Last updated: November 4, 2025
Windows and macOS are two popular operating systems (OS), each with a dedicated user base. While their rivalry started decades ago, today, the need to run apps from both systems simultaneously has bridged the gap.
This article details the top 10 legal and ethical methods to run Windows applications or the entire Windows OS on your Mac, including essential distinctions for the newer Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3) Macs.
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Important Note: Apple Silicon vs. Intel Macs
The architecture of your Mac’s chip dictates how you can legally run Windows:
| Mac Type | Supported Windows Version | Primary Method | Note on Boot Camp |
| Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, etc.) | Windows 11 (ARM version) | Virtualization (Parallels, Fusion, UTM) | ❌ Not Supported. Apple Silicon Macs cannot run Boot Camp. |
| Intel-based Mac | Windows 10/11 (x86 version) | Dual-Boot (Boot Camp) or Virtualization | ✅ Supported. Boot Camp is built-in and free. |
Licensing Requirement (Ethical & Legal)
To legally run Windows 11 in a virtual machine (VM) or via Boot Camp, you must purchase a valid Windows 11 license key from Microsoft or an authorized retailer.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Windows Emulation and Virtualization Solutions for Mac
To simplify this guide, we have grouped the solutions by their method of operation: Virtualization, Compatibility Layers, and Dual-Boot.
A. Virtualization Software (VMs)
Virtual machines (VMs) run Windows as a separate application within macOS, allowing you to switch between the two operating systems instantly without rebooting.
1. Parallels Desktop (Paid, Best Overall)
Parallels is the most popular and easiest-to-use virtualization tool for Mac.
- Best For: Seamless integration, maximum performance, and the easiest setup for all Mac users (Intel and Apple Silicon).
- Key Features:
- Microsoft-Authorized: Fully authorized to run the Windows 11 on ARM version on Apple Silicon Macs.
- Coherence Mode: Hides the Windows desktop, allowing Windows apps to appear as native macOS applications.
- One-Click Setup: Automatically downloads and installs the correct version of Windows 11 on Apple Silicon.
- Price: Subscription-based (Standard or Pro Edition).
2. VMware Fusion (Free/Paid, Robust Alternative)
VMware Fusion is a long-standing, powerful competitor to Parallels, offering professional-grade virtualization.
- Best For: Developers, IT professionals, and users needing a powerful, stable, and often free solution for personal, non-commercial use.
- Key Features:
- Licensing: Offers a free-for-personal-use version (Fusion Player) with the full feature set.
- Apple Silicon Ready: Supports Windows 11 (ARM) on M-series Macs and various Linux distributions.
- Snapshot Technology: Easily save the state of your VM to revert to it later.
- Price: Free for Personal Use; Pro version requires a commercial license.
3. UTM (Free, Open-Source Option)
UTM is a graphical frontend for the open-source QEMU emulator/virtualizer, making powerful features accessible to a wider audience.
- Best For: Users seeking a free, open-source solution for Apple Silicon Macs who are comfortable with a more technical setup.
- Key Features:
- No Cost: Completely free to download and use from the developer’s GitHub.
- Apple Silicon Support: Natively virtualizes Windows 11 (ARM) with good performance.
- Emulation: Can emulate older x86 (Intel) operating systems, though performance is significantly slower than virtualization.
- Price: Free (Optional paid version on the Mac App Store to support development).
4. VirtualBox (Free, Primarily for Intel Macs)
Developed by Oracle, VirtualBox is a well-known, open-source hypervisor.
- Best For: Intel Mac users who need a free, powerful option. Its use on Apple Silicon is currently limited and not recommended for beginners.
- Key Features:
- Free and Open Source: Available to all users at no cost.
- Snapshot Management: Excellent tools for saving and restoring VM states.
- Compatibility: Still an excellent choice for running older x86 versions of Windows on Intel Macs.
- Price: Free.
B. Compatibility Layers & Remote Solutions
These solutions allow you to run Windows applications without needing to install the entire Windows OS.
5. Crossover Mac (Paid, Best for Apps/Games)
Crossover is a commercial product based on the open-source Wine project. It translates Windows commands into Mac commands in real-time.
- Best For: Running a small selection of specific Windows applications or games without the overhead and licensing costs of a full Windows OS.
- Key Features:
- No Windows OS Required: You don’t need a Windows license or installation media.
