Apple’s transition to Silicon Macs has brought about a notable shift in how users can run Windows on their devices. While Boot Camp is no longer supported, which traditionally allowed users to install Windows directly, there are still viable alternatives to access Windows 11 on a Mac.
Microsoft suggests two premium solutions: the subscription-based Windows 365 for remote access and Parallels Desktop for virtual operation. However, for those seeking a cost-effective approach, an open-source application named UTM offers a compelling alternative.
Run Windows on Mac without a subscription
UTM, built on the QEMU emulator, allows users to create a virtual machine that runs Windows alongside macOS. This application supports the native virtualization of the Arm version of Windows, which operates efficiently on Apple Silicon. For those needing compatibility with a broader range of Windows software, UTM also enables emulation of the x86 version, albeit with a potential performance trade-off.
It’s important to note that while UTM is a robust solution for running specific Windows applications or testing software, it may not be the best choice for gaming enthusiasts due to the lack of GPU emulation. For gaming needs, users might want to explore the Game Porting Toolkit instead.
How to run Windows on a Mac via UTM
Setting up Windows on your Mac using UTM is a straightforward process. Begin by downloading UTM, which is available for free on GitHub or for .99 from the Mac App Store. Next, you will need a copy of Windows 11, which can be downloaded from Microsoft. Users can choose between the Arm version or the x86 version. If navigating Microsoft’s download tools proves cumbersome, the UTM developers recommend using Crystalfetch, a free Mac app that simplifies the ISO download process. Keep in mind that a Windows license is required for legal installation.
Once you have the Windows ISO, launch UTM and click the “+” button to create a new virtual machine. You will be prompted to choose between virtualizing or emulating the operating system. Select “Virtualize” for the Arm version or “Emulate” for the x86 version. Following this, specify the operating system as Windows and direct UTM to the ISO file you downloaded.
Next, you will allocate memory and storage for the virtual machine. It’s advisable to stick with the default settings unless you have specific requirements. You will also need to select a shared folder on your Mac, allowing the virtual machine to access files. This can be your entire Home folder or a specific subfolder.
After configuring these settings, you can start the virtual machine for the first time. The Windows installer will boot up, and you can proceed through the setup prompts just as you would on a standard Windows computer.
Once the installation completes, you will be greeted by a Windows desktop, albeit initially with limited display size and no internet access. To enhance functionality, you’ll need to install drivers. Open File Explorer within Windows, where you should see a virtual CD mounted. Run the executable file found there to install the guest tools.
Upon installation, your virtual machine will reboot, and you will notice that the resolution adjusts as you resize the window. Internet access and the ability to use your shared folder will now be available within Windows. With these steps completed, you will have successfully set up a functional version of Windows on your Mac.
