticity, and the OS should be activated.
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Parallels Desktop's default settings should match most users' needs, but if you'd rather adjust them manually, you can click on the Settings button towards the top right corner. There you will find:
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General
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Options
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Hardware
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Security
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Backup
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General
- Once you adjust the settings to match your preferences, you can start using Windows 11 normally on your Apple Silicon Mac.
Alternative: Run Windows on your Mac using Cloud PC
If you don't want to depend on virtualization, then a simpler method would be to use Windows 365 Cloud PC. As this service's name suggests, you can run a licensed version of Windows in the cloud. So, instead of running the operating system locally in a virtual machine, you'll run Windows in your Mac's web browser, and Microsoft will handle your hardware needs. This is particularly handy for those who want to run advanced workflows that their Macs can't handle natively. In this case, they can simply opt for higher configurations of the Cloud PC.
To use Windows 365 Cloud PC, simply follow the link. There, you will get to pick the desired monthly plan, with the Business ones starting at $31 per month. Once you subscribe, you can use the Cloud PC in your favorite web browser on your Apple Silicon Mac. Obviously, you will need an internet connection to use it. So, if your network is unreliable, you may want to rely on the virtualization method instead.
You don't need Boot Camp to run Windows on a Mac
As our guide reveals, running Windows on an ARM-based Mac is a straightforward process. While I browsed the different settings for VM resources, I didn't adjust any myself. Apple's unified memory and M-series chipsets are so good that with the default RAM selection, Windows 11 ran fine. I'd recommend using the default settings, and if, for some reason, that's not enough, you can tinker with it later.
While Parallels Desktop doesn't offer dual-booting support the way Boot Camp did, virtualization is still a practical alternative. Otherwise, you can opt for Microsoft's cloud solution if you don't mind the monthly fees and want a method that doesn't require any technical skills.
Parallels Desktop
Parallels Desktop is the software to use if you want to run virtual machines on your Mac. That means you can run Windows on your Apple Silicon Mac using it.