Before the release of the M1 Macs in November 2020, one of the advantages of using a Mac was the ability to run macOS on its own or download and install Windows for those occasions when you needed to run Windows-only software and games. It is still feasible to run Windows on a Mac, although this is currently limited to Macs with Intel processors. In principle, you can download and run Windows on a Mac using Apple’s M1 Chip, however, this is only the ARM version of Windows, which isn’t widely available, and many Windows programs don’t work with it. In this article, we will show you how to download and install Windows 11 on a Mac M1 for free without needing Bootcamp. There are several options for doing so, including using Apple’s dual-booting Boot Camp Assistant, third-party virtualization software, or running Windows apps through an emulator.
How Much Space Do Windows Require?
If you want to install Windows in a Boot Camp partition, your Mac must have at least 64GB of free disk space. However, because Windows requires 128GB (assuming all of the related programs are installed), Apple recommends that you build a 128GB partition.
What’s Best Boot Camp or Virtualisation?
If you need to download and install Windows 11 on your Mac M1 for free, you have two options, and the one you choose will largely depend on the type of program you need to run.
The first is known as ‘dual-booting,’ and it is offered by Apple with the Boot Camp Assistant, which is installed on all Intel Macs. It allows you to start up (or ‘boot’) your Mac using either Windows or macOS.
The Boot Camp Assistant can partition your Mac’s hard drive (or solid-state drive). It keeps macOS on one partition and installs Windows on the other. When you boot your Mac, just press the Alt/Option key on your keyboard to select the operating system you want to run.
Installing Windows on a Boot Camp disk in this manner transforms your Mac into a Windows PC, dedicating all of your Mac’s processor power and memory—as well as its graphics card, if it has one—to running Windows alone.
If you want to play Windows games or run high-end graphics and design software that requires a lot of power, this is the best option.
How to Download Windows for Mac M1
If you wish to run Windows 11 on your Mac, you may get it from Microsoft’s website as a ‘disk image file (also known as an ‘ISO file).
You can also get ISO files for Windows 10, 7, and Windows 8.1. However, because these versions of Windows were originally supplied on disk, it’s probably faster to produce the ISO file using the installer application on the disk. This is fairly simple, and Apple covers it on its website as well.
Now that you have the Windows installation files, all you need to do is start Boot Camp or your virtualization software so you can install it.
How to Download Windows on Mac M1
You can download and run Windows on your Mac M1 machine in less than an hour if you have an Intel-based Mac with ample storage and the necessary Windows 11 or 10 ISO file. From then on, whenever you boot up your Mac, you can pick between Windows and the most recent MacOS.
Here’s what you’ll need before you begin.
Here’s what you’ll need to properly download and install Windows 11, or 10 on your Mac M1 computer:
- A Mac with an Intel processor (if your computer is on this list, it is not supported).
- 64GB or more free storage space on your startup disk.
- A power supply (if you’re using a laptop).
If you’re not sure whether your computer is Intel-based, go to About This Mac by clicking on the Apple logo in the menu bar. If you see the words Processor followed by an Intel processor name, such as “2.6GHz 6-Core Intel Core i7,” you have an Intel-based Mac.
But, before you begin, make a backup of your drive using Time Machine, just in case something goes wrong.
#1. Download the Windows 10 ISO File
Windows 11 is not presently compatible with MacOS Boot Camp Assistant. As a result, you’ll have to get Windows 10 instead. The official Windows website offers a free disc image, often known as an ISO file, of Windows 10.
- Navigate to this Windows software download page on your Mac.
- Select Windows 10 (multi-edition ISO) from the Select Edition drop-down menu.
- Wait for your request to be validated before clicking Confirm.
- After that, select your language and click Confirm.
- Finally, select 64-bit Download to begin downloading the Windows 10 ISO file.
Because the Windows 10 ISO file is approximately 6GB in size, it may take up to 30 minutes to download depending on your internet connection and speed. When the ISO file is complete, save it to your downloads folder and go to the next step.
#2. Start Boot Camp Assistant.
Boot Camp Assistant, which comes factory-installed on your Mac, will be used to run Windows 10 on it. Boot Camp Assistant is designed exclusively for installing Windows operating systems on your computer, and the setup process is rather simple.
