What to Know

• The only way to run Windows 11 on a Mac is via Parallels.
• Parallels is available for purchase in the Mac App Store.
• You'll also need to buy a copy of Windows 11 because Parallels onlyallows the abilityto run Windows.

This article explains how to run Windows 11 on a Mac using Parallels Desktop, which is capable of installing Windows on both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.

How to Run Windows on a Mac

If you want to install and run Windows 11 on your Mac, you can do so using the Parallels app.Parallels is available directly from the Mac App Store, and it's officially sanctioned by Microsoft as a valid solution to running Windows 11 on Apple hardware.

It works on both older Intel Macs and M1, M2, M3, and M4 Macs.The installation process is straightforward enough that you don't need to be an expert at either macOS or Windows to get it up and running.

Here's how to run Windows 11 on a Mac using Parallels:

1. Search for Parallels Desktop in the App Store, and clickGET.

   

   If you already have a subscription that you bought directly from Parallels, they recommend you download the app from their website instead.In that case, download and open Parallels from the website, then skip to Step 4.

2. ClickINSTALL.

   

3. ClickOPEN.

   

   The app will ask for permission to send usage data.ClickDon't Sendif you don't want to share this data orAutomatically Sendif you want to share.

4. Enter your details and clickCreate Accountif you've never used Parallels before, or clickI have a passwordand enter your login details if you already have an account.

   

   If you prefer, you can choose to sign in with your Apple, Facebook, or Google account.If you click one of these buttons, you don't need to sign up for a separate Parallels account.

5. ClickContinue.

   

6. Read the privacy policy, and clickI Accept.

   

7. ClickTry it Free.

   

   You can click Restore Purchases or I Have a Subscription if you've already paid for Parallels Desktop in the past.

8. ClickContinue.

   

9. Use Touch ID or your PIN to authenticate.

   

10. ClickContinue.

    

    When you click Continue, you are committing to pay an ongoing subscription fee if you don't cancel within the trial period. Parallels requires a subscription, so there is no way to continue without agreeing to the free trial and subscription terms.

11. ClickOKto confirm the subscription.

    

12. ClickOK.

    

13. ClickOK.

    

14. ClickOK.

    

    Parallels needs access to your download folder, because it needs to download Windows.

15. ClickInstall Windows.

    

16. Wait while Parallels downloads Windows 11.

17. ClickDon't Allowif you won't be using your webcam in Windows 11, orOKif you want to be able to use the webcam.

    

18. ClickDon't Allowif you won't be using your microphone in Windows 11, orOKif you want to be able to use the microphone.

    

19. Wait while Parallels installs Windows 11.

    

20. When you see the Installation Complete message, click the screen to continue.

    

21. Read the Windows License Agreement, and clickAccept.

    

22. 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 ready to use as soon as you finish the installation process outlined in the previous section, but it won't be registered until you add a product key and activate it.

You can use Windows 11 in Parallels without activating it for as long as you want, but Microsoft places some limitations on installations that haven't been activated with a valid product key. If you want full use of Windows 11 on your Mac, you'll need to buy a product key.

To activate Windows 11, navigate toSettings>System>Activation. You can then either enter a key that you have purchased elsewhere or clickGo to Storeto buy a key directly from Microsoft.

What is Parallels Desktop?

Parallels Desktop is an app that allows you to run alternate operating systems like Windows 11 and Linux from within macOS. That means you can switch back and forth between macOS and the other operating system instantly without needing to reboot your Mac. Since Parallels accomplishes this feat by creating a virtual machine that emulates a Windows-compatible PC, it's capable of running Windows 11 on Apple Silicon in addition to older Mac hardware that uses Intel processors.

Parallels Desktop installs the ARM version 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 don't have any issues, and many others work as well, but some don't.

FAQ

• Do I have to worry about the Trusted Platform Module?

  Since Parallels Desktop works by creating a virtual machine that emulates PC hardware, it's also able to emulate a Trusted Platform Module, which is a key component that's leveraged in many Windows 11 security features. This may not be quite as secure as physical PC hardware with a physical Trusted Platform Module, but it's secure enough for Microsoft to officially endorse the practice of installing Windows 11 on a Mac through Parallels. That official support means you'll be able to receive the same ongoing, vital security updates that you'd have access to if you had Windows 11 on regular PC hardware.

• Is Bootcamp still supported on Macs with Apple Silicon chips?

  Yes, but only for Macs using Intel processors. Before the introduction of Apple Silicon in M1 Macs, the most common way to run Windows on a Mac was to install it through Bootcamp. This method allowed you to choose whether to boot into Windows or macOS, and it was made possible due to Apple's decision to use Intel processors that were compatible with Windows. Since introducing their own Apple Silicon processers that use an ARM architecture, Apple has moved away from supporting Bootcamp. That's why Parallels, which can emulate PC hardware, is the best way to run Windows 11 on Mac hardware.