How to Use Windows on M1 Mac

This guide walks you through the practical ways to run Windows on an Apple M1 or M2 Mac, covering the two main routes: virtual machines (for most users) and the more complex Parallels/UTM setup. You’ll learn what each method requires, how to set it up step by step, and how to fix common problems.

What You’ll Need

• An M1, M1 Pro/Max/Ultra, M2, or newer Mac (Intel Macs use a different process).
• At least 8GB of RAM (16GB recommended for smoother performance).
• Enough free storage: 25–60GB for Windows and apps.
• An Apple ID (only needed for downloading some apps from the Mac App Store).
• For the virtual machine route: a paid app like Parallels Desktop (trial available) or the free, open-source UTM app.
• For the Boot Camp route: note that Boot Camp does not work on Apple silicon Macs – this guide focuses on the methods that actually work.

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Using a Virtual Machine (Recommended for Most Users)

1. Choose your virtual machine app. The two most common are Parallels Desktop (paid, but very polished) and UTM (free, open-source, slightly more technical). Both support Windows 11 on Apple silicon.
2. Download the Windows 11 ARM64 disk image (ISO). Go to Microsoft’s official Windows 11 download page. Look for the “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)” section. Select “Windows 11” and choose the ARM64 version. This is crucial – the standard x64 ISO will not work on M1 Macs.
3. Install Parallels or UTM. If using Parallels, download from the official site and install. If using UTM, download from the official site or the Mac App Store and drag it to your Applications folder.
4. Create a new virtual machine.
   • Parallels: Open Parallels, click “New,” then “Install Windows or another OS from a DVD or image file.” Point it to the ARM64 ISO you downloaded. Parallels will automatically detect it and suggest the right settings.
   • UTM: Open UTM, click “New,” then “Virtualize.” Choose “Windows,” then select the ISO file. UTM will ask for the type – select “Windows 11” and let it set the recommended configuration.
5. Adjust memory and CPU (optional). By default, the app will allocate a reasonable amount. For better performance, give Windows at least 4GB of RAM and 2 CPU cores. On a 16GB Mac, 8GB RAM and 4 cores is a good balance. Don’t allocate all your RAM to Windows – macOS needs some too.
6. Start the virtual machine. Click the play button. The VM will boot from the ISO. You’ll see the Windows setup screen.
7. Install Windows normally. Follow the on-screen prompts: choose language, accept the license, and select “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).” Pick the virtual hard disk (it will appear as an unallocated space) and click Next. Windows will copy files and restart a few times – this is normal.
8. Complete the out-of-box experience (OOBE). After installation, Windows will ask for a Microsoft account (or local account, depending on version). You can skip this if you prefer a local account, but some Windows features require a Microsoft account. Once you reach the desktop, you’re done.
9. Install the VM tools (important).
   • Parallels: From the top menu, click “Actions” → “Install Parallels Tools.” This installs drivers for graphics, sound, and shared folders. Reboot when prompted.
   • UTM: Go to the UTM menu, select “Install SPICE Guest Tools” (or “Install Guest Additions” if available). This installs the necessary drivers. Reboot.
10. Activate Windows (optional). You’ll need a valid Windows license. You can buy a key from Microsoft or an authorized retailer. Without activation, Windows will work but show a watermark and limit some personalization options.

Method 2: Using Parallels with a Windows 11 Trial (Alternative)

1. If you don’t want to download the ISO manually, Parallels offers a one-click download of Windows 11 ARM64 during setup. It will fetch the ISO automatically and install it for you. This is the easiest route but requires a Parallels subscription or trial.
2. After installation, you’ll still need to go through the Windows setup and install Parallels Tools as above.