- Launch Boot Camp Assistant on your Mac and press the Continue button.
- Select Choose a Windows 10 ISO file and browse to the Windows 10 ISO file you downloaded in the previous step.
- Drag the bar to select a size for your Windows partition drive (the minimum is 42GB).
- Wait about 10 minutes for the partition to be formed after clicking Install.
Your laptop will restart after the Windows partition is complete.
#3. Install Windows on your Mac
Your computer will boot up, but instead of the familiar Apple logo, you should see the blue Windows logo. Here’s what you should do next:
- Go through the Windows installation process.
- If you have a product key, enter it here. If not, you can proceed without one.
Don’t worry, you’ll be able to access Windows on your Mac even if you don’t have a product key. During the installation, you will notice that window files are copied, features and updates are installed, and so on. This should take about 10 minutes more.
#4. Set up Windows on a Mac
Your computer will restart. But this time, you’ll be asked to install Windows, exactly like you would on a PC. You can finish the setup with Cortana and your voice, but you can also utilize your keyboard, mouse, and trackpad.
- To begin, select your language, keyboard layout, Wi-Fi, and other options.
- Log in with your Windows credentials if you have one.
- Your Mac will boot into Windows. To gain access to your computer, you must first generate a passcode and/or PIN. Do so to safeguard your account.
#5. Install BootCamp on Windows
Finally, you’ll need to install and update BootCamp on Windows. This will allow you to make any more changes to your partition or resolve any difficulties while Windows is running. When you boot up Windows for the first time, you should be prompted to install Boot Camp. This will take 10 minutes to install, but it is the final step before you can use Windows normally.
#6. Use Windows on your Mac
You are free to use Windows however you see fit. Microsoft Edge is the default web browser in Windows 10, but you may use it to download Chrome or anything else to access the web on your Mac. You can then download files and install software that you would normally only be able to install on a Windows-powered computer, such as Paint.NET and certain Steam titles, on your Mac.
#7. Switch Between Windows and Mac
If you ever wish to switch from Windows to MacOS, do the following:
- Start your computer again.
- Hold down the Option key for 5 seconds after the screen goes black.
- You will then be given the option to boot up MacOS or Windows.
- Select the partition to be opened.
Use this keyboard shortcut to move between your disks As needed.
Install Windows on Mac Without Bootcamp
After conducting an extensive study using online videos and guidelines, I discovered that any Mac user can download, install, and run Windows on macOS without using BootCamp. And I tried installing Windows 10 on a Mac using a third-party application called WonderISO, which works flawlessly on my Macbook Pro. In addition to WonderISO, virtual machines such as VMware and VirtualBox are excellent ways to download and install Windows on a Mac.
Install Windows on a Mac without BootCamp
It’s common knowledge that generating a bootable USB is the simplest way to install Windows 10 on a Mac. However, if you try to install Windows 10 on a Mac without BootCamp for the first time, you will always have to install the essential drivers via Boot Camp, because your “internet, sound, graphics, and other drivers are disabled” owing to a shortage of drivers.
Step 1: Make a Bootable USB Drive from the Windows 10 ISO
Download the third-party app of your choice onto a computer, such as WonderISO. Launch it after it has been installed.
Insert your USB flash drive or internal hard drive into the computer on which WonderISO is installed. Then, to enter the BURN Windows, select the “Burn” option, import your Windows 10 ISO file by clicking the Browse button, and select UEFI+GPT mode. Check that the SYSTEM file is FAT 32, then press the Burn button to begin.
It will just take a few minutes to produce a bootable USB; however, don’t disconnect your USB during burning since this may erase your partitions and data. Eject your USB device once it says Burning Successfully.
Step 2: Use Disk Utility to partition your drive.
Partitioning your drive is an important step since it determines where your Windows OS will be installed. We do not recommend installing Windows on the same partition as macOS.
- To do so, launch Disk Utility, navigate to your local drive (SSD or HDD), and then select the Partition button.
- To create a new partition for Windows installation, click the small “+” sign, and then specify the partition size, which should be at least 30 GB. You can name it whatever you wish, as long as the format is selected to MS-DOS (FAT), and then click Apply.