- Ties: A community-driven database that simplifies the installation of thousands of Windows programs.
- Apple Silicon Optimization: Works well on M-series Macs.
- Price: One-time purchase (comes with a free trial).
6. Wine / Wineskin / Wine Bottler (Free, Advanced)
Wine is the open-source core used by Crossover. Wineskin and Wine Bottler are specific user-friendly “wrappers” that simplify the process.
- Best For: Technical users who want a free way to run specific, older Windows applications without virtualization.
- Key Features:
- Free: All are open-source and free to use.
- No Windows License: Does not require a Windows license key.
- Note: These tools are often less stable and require troubleshooting compared to Crossover.
7. Remote Desktop / Windows 365 (Subscription/Free)
Remote desktop solutions connect your Mac to a Windows PC or server located elsewhere.
- Best For: Businesses or individuals who need highly secure, occasional access to a dedicated Windows environment.
- Key Features:
- Microsoft Remote Desktop: A free app to connect to any other Windows PC (e.g., your work computer).
- Windows 365: A paid, cloud-based service from Microsoft that streams a full Windows 11 desktop to your Mac.
- Price: Varies (Microsoft Remote Desktop is free, but the remote PC/server usually costs money).
C. Dual-Boot Solution
Dual-booting means installing Windows directly onto a separate partition of your Mac’s hard drive. It offers the best performance because Windows runs natively on the hardware.
8. Boot Camp (Free, Intel Macs Only)
Boot Camp is a utility included with macOS on Intel Macs that allows for a native Windows installation.
- Best For: Intel Mac users who require maximum performance (especially for gaming or intense applications) and don’t need to run Windows and macOS at the same time.
- Key Features:
- Native Performance: Windows uses 100% of your Mac’s hardware resources.
- Free Utility: Included with macOS (you still need a Windows license).
- Note: You must reboot your Mac to switch between macOS and Windows. This is not an option for Apple Silicon Macs.
D. Other Advanced/Legacy Methods
9. QEMU (Free, Open-Source Emulator)
QEMU is the underlying engine that powers many other open-source emulators, including UTM.
- Best For: Expert users and developers who need full control over CPU emulation or wish to run very old or niche operating systems.
- Note: QEMU itself is complex and command-line driven, which is why most users prefer the UTM interface.
10. WineSkin Server / Porting Toolkits (Free, Developer Focus)
The tools often used in gaming to “port” Windows games to Mac.
- Best For: Advanced users or developers testing software compatibility between Windows and macOS.
- Note: Not a consumer-friendly option for general use.
FAQs
Does Mac have a Windows emulator?
Yes, Mac supports several virtualization tools (like Parallels and VMware Fusion) and compatibility layers (like Crossover) that allow you to run Windows applications or the entire Windows operating system. On older Intel Macs, the built-in Boot Camp utility allows a native dual-boot.
Can you emulate Windows 11 on a Mac?
Yes. On Apple Silicon (M-series) Macs, you can virtualize the officially authorized Windows 11 on ARM version using software like Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion. You will still need a valid Windows 11 license.
What is the most legal way to run Windows on an Apple Silicon Mac?
The most legal and Microsoft-authorized way is to use Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion to run the Windows 11 on ARM edition, along with a legally purchased Windows 11 license key.
Is it necessary to install antivirus software on Windows running in a VM on a Mac?
Yes. Operating Windows in a virtual machine exposes the Windows environment to the same risks as a physical Windows PC. You should install antivirus software on the Windows guest operating system to protect that environment.
Conclusion
The best method for you depends entirely on your Mac’s chip:
- Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3): Parallels Desktop (for performance and ease) or VMware Fusion (for a free personal-use option) are the top choices.
- Intel Mac: Boot Camp provides the best performance, while Parallels or Fusion offer the convenience of running both OS simultaneously.
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2 Comments
The biggest negative with Parallels is that when it -or Windows running within Parallels- doesn’t work and that does happen, there is no tech support in real time . There is no phone option – not one that I can find anyway- so the customer must send a complaint via Twitter , Facebook Messenger or some other asinine method and then wait and wait and wait for a response! Had I known about this I NEVER would have paid a DIME for it! Please research this and edit your article as necessary. How good can a program truly be if the customer support is really lacking? Think about it.
Let’s put it this way. If there is a phone option for tech support its well hidden- I can’t find it.