Install Windows 11 on an Intel or M1 Mac: Parallels 17 for Mac makes it easy to run Windows 11 on an Intel or M1 Mac using a seamless virtual machine. On an Intel Mac, you can easily run your favorite Windows programs alongside your Mac applications. Here’s how to set it up.
Why use Parallels?
Parallels is a virtual machine program, which means it runs a separate operating system in an emulated computer (called a virtual machine) on your Mac. With Parallels, you can run Windows applications side-by-side with Mac applications using a mode called Coherence, or you can easily open the Windows desktop to work with your Mac files in Windows applications.
This is in contrast to Boot Camp, which requires installing Windows on a separate partition on your Mac’s SSD or SSD hard drive. With Boot Camp, you can only use one operating system at a time — Mac or PC, not both — and switching between the two requires a reboot. Unlike Boot Camp, Parallels makes switching between Windows and Mac more flexible and fluid.
What you need?
First, you need to download and install Parallels 17 or later on your Mac. During the installation process, make sure that you allow Parallels Desktop to access the Desktop, Documents, and Downloads folders of a working Mac.
Install Windows 11 on Mac Intel or M1
Next, if you’re running an Intel Mac, download the Windows 11 ISO from the Microsoft website. On the download page, find the Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) section, select Windows 11 in the drop-down menu, then click Download.
If you’re using an M1 Mac, you can’t use the Intel (x64) version of Windows 11. Instead, you need to sign up for the Windows Insider Program, then download a copy of the Windows Client ARM64 Insider Preview, this copy will be in the VHDX disk image file.
Once you have the operating system image you need, open the Parallels app. For a Mac M1, double-click the VHDX file you just downloaded and follow the on-screen instructions in Parallels to install Windows 11. Some of the steps will be similar to the Intel installation process detailed below. below.
On an Intel Mac, open the Installation Assistant and select Install Windows or another OS from a DVD or image file and click Continue.
Parallels will automatically locate the Windows 11 ISO on your Mac. Select it from the list and click Continue.
Next, Parallels will ask you for a Windows License Key. If you have, you can import it now. Otherwise, uncheck the box Enter Windows license key for faster installation and click Continue.
The Windows 11 ISO standard contains installation information for various versions of Windows 11. Select the version you want to install from the drop-down menu.
Next, Parallels will ask if you plan to use Windows primarily for work or gaming. Choose the one that suits your needs and click Continue.
The Windows 11 installation will begin. Parallels handles it automatically, and you’ll see the progress in a small virtual machine window on your Mac.
When the installation is complete on both the Mac M1 and Intel, you will see the message Installation Complete. Click inside the window to continue.
To switch to seamless mode, where you can use Windows and Mac apps side-by-side, focus on the Windows 11 window and choose View > Enter Coherence in the menu bar. Or you can press Ctrl + Command + C on your keyboard.
Conclude
When you’re ready to purchase a Windows 11 license, run the Settings app in Windows 11 and click System in the sidebar. Click Activate Now, then Open Store, and you’ll be able to purchase a Windows license in the Microsoft Store. Hopefully with how to install Windows 11 on Mac Intel or M1 that the guideonline computer tips Blog shared will be useful to you. Good luck.
