If you've ever wanted to dip your toes into the world of Windows while firmly planted in the macOS universe, you’re in luck! Thanks to the UTM app, running Windows 11 on your Mac is not only feasible but also surprisingly simple. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can seamlessly juggle between Windows and macOS without having to commit to a dual-boot setup.
Feel free to explore and let us know about your experiences or any issues you encountered along the way. Happy computing!
Source: OSXDaily How to Install Windows 11 on Mac with UTM
What is UTM?
UTM is a user-friendly application that allows you to create and manage virtual machines on your macOS device. It's an excellent option for those who want to run applications that are exclusive to Windows or to experiment with different operating systems without altering your Mac's native OS. So let's get started on setting up your very own Windows 11 virtual machine!Prerequisites
Before diving into the installation, make sure you have the following:- A Mac (preferably with Apple Silicon, but Intel Macs work too)
- At least 8 GB of RAM available (more is better for performance)
- Sufficient disk space (at least 64 GB is recommended for Windows 11)
- UTM application (download it for free)
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Follow these precise steps to set up Windows 11 on your Mac using UTM:- Download UTM:
- Go to the official UTM website and download the app.
- Open the Mac App Store, search for "CrystalFetch," and install it. This tool will help streamline the Windows 11 ISO download process.
- Launch CrystalFetch.
- Choose "Windows 11" as your desired OS.
- Select either "Apple Silicon" or "Intel" based on your Mac’s architecture.
- Proceed to download the necessary Windows 11 ISO file. Accept any terms and conditions that appear.
- Open UTM on your Mac.
- Click on “Create a new virtual machine” (the plus sign).
- Select “Virtualize” and then “Windows”.
- Click on “Boot ISO Image” and then “Browse” to select the Windows 11 ISO you downloaded through CrystalFetch.
- Assign at least 4GB of RAM and 2 CPU cores to your virtual machine (again, more is better for smoother operation).
- Allocate at least 64GB of disk space for Windows 11.
- Give your virtual machine a clear name, like "Windows 11".
- Click on the play button to boot your new VM.
- The Windows 11 installation process will start. Follow the on-screen prompts.
- When you reach the activation screen, select "I don’t have a product key" to continue with the installation without activation at this point.
- Choose the version of Windows 11 you wish to install.
- Complete Setup:
- Let Windows install, then go through initial setup steps. Be patient, as this might take a few minutes. Once completed, you'll be looking at the familiar Windows 11 desktop!
Sharing Files Between macOS and Windows 11
Using UTM means your Windows 11 environment is effectively isolated, but it doesn’t have to be. You can set up shared folders between macOS and your Windows VM to easily transfer files back and forth when needed.Additional Insights
While UTM is a great tool, there are alternatives for running Windows on Mac, including Parallels, VirtualBox, and VMware. For Intel Macs, there’s even the option to install Windows directly on the hardware, allowing for improved performance. However, Apple Silicon Macs currently lack the capability for dual-booting with Windows 11, making virtual machines the best route.Conclusion
Now you can enjoy the best of both worlds! With Windows 11 running smoothly on your Mac via UTM, you can access applications that are otherwise unavailable in macOS, all without compromising your primary operating system. Whether it’s for productivity or simply out of curiosity, this virtualization technique opens up a plethora of possibilities for Mac users.Feel free to explore and let us know about your experiences or any issues you encountered along the way. Happy computing!
Source: OSXDaily How to Install Windows 11 on Mac with UTM