Step 3: Boot the Mac from the USB Drive
Insert the bootable USB drive that you successfully made from a Windows ISO image into your Mac computer. Also, while holding down the Option key, restart your Mac. Also, remember to unplug all internal physical drives except the one on which Windows 10 will be installed.
Holding down the Option key should bring up a list of drives. To begin installing Windows 10 on a Mac computer, select the EFI boot disks.
Step 4: Start to Install Windows 10 on Mac
If your Mac can correctly boot from a USB drive, you should see the Windows Setup Wizard, which prompts you to choose a drive to install Windows OS on. Select the correct partition created previously, then click Next.
Step 5: Complete Some Required Settings
Select the Language and Keyboard, then click the “Next” button.
Step 6: Select the ‘Install’ option.
Click the ‘Install’ option to begin installing Windows 10 OS on the partition you’ve chosen. This procedure will take a few minutes, and your Mac will restart many times automatically. The usual Windows 10 installation method must be followed.
Step 7: Fill in the Product Key
The Installation wizard prompts you to enter the product key to activate your Windows 10 OS when you reach this step. If you bought a product key, enter it into the box. You can do it later if you prefer.
Step 8: Download and install Windows 10 drivers.
When your MacBook first launches into Windows, you may discover that your mouse and keyboard are inoperable due to a lack of drivers. As a result, installing drivers is critical to ensure that Windows functions properly. To do so, first, download the BootCamp to a USB drive, then install it on your Windows; it will install the necessary drivers, such as “Wi-Fi or Internet, Graphic, Sound, Mouse, etc.”
Is Boot Camp for Mac Safe?
Yes, Boot Camp is a secure and dependable method of running Windows on a Mac. Apple’s Boot Camp application allows users to install Windows on a different partition of their Mac’s hard drive, allowing them to dual-boot between macOS and Windows.
Why Does My Mac Not Support Boot Camp?
A Mac may not support Boot Camp for a variety of reasons, including:
- Processor architecture
- Storage space
- Firmware updates
- Unsupported Mac models
Can I Install Windows 11 on Macbook?
Yes. It is technically feasible to install Windows 11 on a MacBook using Boot Camp or virtualization software, however, this is dependent on the model and hardware requirements of your MacBook.
Does Bootcamp Cost Money?
No, Boot Camp is a free utility supplied by Apple that is completely free to use. Boot Camp is included with all compatible Mac models and allows users to install and run Windows on a different partition of their Mac’s hard drive, allowing them to dual-boot between macOS and Windows.
Which Mac Is Compatible With Windows?
Most contemporary Mac models are Windows-compatible and can run Windows using Boot Camp or virtualization software like Parallels Desktop or VMWare Fusion. However, depending on the type of your Mac, the particular requirements and limitations may differ.
Do You Need a License to Run Windows on Mac?
Yes, a valid license is required to run Windows on a Mac. Whether you use Boot Camp or virtualization software, you must have a Windows license key to install and use it on your Mac.
Why Would You Install Windows on a Mac?
You may want to install Windows on a Mac for a variety of reasons, including:
- Compatibility
- Gaming
- Work or school requirements
- Development
- Personal preference
Installing Windows on a Mac can give you more flexibility and access to a broader range of software and applications, making it a popular choice for many users.
How Do I Switch From Mac to Windows Boot Camp?
Follow these steps to switch from macOS to Windows using Boot Camp:
- Any open files and applications on your Mac should be saved and closed.
- Restart your Mac and hold down the Option key as soon as it begins to restart.
- The Startup Manager screen will appear, displaying all bootable devices. To boot into Windows, select the Windows icon.
- After Windows has booted up, you can use it just like any other computer.
To return to macOS, restart your Mac and hold down the Option key once more. Select the macOS icon this time to return to macOS.
Conclusion
There are several options to download and install Windows on a Mac computer. Boot Camp Assistant, virtualization software such as Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion, or cloud-based services such as Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services are the most common methods.
Each of these options has advantages and disadvantages, and the final decision is based on personal needs and preferences. Before downloading Windows on a Mac, ensure that the system meets the minimum requirements for the chosen method, that important data is backed up, and that the system has a valid Windows license key. Downloading Windows on a Mac can be a simple task with adequate planning and careful analysis of the available options.
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