VIDEO Run Windows 11 on Mac for Free: A Complete Guide to VMware Fusion Pro 13

With the recent acquisition of VMware by Broadcom, users can now enjoy VMware Fusion Pro 13 at no cost for personal use. This update is substantial, especially for those looking to run Windows 11 on their Mac machines without any financial burden. This guide will cover everything you need to know to get started and will provide critical insights into using this powerful virtualization tool.

Overview of VMware Fusion Pro​

VMware Fusion is a desktop virtualization software that allows Mac users to run Windows and other operating systems in virtual machines. It's particularly beneficial for users who require access to software that is only available on Windows. With the release of VMware Fusion Pro 13, the software grants users enhanced capabilities like support for multi-core processors, improved graphics support, and seamless integration between macOS and Windows environments.

Benefits of VMware Fusion​

• Efficiency: Users can run Windows applications alongside their Mac OS applications without needing to reboot. This feature is essential for professionals who need to access cross-platform software frequently.
• Integration: VMware Fusion allows for shared folders, drag-and-drop file transfers, and other integration features that foster a seamless user experience.
• Performance: Optimized for the M1 and M2 Mac architectures, VMware Fusion ensures high performance and responsiveness, even for demanding applications such as gaming.
• Licensing Changes: The recent decision to make VMware Fusion Pro free with a personal license removes financial barriers, making powerful virtualization accessible to a larger audience.

How to Get Started with VMware Fusion Pro 13​

To successfully run Windows 11 on your Mac, follow these steps:

Step 1: Create a VMware Fusion Pro Personal License​

• Go to the VMware registration portal.
• Enter your email address to create an account. You will receive a verification code via email.
• After verification, complete the registration process by providing your details and accepting the terms and conditions.
• Once registered, you will receive your personal license, allowing you to download and use VMware Fusion for personal projects.

Step 2: Download VMware Fusion Pro​

• Access the Fusion and Workstation | VMware and log in with your newly created Broadcom account.
• Agree to the terms and conditions, and download the latest version of VMware Fusion Pro.
• Install the application by double-clicking the downloaded file and following the installation prompts.

Step 3: Download Windows 11 ISO​

• Open VMware Fusion and select the option to create a new virtual machine.
• Choose to download Windows from Microsoft directly within the interface, or you can obtain the ISO file from the Microsoft website.
• After downloading, you can store the ISO file in a convenient location, as it will be needed for the installation of Windows 11.

Step 4: Configure the Virtual Machine​

• Create a new virtual disk for Windows 11. A capacity of 64 GB is typically sufficient.
• Customize settings for the CPU and memory allocation. It’s recommended to allocate no more than 40% of total resources to the virtual machine to maintain performance on your Mac.
• Begin the installation of Windows 11 by selecting the ISO file and following the on-screen prompts.

Step 5: Complete Windows Installation​

During the installation process:

• Select the appropriate language, time zone, and keyboard settings during setup.
• When prompted for a product key, you can select "I don’t have a product key" unless you have one. This will allow you to continue with the installation.
• Create user accounts, set preferences, and after Windows installs, don’t forget to install VMware Tools. This adds essential drivers and enhances the integration with macOS.

Step 6: Finalize Setup​

[Once installation is complete, ensure that all Windows updates are applied through the Windows Update settings. [Optionally, check that the VMware Tools installation was successful, as this can significantly improve performance and compatibility.

Use Cases for Running Windows on Mac​

• Software Development: Developers can build and test applications across both platforms without needing multiple machines.
• Gaming: Run Windows-based games that lack macOS versions. The performance in games can be optimized using VMware Fusion’s graphics support features.
• Business Applications: Many organizations still rely on Windows applications, and VMware Fusion offers a viable solution for those on a Mac.

Conclusion​

The ability to run Windows 11 on a Mac through the free VMware Fusion Pro 13 is a game-changer for many users. Whether for professional needs, personal projects, or gaming, this virtualization software allows flexibility and productivity without the complication of dual-boot setups. As performance continues to improve, especially with support for Apple’s silicon, users can expect their virtualization experience to rival traditional computing setups. For those interested in exploring the capabilities of VMware Fusion, it is advisable to check out various tutorials and community discussions to tap into its full potential. For further information, you can view the detailed tutorial video here: . Sources:

• YouTube tutorial on setting up VMware Fusion Pro
• VMware Fusion product page.

 

[ChatGPT]

In a significant step for Mac users looking to run Windows applications, VMware has released VMware Fusion Pro 13 for free personal use. This can be particularly useful for those using Apple Silicon Macs, allowing them to run Windows 11 ARM in a virtual environment. This article provides detailed guidance on installing Windows 11 on your Mac using this free virtualization software. We'll walk through the necessary steps, including setting up a VMware Fusion Pro personal license, downloading the software, and configuring Windows 11.

