Have you bought a new MacBook or iMac and couldn’t find some apps on the device that you frequently use? You might feel like switching over to the Windows PC again as it is more comfortable. Instead of switching to the Windows PC, you can run the Windows OS on a Mac device. Yes! You have heard it right! With the help of third-party software like UTM, and Parallels Desktop, you can install Windows on your MacBook or iMac with ease.
If you don’t want to use any third-party apps, you can use the built-in option Boot Camp on your Mac to install and run the Windows OS on your device. Whatever method you pick, make sure to update the Mac to the latest version before installing the Windows OS. To learn about the installation and setup of Windows OS on your Mac or iMac in detail, go through the guide discussed below.
How to Use Windows in Mac for Free using UTM Software
1. On your MacBook or iMac, open a browser of your choice and visit the UTM website (https://mac.getutm.app).
2. Select the Download button on the webpage to download the .dmg file. Then, move the Downloaded .dmg file to the Applications Folder as shown in the installation prompts. Once done, the application will be installed on your MacBook.
3. Open the UTM software on your Mac and grant the required permissions.
4. On the app interface, select the option +Create a New Virtual Machine and tap Virtualize.
5. From the Operating Systems menu, choose the option Windows. Hit the option Fetch Latest Windows Installer. Also, uncheck the option “Import VHDX Image” and make sure that “Install Windows 10 or higher” is checked.
6. Now, you will be taken to the Mac App Store to install an application called CrystalFetch ISO Downloader. Tap Get to download the app on your Mac.
7. Open the app after installation, and during the app setup, select the Windows OS you wish to use on the Mac. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.
8. Once done, hit the Play button, and the Windows OS will begin installing on your Mac. Once installed, set it up and use it.
Steps to Run Windows Programs on Mac [Paid]
Another way to access the Windows OS on your Mac is to use the Parallels Desktop software. Note that this app is not free, and it costs around $99.99 per year with a 14-day free trial. The premium version of the application has several features, such as Coherence Mode, etc. If you want to install and use Windows on Mac easily, visit the website and subscribe to it.
1. After subscribing to it, download and install the Parallels Desktop app on your Mac.
2. Open it and click Get Windows 11 from Microsoft.
3. Tap Continue and select Install Windows on the next screen.
4. The Windows OS will begin to download and install on your Mac. Once you see the Installation is Complete prompt on the screen. Click anywhere on the screen to continue.
5. Now, sign in to your Parallels Desktop subscription account and select Activate.
6. Tap Accept after reading the terms & conditions.
7. That’s it. Now, you can use the Windows 11 on your MacBook or iMac.
Use Boot Camp to Run Windows on MacBook
If you use a MacBook with Intel Processor, you can use the Boot Camp to install the Windows OS on your Mac.
Things to Do Before Using Boot Camp to Install Windows on Mac
Before proceeding to the steps, make sure to satisfy the requirements mentioned below.
- A compatible Mac model. To check it, visit this website.
- External USB Flash Drive with 16GB or more. Some models don’t require the USB Drive. To learn about it, refer to the steps above.
- Ensure that your MacBook is updated to the latest version.
- 64GB or more free storage space on your Mac. To get the best experience, you need at least 128GB of storage space on your device. If you use an iMac Pro or MacBook Pro, make sure to have large free storage space to run the Windows program smoothly.
- Download the Windows Disc Image ISO File on your Mac from the Microsoft website.
1. Connect a USB Drive to the MacBook. If required, buy a USB Hub Adaptor from Amazon and use it to connect the USB Drive to the Mac.
2. Press the Cmd+Spacebar keys to open the Spotlight Search. Type Boot Camp Assistant and search for it.
3. From the results, pick Boot Camp Assistant and hit Continue. Then, check the boxes and select Continue again.
4. On the next screen, click the Choose drop-down and select the Windows ISO file on your Mac. Then, choose your USB Drive. Remember that in the next process, the USB Drive will be formatted.
5. Tap Continue, and it will take around 10-12 minutes to create the installer. Once done, you will see a screen that asks you how much space you want to allocate to Windows OS and MacOS.
6. After allocating the space, click the Install button. Now, the MacBook will start creating the partition. This might take a few minutes. Once done, the Mac will automatically reboot itself. Now, you will see the Windows installer. If you don’t see it, press the Options button and choose it.
7. Once it boots, you will see the Windows logo on the MacBook. It will take 3-5 minutes to display the setup screen.
8. Now, follow the on-screen procedures to install the Windows OS. Then, set up the Windows on your Mac and use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can use the UTM for Mac or Parallels Desktop for Mac to run Windows OS on MacBook.
No. You need to get a yearly subscription to use Parallels Desktop to run Windows on the Mac.
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