Running Windows 11 on Apple Products: A Comprehensive Guide

With Apple’s transition to its silicon chips in recent years, many users have found themselves needing Windows 11 to access applications that are not available on macOS. Running Windows on a Mac used to be straightforward with Boot Camp for Intel Macs, but with the introduction of M1, M2, and M3 chips, this has changed significantly. In this guide, we explore the three main options for running Windows 11 on Apple devices, highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of each method.

1. Boot Camp for Intel-Based Macs

Overview

For users with Intel-based Macs, Boot Camp Assistant is the traditional way to install Windows alongside macOS. Boot Camp allows users to create a separate partition on the Mac’s internal drive for Windows. This essentially lets you run either Windows or macOS natively, with the full power of your Mac’s hardware.

Setup Process

• System Requirements: To run Windows 11 using Boot Camp, your Mac must meet specific requirements. These include a 64-bit Intel processor, at least 4GB of RAM, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, and DirectX 12 compatibility​(ByteBiteBit).
• Backup with Time Machine: Before starting, it is recommended to back up your system using Time Machine to avoid data loss.
• Installation Steps:
  • Download Windows 11 ISO: First, download the Windows 11 ISO file from the official Microsoft website.
  • Use Boot Camp Assistant: Open Boot Camp Assistant from Applications > Utilities to create a partition for Windows. You will also need a USB drive to store the installation files.
  • Install Windows: Boot Camp will restart your Mac to complete the Windows installation, allowing you to choose between Windows and macOS each time you boot.

Advantages and Limitations

• Full Performance: Boot Camp provides the full native performance of Windows without sharing system resources, making it ideal for tasks that require higher performance, like gaming or graphics work.
• Limitations: Boot Camp is available only for Intel-based Macs, which means users with Apple Silicon cannot use this method. Additionally, switching between Windows and macOS requires a reboot, which can be less convenient than virtualization solutions.

2. Parallels Desktop for Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3)

Overview

For Apple Silicon Macs, such as those with M1, M2, or M3 chips, Parallels Desktop is an effective solution. Parallels is a virtualization tool that creates a virtual machine, enabling Windows to run alongside macOS without rebooting. This is especially useful for users who need quick access to Windows applications while still working within the macOS environment.

Setting Up Parallels Desktop

• Download and Install: First, download Parallels Desktop. The software comes with a 14-day free trial, and you can purchase a license for continued use. Once installed, you can use Parallels to create a Windows 11 virtual machine.
• Configuration: After installing Windows 11, it is recommended to allocate adequate system resources to the virtual machine to ensure smooth operation. On an Apple Silicon MacBook Pro with 16GB of memory, for example, allocating at least 8GB to Parallels is advisable for optimal performance​(MacHow2).
• Coherence Mode: Parallels offers a feature called Coherence Mode, which allows Windows applications to run as if they are native macOS apps. This enables seamless interaction between both operating systems.

Advantages and Limitations

• Convenience: Parallels allows you to run Windows and macOS simultaneously without rebooting, making it highly convenient for multitasking.
• Limitations of ARM Windows: The version of Windows 11 available on Apple Silicon is the ARM version, which comes with certain limitations. Features such as Windows Subsystem for Linux, Windows Subsystem for Android, and Windows Sandbox are not supported, and there is no compatibility for 32-bit applications​(TechRadar)​(Microsoft Support).
• Cost: Parallels Desktop starts at $99.99 per year for the standard edition, while the Pro edition offers additional features at a higher price.

3. Windows 365 Cloud PC

Overview

For users looking for an alternative without local installation, Windows 365 Cloud PC is a cloud-based solution provided by Microsoft. It allows users to stream a fully functional version of Windows 11 from Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure to their Apple devices. This is particularly beneficial for enterprise users needing secure, managed Windows environments.

How Windows 365 Works

• Cloud-Based Access: Instead of installing Windows locally, Windows 365 streams a Windows desktop from the cloud. This means you do not need to worry about compatibility issues or local storage requirements.
• Advanced Features: Windows 365 supports nested virtualization, making it suitable for tasks that require virtual environments within Windows, such as testing or running emulators​(Microsoft Support).
• Enterprise Focus: Although currently focused on business users, Microsoft may expand this offering to individual users in the future.

Advantages and Limitations

• Access Anywhere: With Windows 365, you can access a fully configured Windows environment from any device with an internet connection.
• Subscription Costs: Windows 365 is a subscription-based service, and its costs vary based on the configuration and performance needs. It may be more cost-effective for businesses that require multiple Windows instances rather than individual users.

Summary

The method for running Windows 11 on a Mac depends heavily on the type of Mac you own and your specific requirements:

1. Boot Camp is ideal for Intel-based Macs if you want full performance from your Windows installation. It requires rebooting to switch between macOS and Windows.
2. Parallels Desktop is the best solution for Apple Silicon Macs, offering easy virtualization and seamless integration with macOS. However, there are some limitations due to the use of ARM Windows.
3. Windows 365 Cloud PC provides an entirely different approach, enabling cloud streaming of a Windows 11 environment. This option is particularly suited to enterprise users looking for scalability and centralized management.

Ultimately, each option has its own strengths, and choosing the right one depends on whether you prioritize performance, integration, or ease of access. By selecting the best method, Mac users can benefit from the versatility of running Windows 11, accessing applications and tools that are not available on macOS, and enhancing the productivity of their machines.

The illustration included in this article visually represents the three methods discussed above, showcasing Boot Camp’s dual-boot setup, Parallels’ virtualization interface, and the cloud-based solution of Windows 365.