Table of Contents​

• create-a-vmware-fusion-pro-personal-license​

• download-and-install-vmware-fusion-pro-13​

• download-windows-11-and-configure-the-virtual-machine​

• configure-and-install-windows-11​

• setup-windows-11-and-bypass-microsoft-login​

• install-vmware-tools​

• run-windows-update​

• 9to5macs-take​

Create a VMware Fusion Pro Personal License​

To begin, you need a VMware Fusion Pro personal license. Follow these steps:

• Visit Registration and enter your email address.
• Verify your email using the six-digit code sent to your inbox.
• Complete your registration by entering the required information, accepting the terms, and clicking "Create Account."
• Go to the VMware Fusion software download page and select "VMware Fusion 13 Pro for Personal use." Click on the latest version to reach the download page specific to that version.
• Check the box agreeing to the terms and conditions, then proceed to download.
• Finally, confirm your details and select "I Agree" to complete the trade compliance verification.

Download and Install VMware Fusion Pro 13​

Once you have your license, the next step is downloading and installing VMware Fusion:

• On the VMware Fusion Pro page, click the download button to download the application.
• Locate the downloaded Universal DMG in your downloads folder and double-click it to mount.
• Open the VMware Fusion installer, enter your administrator password, and follow the prompts to install.

Download Windows 11 and Configure the Virtual Machine​

After installing VMware Fusion, you can proceed to download Windows 11 and create your virtual machine:

• In VMware Fusion, choose “Get Windows from Microsoft” to begin the Windows installation.
• Click “Download Windows” which will start the process of obtaining the Windows 11 ISO file. Note that while Windows 11 itself is not free, Microsoft offers a grace period for activation.
• Configure your machine by selecting UEFI as the firmware type for better compatibility with Windows 11.
• Choose to create a new virtual disk and click through the settings, customizing them if necessary. Tip: The downloaded Windows 11 ISO will be saved in the ~/Virtual Machines.localized/VMWIsoImages/ directory for future reference.

Configure and Install Windows 11​

Now, you are ready to proceed with the installation:

• Click the Play button to boot the VM and when prompted, press any key to boot from the downloaded Windows ISO.
• Proceed through the Windows Setup screens, configuring your language and region settings.
• When prompted for an activation key, select "I don’t have a product key" to continue the setup.
• Next, select Windows 11 Pro and accept the license terms.
• Choose to install Windows only (advanced), then select the unallocated space for Windows. Completing these steps will activate the installation process which will handle copying files and configuring the operating system.

Setup Windows 11 and Bypass Microsoft Login​

During the Windows 11 setup, you may encounter a requirement to log in with a Microsoft account. To bypass this:

• On the country and region screen, press Shift+F10 to open a command prompt.
• Type OOBE\BYPASSNRO and hit Enter. Windows will reboot, allowing you to set up the machine without a Microsoft account.
• Following the reboot, configure your device name and select how you want to set up your Windows environment. Remember, you can limit internet connectivity during this process to avoid forced sign-ins.

Install VMware Tools​

After the installation of Windows 11 is complete, you need to install VMware Tools for better performance:

• In VMware Fusion's menu, go to Virtual Machine → Install VMware Tools.
• Access the mounted VMware Tools disk in Windows Explorer and run the setup.
• Follow the prompts to install and restart Windows once done. VMware Tools enhances graphics resolution and overall integration with macOS.

Run Windows Update​

To ensure that your new Windows installation is up to date:

• Open the Start menu, navigate to Settings → Windows Update, and check for any available updates.
• Install the updates and reboot if prompted.

9to5Mac's Take​

Installing Windows 11 on a Mac using VMware Fusion Pro is an efficient way to harness both operating systems. With the recent changes by Broadcom, users benefit from free access to this virtualization platform, removing barriers to running Windows applications on Mac. This guide, although detailed, can be followed in approximately 30 minutes, provided that the internet connection is adequate for downloading the Windows operating system and subsequent updates. VMware Fusion strikes a great balance between functionality and resource management, which is especially beneficial for users who do not require the advanced features offered in products like Parallels. In conclusion, if you are a Mac user needing compatibility with Windows applications, VMware Fusion Pro provides an accessible and effective solution. Whether you need to run a specific application for work or are simply exploring the possibilities of a dual ecosystem, following these steps will lead you through the process without any hitches. If you have any thoughts or experiences with running Windows 11 via VMware Fusion, feel free to share them in the comments below! For the complete video tutorial, be sure to check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more useful guides and tips. Source: 9to5mac.com .