Can You Run Windows On A Mac

Parallels 17 for Mac makes it easy to run Windows 11 on an Intel or M1 Mac using a seamless virtual automobile. On an Intel Mac, y'all tin can easily run your favorite Windows programs side-past-side with Mac apps. Here's how to prepare it up.

Why Use Parallels?

Parallels is a virtual machine plan, which means information technology runs a divide operating organisation within a simulated figurer (called a virtual machine) on your Mac. With Parallels, y'all can run Windows apps side-past-side with Mac apps using a mode called Coherence, or you can easily bring up a Windows desktop to work with your Mac files in Windows apps.

This is in contrast to Kick Camp, which requires installing Windows on a separate partition on your Mac's SSD or hard drive. With Boot Camp, you lot can use only OS at a time—either Mac or PC, not both—and switching between the two operating systems requires a reboot. Unlike Kicking Camp, Parallels makes transitioning between Windows and Mac more flexible and fluid.

What You'll Demand

Parallels 17 supports Windows eleven on macOS Catalina, Big Sur, and Monterey. The home version of the app costs $eighty, just if you lot already have an older version, grab the upgrade for $50. Or you can evaluate Parallels with a free trial for a certain period of fourth dimension. Scan the Parallels website to go the version you need.

You'll also need a license for Windows 11, which you can purchase from Microsoft after installing the Os. In the case of Intel Macs, it'southward easy to download the Windows 11 ISO for free from Microsoft's website.

As of Nov 2021, to install Windows 11 on an M1 Mac, you accept to download a Windows xi on ARM preview build from Microsoft. To do that, yous'll need a Microsoft business relationship registered with the Windows Insider Plan. M1 Macs can't run the Intel version of Windows 11 in Parallels.

RELATED: How to Get the Windows eleven Preview on Your PC

How to Install Windows xi in Parallels on a Mac

Get-go, y'all'll need to download and install Parallels 17 or higher on your Mac. During the installation process, make sure you permit Parallels Desktop to access your Mac'south Desktop, Documents, and Downloads folders to part correctly.

Next, if you're running an Intel Mac, download the Windows 11 ISO from the Microsoft website. On the download page, locate the "Download Windows 11 Disk Epitome (ISO)" section, select "Windows eleven" in the driblet-downward menu, and so click "Download."

Select "Windows 11" and click "Download."

If yous're using an M1 Mac, you tin't apply the Intel (x64) version of Windows 11. You'll instead demand to register for the Windows Insider Plan, and so download a copy of Windows Customer ARM64 Insider Preview, which will come in a VHDX disk epitome file.

Download the ARM64 Windows 11 Insider Preview.

Once you have the operating system image you demand, open the Parallels app. For an M1 Mac, double click the VHDX file you simply downloaded and follow the on-screen instructions in Parallels to install Windows 11. Some of the steps will be similar to the Intel installation process detailed below.

On an Intel Mac, open the Installation Assistant and select "Install Windows or some other OS from a DVD or image file" and click "Keep."

In Parallels, select "Install Windows or another OS from a DVD or image file" and click "Continue."

Parallels volition automatically locate the Windows xi ISO on your Mac. Select it from the list and click "Go on."

Select the Windows 11 ISO and click "Continue."

Next, Parallels will enquire yous for a Windows License Cardinal. If you lot take one, you can enter information technology now. If non, uncheck the box "Enter Windows license key for faster installation" and click "Continue."

If you don't have a license key, uncheck the box and click "Continue."

The standard Windows eleven ISO contains installation information for many different editions of Windows xi. Choose the i you want to install from the driblet-downward menu (Such as "Windows 11 Dwelling house" or "Windows 11 Pro") and click "Continue." Keep in mind that each edition has its own price point that volition come up into play when y'all buy a Windows xi license after.

Select a Windows 11 edition from the drop-down menu and click "Continue."

Next, Parallels will ask if you're going to use Windows primarily for productivity or gaming. Select the one that matches your needs and click "Continue."

Choose"Productivity" or "Games Only."

The Windows 11 installation volition begin. Parallels handles information technology automatically, and you'll see the progress in a small virtual auto window on your Mac.

The Windows 11 installation in progress.

When the installation process is complete on both M1 and Intel Macs, you'll come across an "Installation Complete" message. Click inside the window to continue.

When you see the "Installation Complete" message, click inside the window to continue.

At this point, if you're using a trial version of Parallels, the app volition ask y'all to register a Parallels account. Otherwise, you'll run across the Windows eleven desktop, and you'll exist prepare to go.

A Windows 11 desktop seen in Parallels on Mac.

To switch to the seamless mode where you tin can use Windows and Mac apps side-by-side, focus on the "Windows 11" window and choose View > Enter Coherence in the menu bar. Or you can press Ctrl+Command+C on your keyboard.

In Parallels, select View > Enter Coherence.

To exit Coherence manner afterwards, click the Windows logo icon in your Dock and select View > Exit Coherence in the menu bar. Or y'all can press Ctrl+Command+C again.

When yous're ready to buy a Windows 11 license, run the Settings app in Windows xi and click "Organization" in the sidebar. Click "Activate Now," then "Open Store," and y'all'll exist able to purchase a Windows license in the Microsoft Store. Good luck, and happy computing!

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