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Utilities to install Windows Operating Systems on an Intel based Mac



Disclaimer

Warning

The Third Party Content provided here is obtained from sources believed to be reliable and no guarantees are made by Syracuse University, ITS or the providers of the Third Party Content as to its accuracy, completeness and utility. Usage of this product is completely at your own risk.

VMware Fusion

VMware Fusion is third-party software which allows users to run virtual operating systems (Windows Vista/7/8) on their Intel-based Macintosh computer. The virtual operating system runs as an application from within OS X allowing users to quickly switch between each environment.

VMware Fusion web page.

Advantages: Allows users to quickly switch between OSX and Windows.
Disadvantages: Windows may run more slowly then if it were installed directly onto the hard disk.

Bootcamp

Bootcamp is a utility included with OS X which guides users through the process of installing Windows XP or Vista onto the hard disk of their Intel-based Macintosh computer.

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Info
titlePartition or Virtualization?

There are two ways to run Windows on a Mac. You can use virtualization meaning you can stay in your macOS environment and use software to run Windows at the same time. (VmWare, Parallels) Or you can swap between macOS and Windows on the same machine using Boot Camp. There are benefits to each so be sure to do your research before choosing a method.

Boot Camp

Boot Camp is a utility that comes with your Mac and lets you switch between macOS and Windows. Let Boot Camp Assistant walk you through the installation steps. 

For Macs made in 2015 or newer not using M1 or M2 based chips, follow these instructions: Install Windows on your newer Mac using Boot Camp

For all older Macs, follow these instructions:Install Windows 10 on your Mac with Boot Camp Assistant


Note

Bootcamp is not currently available on any Mac using an M1 or M2 chipsets. Microsoft has not released a version of Windows that can be installed on these devices and only provide an ARM based version of Windows to OEMs. 


Note

Advantages: Windows runs more quickly

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than it would from within a virtual environment. There is no cost to buy Boot Camp. Easy to run/user friendly software.

Disadvantages: A reboot is required to switch between operating systems.

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Parallels Desktop

Parallels Desktop for Mac, by Parallels, is a software product by Parallels, Inc., a developer of desktop and server virtualization software. Released on June 15, 2006, it was the first software suite to bring hardware virtualization mainstream to Macintosh computers with Intel processors.

Parallels Demo download page.

Advantages: Allows users to quickly switch between OSX and Windows.
Disadvantages: Using Windows Vista's Boot Camp partition results in needing to reactivate Windowssoftware providing hardware virtualization for Macintosh computers with Intel processors.

To purchase or learn more about Parallels Desktop for Mac: https://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/

Note

Advantages: Use Windows side by side with macOS (no restarting required). Share files and folders, copy and paste images and text and drag and drop files between Mac and Windows applications.

Disadvantages: Program is costly and charges upgrade fees. Wants/needs a lot of resources to run. Complex to set-up.

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VMware Fusion

VMware Fusion gives Mac users the power to run Windows on Mac along with hundreds of other operating systems side by side with Mac applications, without rebooting.

To purchase or learn more about VMware: https://www.vmware.com/products/fusion.html

Note

Advantages: Fusion blends your Windows experience seamlessly with the Mac you love. You have the flexibility to keep the two worlds securely apart, or integrate them for one seamless experience.

Disadvantages: Initial cost is high. Can be sluggish with using too many resources.


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