Running Windows on a Mac
- Colin Colin
- Peter Sieburg
- Dorwin D'souza (Deactivated)
Utilities to install Windows Operating Systems on an Intel based Mac
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Partition 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
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.
Advantages: Windows runs more quickly 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.
Parallels Desktop
Parallels Desktop for Mac, by Parallels, is software 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/
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.
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
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.