macintosh and PC might be two clear-cut cantonment with quite well - worn battle tune , but that does n’t intend you ca n’t have the good of both worlds . Here ’s how to installWindows 11on a Mac so you could run all of your favorite Windows applications without give the speed and esthetics ofMacOS .

When Apple update its Macs with its own in - house M1 chip shot , that prevented Boot Camp from working as it did on old Intel fries , remove the style you could download Windows on elderly Macs . But there is still an effective workaround if you ’re unforced to invest a little in a VM ( practical auto ) setup . Here ’s what to do .

Use Parallels Desktop 17 to run Windows 11

Parallels is a virtualization platform that ’s optimise with an eye on both Windows and MacOS , admit the latest Mac models with M1 / M2 flake . That get you do up a VM that ’s supervise away from your local computer hardware so it can fudge a variety of limitations – in this case , problem with Apple microprocessor chip compatibility . While you ’re probably slaked thatWindows 11 is right for you , we ’ll be showing steps that should also mould with Windows 10 too if you have the right file .

stride 1 : Download the latest variation of Parallels , Parallels Desktop 17 . The catch is that you ’ll have to pay for it . The received variant – which is all you really need – cost $ 79.99 for a one - time purchase with limited support . There is also a subscription version if you only plan on using it for a limited amount of fourth dimension , and thee ’s also a discounted student version . you’re able to test out a trial run version first if you want to check that everything ferment .

gradation 2 : Download the Windows 11 ISO file . This file was not available during the first Windows 11 release windowpane but was later add up by Microsoft in late 2021 , making this physical process much easier . Microsoft has a usefulinstallation guide . Go to the section forWindows 11 disk double , select the only choice in theSelect downloadmenu , and chooseDownloadto begin . You should n’t start the installer after it finishes downloading – that step will add up later .

Step 3 : Launch Parallels and espouse any concluding apparatus instructions to check that it ’s fully install . When it ’s ready , Paralells should establish the Parallels Desktop Control substance .

Step 4 : Select thePlusbutton in the upper - ripe corner of the window .

Step 5 : SelectInstall Windows or another OS from a videodisk or trope . SelectContinue .

Step 6 : The Installation Assistant will now open up and guide you through the process of setting up your Windows 11 VM . As long as you have the Windows 11 ISO download on your local storage , this should be an well-off process . When prompted , prefer toFind automaticallyto hunting for your Windows 11 ISO folder .

If you own a accredited copy of Windows 11 , you will also have the option to enter your license key , which you may await up on your Microsoft account . This is a sound melodic theme to help belt along up installing and verify that all features are unlocked .

pace 7 : You’ll be asked to answer some canonic dubiousness about your intentions with Windows to facilitate the assistant choose scene , and then you ’ll name this particular VM something recognizable . You have the option to customise extra preferences , but it ’s not necessary , and you could usually do that later ( also , it can mess up up your VM if you fine-tune preferences the wrong direction ) . When you have complete everything , selectCreate and settle your VM , then selectContinue .

Now it ’s sentence to hold off . You ’ll get a progress bar show how long the installation is taking . create a full Windows 11 VM may be a little time - consuming , so do n’t plan on using your Mac for a while , and verify it ’s online and tie in to power . When the installation is finish , Windows 11 will be ready to open .

What about older versions of Macs without M1 chips?

The in force newsworthiness is that , just as this option work with Windows 10 or 11 , it also works with Macs with or without the M1 chip . So we still suggest using Parallels as the smoothest option .

Without the M1 chip , you also have the pick to usethe build - in Boot Campto set up Windows 10 instantly , but keep in head that wo n’t knead with Windows 11 and may be limited in some respect . Using Boot Camp is not too unalike from the Parallels installation — you will have to make decision about partition off part of your strong crusade for Windows , and you ’ll necessitate a transcript of Windows 10 ISO handy , too .

If you ’d wish to learn more about Windows 11 , check out out thedifferences between Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro .