This article discusses how to run Windows 11 on a Mac utilizing Parallels Desktop, which is capable of setting up Windows on both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
How to Run Windows on a Mac
If you wish to install and run Windows 11 on your Mac, you can do so utilizing the Parallels app. Parallels is available straight from the Mac App Store, and it’s officially sanctioned by Microsoft as a valid solution to running Windows 11 on Apple hardware. It deals with both older Intel Macs and newer M1 and M2 Macs, and the process is uncomplicated enough that you don’t need to be a specialist at either macOS or Windows to get it up and running.
Here’s how to run Windows 11 on a Mac utilizing Parallels:
Search for Parallels Desktop in the App Store, and click GET.
If you already have a membership that you bought directly from Parallels, they advise you download the app from their website rather. In that case, download and open Parallels from the site, then avoid to step 4.
Click INSTALL.
Click OPEN.
The app will request permission to send usage information. Click Don’t Send if you do not wish to share this data or Automatically Send if you wish to share.
Enter your details and click Create Account if you’ve never utilized Parallels before, or click I have a password and enter your login details if you currently have an account.
If you choose, you can choose to sign in with your Apple, Facebook, or Google account. If you click among these buttons, you don’t need to register for a different Parallels account.
Click Continue.
Read the privacy policy, and click I Accept.
Click Try it Free.
You can click Restore Purchases or I Have a Subscription if you’ve already paid for Parallels Desktop in the past.
Click Continue.
Use Touch ID or your PIN to authenticate.
Click Continue.
When you click Continue, you are committing to pay a continuous membership fee if you do not cancel within the trial duration. Parallels requires a membership, so there is no other way to continue without accepting the complimentary trial and subscription terms.
Click OK to validate the subscription.
Click OK.
Click OK.
Click OK.
Parallels needs access to your download folder, because it needs to download Windows.
Click Install Windows.
Wait while Parallels downloads Windows 11.
Click Don’t Allow if you won’t be using your webcam in Windows 11, or OK if you want to be able to use the webcam.
Click Don’t Allow if you won’t be using your microphone in Windows 11, or OK if you want to be able to use the microphone.
Wait while Parallels installs Windows 11.
When you see the Installation Complete message, click the screen to continue.
Read the Windows License Agreement, and click Accept.
The Windows installation process is complete when you see this screen.
Since Windows 11 is now installed on your Mac, you can close the web browser and Windows Update windows and start using it just like you would on any PC.
How to Activate Windows 11 in Parallels
Windows 11 is prepared to use as quickly as you finish the installation process laid out in the previous area, however it won’t be registered until you add an item key and trigger it.
You can utilize Windows 11 in Parallels without activating it for as long as you want, however Microsoft places some limitations on setups that haven’t been activated with a legitimate product key. If you want full usage of Windows 11 on your Mac, you’ll require to buy a product secret.
If you want to activate your copy of Windows 11, you can navigate to Settings > System > Activation. You can then either enter a secret that you have purchased in other places, or click Go to Store to buy a key straight from Microsoft.
What is Parallels Desktop?
Parallels Desktop is an app that allows you to run alternate os like Windows 11 and Linux from within macOS. That implies you can change back and forth between macOS and the other os instantly without requiring to reboot your Mac. Considering that Parallels accomplishes this accomplishment by developing a virtual device that replicates a Windows-compatible PC, it’s capable of running Windows 11 on M1 and M2 Apple Silicon in addition to older Mac hardware that uses Intel processors.
Parallels Desktop sets up the ARM variation of Windows 11 on M1 and M2 Macs, which can cause compatibility issues with some apps. Apps that have native Windows 11 ARM versions typically do not have any issues, and numerous others work as well, but some do not.
FAQDo I have to worry about the Trusted Platform Module?
Given that Parallels Desktop works by developing a virtual machine that imitates PC hardware, it’s likewise able to replicate a Trusted Platform Module, which is an essential component that’s leveraged in numerous Windows 11 security features. This may not be quite as safe and secure as physical PC hardware with a physical Trusted Platform Module, but it’s safe and secure enough for Microsoft to officially endorse the practice of setting up Windows 11 on a Mac through Parallels. That official support means you’ll be able to receive the same ongoing, crucial security updates that you ‘d have access to if you had Windows 11 on routine PC hardware.
Is Bootcamp still supported on Macs with Apple Silicon chips?
Yes, but only for Macs using Intel processors. You see, prior to the intro of Apple Silicon in M1 Macs, the most typical way to run Windows on a Mac was to install it through Bootcamp. This technique allowed you to pick whether to boot into Windows or macOS, and it was enabled due to Apple’s choice to use Intel processors that were compatible with Windows. Because introducing their own Apple Silicon processers that use an ARM architecture, Apple has moved far from supporting Bootcamp. That’s why Parallels, which is able to emulate PC hardware, is the best way to run Windows 11 on Mac hardware.