Common Mistakes

• Downloading the x64 ISO instead of ARM64. This is the #1 mistake. The standard Windows ISO from Microsoft’s main page is x64. You must specifically choose the ARM64 version, or the VM won’t boot.
• Forgetting to install VM tools. Without the tools, the display will be stuck at a low resolution, sound won’t work, and you can’t share folders between macOS and Windows.
• Allocating too much RAM to the VM. Giving Windows 12GB on a 16GB Mac will slow down macOS significantly. Keep at least 4GB for macOS.
• Expecting Boot Camp to work. Boot Camp is not supported on Apple silicon. Don’t waste time looking for it – it’s not there.
• Using a Windows 10 ISO. Windows 10 ARM64 is not officially supported for consumer use and may have driver issues. Stick with Windows 11.

Tips

• Use Parallels if you need seamless integration. It allows you to run Windows apps side-by-side with Mac apps without restarting, and it supports drag-and-drop between the two systems.
• Use UTM if you want a free option. It’s a bit more manual, but it works well and is actively maintained.
• Keep your VM app updated. Both Parallels and UTM release updates to improve compatibility with the latest macOS and Windows versions.
• Set up shared folders. This lets you access files from both systems without copying back and forth. In Parallels, it’s automatic after installing tools. In UTM, you’ll need to configure a shared directory in the VM settings.
• Take snapshots. Before installing heavy software or making system changes, take a snapshot in Parallels or UTM. If something goes wrong, you can revert instantly.
• Close the VM when not in use. Virtual machines consume CPU and RAM even when idle. Shut down Windows or pause the VM to free resources.

Troubleshooting

• Windows won’t boot after installation. This usually means you used the wrong ISO (x64 instead of ARM64). Re-download the ARM64 version and recreate the VM. Also, ensure your VM app is updated to the latest version.
• Display is stuck at 1024×768 or blurry. The VM tools are not installed correctly. In Parallels, go to “Actions” → “Install Parallels Tools” and follow the prompts. In UTM, go to the VM menu and select “Install SPICE Guest Tools.” Reboot after installation.
• No sound in Windows. Again, this is almost always missing VM tools. Reinstall them and reboot.
• Windows is very slow. Check how much RAM and CPU you allocated. Increase them if you have spare resources, but remember to leave enough for macOS. Also, close other heavy apps on macOS while running the VM.
• Cannot drag and drop files between macOS and Windows. This feature requires VM tools. If it’s still not working, check the VM settings to ensure shared folders and clipboard sharing are enabled.
• Windows asks for a product key during setup. You can click “I don’t have a product key” and continue. Windows will install, and you can activate later.
• UTM shows an error about “virtualization framework.” Ensure your Mac’s virtualization is enabled. It should be by default, but if you’ve disabled it in Recovery Mode, re-enable it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run Windows on M1 Mac for free?

Yes. UTM is a free, open-source virtual machine app that works on Apple silicon. You’ll still need a Windows license (or use the trial version) but the VM software itself is free.

Is Windows on M1 Mac fast?

For everyday tasks like web browsing, Office, and light productivity, it’s very usable. For gaming or heavy software, performance varies – some x64 apps run through emulation and may be slower than on native hardware.

Can I play games on Windows on M1 Mac?

Some games work, especially those with ARM64 versions or that run well under emulation. However, many demanding games won’t run well due to graphics driver limitations. It’s not a gaming PC replacement.

Does Boot Camp work on M1 Macs?

No. Boot Camp is not supported on Apple silicon. The only way to run Windows is through a virtual machine.

Can I run Windows 10 on M1 Mac?

Technically, Windows 10 ARM64 exists, but it’s not officially supported for consumer use and may have driver issues. Windows 11 ARM64 is the recommended choice.

Do I need to buy a Windows license?

Yes, for long-term use. You can download the ISO and install it without a key, but you’ll see a watermark and can’t change the wallpaper. You can purchase a key from Microsoft or authorized retailers.

Related

• Windows Camera Error 0xa00f4244: How to Fix It
• Which Version of Chrome Do I Have? Find It Fast
• Change or Remove the Primary Account in Outlook