With the release of the new Mac M1, many users have been wondering how to run Windows on the new hardware. Whether it is for work, school, or personal reasons, having access to Windows on a Mac M1 can be critical. While it used to be a challenge to run Windows on Macs, particularly on the newer M1 models, it is now possible and relatively easy to do. In this blog post, we will guide you through the different methods available to run Windows on your Mac M1 and provide additional tips to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Running Windows on Mac M1
Running Windows on a Mac M1 is a bit more challenging than on previous Mac models as the M1 is based on a different architecture, using ARM-based processors rather than Intel-based ones. Because of this, not all software will work on the M1, and some programs will need to be emulated, leading to performance issues. However, there are now several methods to run Windows on a Mac M1 with only minor hiccups, and we will explore them below.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before getting started, there are a few things you’ll need to prepare to ensure a smooth and successful setup:
- A Mac M1 device
- A Windows 10 ISO file
- A USB drive or external hard drive with at least 16GB of storage
- A virtual machine software (if using the virtualization method)
Method 1: Boot Camp
Boot Camp is a built-in Mac OS tool that allows users to partition their hard drive and install Windows natively on their Mac. Here’s how to do it:
- Open Boot Camp Assistant on your Mac M1. You can find the app in the Applications/Utilities folder or by searching for it using Spotlight.
- Click Continue.
- Choose your ISO file by clicking Choose.
- Set the size of your Windows partition by dragging the divider between the Mac and Windows sections. Select at least 64GB for the best user experience.
- Click Install. This process may take several minutes.
- Once the installation is complete, restart your Mac M1.
- Upon restarting, hold down the Option/Alt key to bring up the Startup Manager.
- Select the Windows partition to boot into Windows.
Pros:
- Native installation for the best performance
- Easy to set up using the Boot Camp Assistant tool
Cons:
- The user must reboot their Mac M1 to switch between Mac OS and Windows
- Requires a significant amount of space on the hard drive for the separate Windows partition
Method 2: Parallels Desktop
Parallels Desktop is a virtual machine software that allows users to run Windows on their Mac M1 without the need to reboot. It offers seamless integration between the two operating systems, allowing users to share files and data between them. Here’s how to set up Parallels Desktop:
- Download and install Parallels Desktop on your Mac M1.
- Click File > New to create a new virtual machine.
- Choose Install Windows from a disk image file and attach your ISO file.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Windows environment.
- Start the virtual machine and enjoy Windows on your Mac M1 without having to reboot.
Pros:
- No need to reboot to switch between Mac OS and Windows
- Seamless integration between the two operating systems
Cons:
- May experience slightly slower performance due to virtualization overhead
- May require more RAM and CPU resources
Method 3: CrossOver 20
CrossOver 20 is an application that allows users to run some Windows applications on their Mac M1 without the need to install Windows. It uses Wine, an open-source tool that allows Windows applications to run on Unix-like systems. Here’s how to use CrossOver 20:
- Download and install CrossOver 20 on your Mac M1.
- Open CrossOver 20 and choose the Windows application you want to run.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the application.
- Once the installation is complete, launch the Windows application from your Mac M1.
Pros:
- No need to install Windows
- Some Windows applications can run natively, resulting in better performance
Cons:
- Limited compatibility with Windows applications
- May experience slower performance or occasional glitches
Why Can’t I Run Windows on Mac M1?
If you can’t run Windows on your Mac M1, some common reasons include:
1. Incompatible software:
A lot of software isn’t yet optimized for M1-based Macs, so it is possible that the software you are using isn’t compatible.
Fix:
Check with the software provider to see if they have an updated version that is M1 compatible.
2. Old virtualization software:
Some virtual machine software hasn’t been updated for M1-based Macs yet, so if you are using an older version, it might not work.
Fix:
Check with the virtual machine software provider to see if they have an updated version that is M1 compatible.
3. Insufficient disk space:
Running Windows natively on a Mac M1 requires a separate partition on your hard drive, which takes up a lot of space.
Fix:
Make sure you have enough disk space before attempting to install Windows. Consider using a virtual machine instead, which doesn’t require a separate partition.
Additional Tips
- Make sure all your software is updated before attempting to run Windows on your Mac M1.
- Keep in mind that running Windows natively on a Mac M1 requires a lot of disk space, so make sure you have enough before partitioning your hard drive.
- If you’re using a virtual machine, make sure you have enough RAM and CPU resources available to ensure a smooth experience.
- Be patient, as running Windows on a Mac M1 is still relatively new and may take some time to iron out any potential issues.
5 FAQs about Running Windows on Mac M1
Q1: Is it possible to run Windows apps on Mac M1 without installing Windows?
A: Yes, you can use solutions like CrossOver 20 to run some Windows applications on your Mac M1 without the need to install Windows.
Q2: How much space do I need to install Windows natively on my Mac M1?
A: You should allocate at least 64GB of space for the Windows partition.
Q3: Will running Windows on my Mac M1 slow down my Mac?
A: It depends on the method you use, but running Windows natively on a Mac M1 will likely use more resources and possibly slow down your Mac slightly.
Q4: Do I need to purchase a Windows license to run Windows on my Mac M1?
A: Yes, you must purchase a Windows license to install and use Windows on a Mac M1.
Q5: Can I switch between Mac OS and Windows on my Mac M1?
A: Yes, you can switch between Mac OS and Windows by rebooting your Mac M1 when using the Boot Camp method. However, you don’t need to reboot when using a virtual machine like Parallels Desktop.
In Conclusion
Running Windows on a Mac M1 is no longer a difficult task. Boot Camp, Parallels Desktop, and CrossOver 20 are all available to accomplish this goal. However, it’s important to ensure that you have updated software, space on your hard drive, and enough resources before attempting to run Windows on your Mac. With the right approach and proper setup, you can enjoy both Mac OS and Windows on your Mac M1.