How to install Windows 11 using VMware Fusion Pro 13 – 9to5Mac

In a strategic move earlier this year, Broadcom acquired VMware and subsequently made VMware Fusion, a leading Windows virtualization solution for Mac users, available for free for personal use. This decision positions VMware Fusion 13 Pro as a compelling choice for those needing to run specific Windows applications on their Macs, particularly as it stands as the second most popular option after Parallels.

For those interested in harnessing this capability, a hands-on video walkthrough is available, detailing the process of setting up a free VMware Fusion Pro personal license, downloading and installing VMware Fusion Pro 13, and configuring Windows 11 for ARM on a virtual machine.

Table of contents

Create a VMware Fusion Pro personal license

1. Step 1: Navigate to profile.broadcom.com, input your email address in the User Registration window, and click Next.
2. Step 2: Verify your email using the six-digit code and click Verify & Continue.
3. Step 3: Complete the registration by entering the required personal details, accepting the user terms, and clicking Create Account.
4. Step 4: Go to the VMware Fusion software download page and select VMware Fusion 13 Pro for Personal use. Click the latest release version to access the dedicated download page.
5. Step 5: Agree to the terms and conditions, click the download button, and confirm on the additional verification pop-up.
6. Step 6: On the Trade Compliance Verification screen, enter your user details, select I Agree, and click Submit.

Video: How to install Windows w/ free VMware Fusion Pro

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Download and Install VMware Fusion Pro 13

1. Step 7: On the VMware Fusion Pro for Personal Use page, click the download button to initiate the download.
2. Step 8: Double-click the VMware Fusion universal dmg file saved in your downloads folder to mount it, then double-click the VMware Fusion icon.
3. Step 9: Click Open, enter your Mac’s administrator password, and click OK to proceed with the installation.

Download Windows 11 and configure the virtual machine

1. Step 10: On the Select the Installation Method page, click Get Windows from Microsoft and proceed with Continue.
2. Step 11: On the Download and Install Windows 11 screen, click Continue, then Download Windows.
3. Note: Windows 11 is not free, but Microsoft allows a registration grace period before displaying the Activate Windows watermark.
4. Step 12: VMware Fusion will download Windows 11 from Microsoft. Once completed, click Continue.
5. Tip: The Windows 11 ISO will be saved in ~/Virtual Machines.localized/VMWIsoImages/, which can be reused for future configurations.
6. Step 13: Select UEFI and click Continue.
7. Step 14: Choose Only the files needed to support a TPM are encrypted, click Auto Generate Password, and ensure Remember Password and store it in Mac’s Keychain is selected before continuing.
8. Step 15: Select Create a new virtual disk and proceed.
9. Step 16: On the Finish Page, click Customize Settings and then Save to save the Virtual Machine configuration.
10. Step 17: Adjust settings under Processors & Memory according to your Mac’s specifications.

Configure and install Windows 11

1. Step 18: Click the Play button to start the Windows 11 installation. Press any key when prompted to boot from the Windows ISO.
2. Step 19: Configure language, time, and keyboard preferences on the Windows Setup screen, then click Next and Install now.
3. Step 20: On the Activate Windows screen, select I don’t have a product key.
4. Step 21: Choose Windows 11 Pro and click Next.
5. Step 22: Accept the Microsoft Software License Terms and continue.
6. Step 23: Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
7. Step 24: Choose the unallocated space for the virtual machine and click Next.
8. Step 25: Windows will install, and upon completion, click Restart now.

Setup Windows 11 and bypass Microsoft login

1. Step 26: On the country and region screen, press Shift+F10 to open Terminal.
2. Step 27: In Terminal, type OOBEBYPASSNRO and press Return. Windows will reboot.
3. Step 28: Select your country and click Yes.
4. Step 29: Choose your keyboard layout and click Yes. Skip adding a second layout.
5. Step 30: Name your device and click Next.
6. Step 31: Click Set up for personal use and proceed.
7. Step 32: To bypass the Microsoft account login, disconnect the network adapter temporarily.
8. Step 34: Click Sign in to bypass the login, then reconnect the network adapter.
9. Step 35: Enter your name and click Next, skipping the password setup if desired.
10. Step 36: Disable privacy toggles and click Accept. Windows will complete the setup and boot to the desktop.

Installing VMware Tools is highly recommended for improved performance and graphics. To do this, navigate to Virtual Machine → Install VMware Tools → Install and follow the prompts.

Run Windows Update

1. Step 40: Access the Start menu, go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates to install the latest updates and security patches. Restart once updates are complete.

While the process may appear extensive, it can typically be completed in under 30 minutes, assuming a stable internet connection for downloading Windows 11 and necessary updates. With VMware Fusion Pro now available for free for personal use, it presents an attractive option for users who require occasional access to Windows applications without the need for Parallels’ advanced features.

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