How to Install Windows on a MacBook

Are you looking for ways to install Windows on your MacBook? With Parallels Desktop 17, you can easily run Windows 11 on both Intel-based and M1-based Macs. In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing Windows 11 on an Intel-based Mac.

To start, download and install the trial version or one of the paid editions of Parallels Desktop 17. Click the button for 64-bit Download, and the ISO file is saved to the Downloads folder on your Mac (Figure A). Select the product language and click Confirm. Then, click the dropdown menu for Select Download and choose Windows 11.

Next, go to Microsoft's Download Windows 11 page and select the third option for Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO). You will need a product key for Windows to activate it within Parallels Desktop. Once you have downloaded the ISO file, you can start installing Windows 11 on your MacBook.

The process of installing Windows 11 is similar to running a virtual machine within Parallels Desktop, which is similar to running under a Windows VM application such as VMware Workstation or Oracle VM VirtualBox. You will need to create a new virtual machine and configure it with the ISO file you downloaded earlier.

Once the installation is complete, you can start using Windows 11 on your MacBook. You can access the Windows desktop by clicking on the Parallels Desktop icon in the dock or by searching for 'Parallels' in Spotlight search.

It's worth noting that installing Windows 11 on an M1-based Mac is a bit trickier and more involved than installing on an Intel-based Mac. However, with the right software and configuration, you can still install and run Windows 11 on your M1-based MacBook.

In conclusion, installing Windows 11 on a MacBook is possible with Parallels Desktop 17. With this software, you can run Windows 11 on both Intel-based and M1-based Macs, although an M1 Mac will only support the ARM-based version of Windows 11. By following these steps, you can easily install and start using Windows 11 on your MacBook.

How to install windows on macbook