How to install Windows on a Mac (Intel and Apple Silicon)

Intel Mac: Boot Camp Assistant

Intel Macs include Boot Camp Assistant (Applications → Utilities). Download a Windows 10 ISO, run Boot Camp, choose the partition size (at least 64 GB) and follow the wizard. The Mac restarts into Windows Setup.

After installation, Boot Camp drivers install automatically. Hold Option (⌥) at startup to choose macOS or Windows.

Apple Silicon Mac (M1–M4): virtualization

Apple Silicon Macs can't boot Windows natively. Instead, run Windows 11 for ARM in a virtual machine. Parallels Desktop is officially authorized by Microsoft; VMware Fusion and the free UTM also work.

• Parallels Desktop — easiest, downloads Windows automatically
• VMware Fusion — free for personal use
• UTM — free and open source

Recommended settings

Give the virtual machine at least 4 CPU cores, 8 GB RAM and 64 GB disk space. Most x86 apps run through Windows' built-in emulation.

Activation on Mac

Windows on Mac needs a valid license. Enter your product key in Settings → System → Activation — see our activation guide.