Install Windows 11 on Mac: Everything you need to know

While Mac users are quite brand loyal, there’s always the possibility of wanting to install Windows on an Apple computer. A priori, We tell you that it’s possible even Apple has its own app that allows you to do this. But in the case of Windows 11, especially if we want to take advantage of the latest updates, there is some drawback. Either way, here’s what you need to know about installing Windows 11 on a Mac.

Using a virtual machine, you can install Windows 11 on a Mac.

Install Windows 11 on Mac: is it possible?

Yes, it is possible to do so. There are those who feel comfortable with both systems and need to bring the two dominant ways of working in the computing world together on the same Apple team. Apple has a native app called Boot Camp that Allows installation on a Windows partition on a Mac computer. However, the problem is that they are not compatible with those computers that have the M1 chip installed, as we show in the following screenshot.

Boot Camp is native Mac software for installing Windows on your computers.

So if your computer is one of those with its own Apple chip, forget about using Boot Camp. You can use this wizard if your computer is equipped with an Intel chip, therefore, you will only need to follow the steps given in the wizard so that you can install Windows 11 on your Mac computer.

The Virtualization Path

If you meet the requirement for your computer to have an Intel processor, you can use Boot Camp to install Windows 11 on Mac. there is no other option but to use the software known as a virtual machine. It is nothing but emulation that allows us to develop software from one computer to another, but do it in a completely safe way.

There are many virtual machines that you can use to install Windows 11 on a Mac, but perhaps the most famous among Apple users is Parallels. This software is paid, but you can use the free trial. Thanks to her, you can install Windows 11 on your Mac, even if it’s virtual and doesn’t take up a partition as it has traditionally done. The best thing about this program is that you can switch from one operating system to another without restarting your computer, so you save a lot of time and work very comfortably.

What do I need to install Windows 11 on Mac?

In addition to the virtual machine software, of which we use Parallels as an example, you will need to complete the following steps:

Sign up for the Windows Insider Program.

The first step is to sign up for this program for free. You can sign up for the Windows Insider Program here.

Download the setup file.

Once registered, you will need to download the Windows Client ARM64 Insider Preview VHDX image.

Open a file in Parallels

After downloading the VHDX** image, click it to open it in Parallels Desktop** and follow the on-screen instructions.

Activate Windows 11

To activate Windows 11, you will need to enter the appropriate license or purchase one if you don’t already have one. To buy it open Windows Settings > System > Activation and click Get a new license from the Microsoft Store app. Verify. Windows will be activated automatically after the purchase is made.

If you already have a license, go to Windows Settings > System > Activation. Click Troubleshoot. Then go to “I recently changed hardware on this device”. Sign in with your Microsoft account and check the “This is the device I’m currently using” box. Click “Activate” and the process will be completed.

Thus already you will be able to use Windows 11 on a Mac computer. Even if it is a virtual machine, the experience will be very positive and you will be able to take advantage of both systems.