You have three main ways to run Windows on a Mac, each with different trade-offs
The straightforward answer: you can use Boot Camp (Intel Macs only), virtualization software like Parallels Desktop or UTM, or cloud-based Windows through services like Microsoft 365 or Amazon AppStream. Which one makes sense depends on whether you need Windows to run full-time or just for specific programs, how much disk space you have, and whether you're willing to pay for software.
If you have an Apple Silicon Mac (M1, M2, M3, or newer), Boot Camp is not an option — you'll need virtualization or cloud access instead. If you have an Intel Mac, Boot Camp is free but requires restarting your computer to switch between macOS and Windows. Virtualization lets you run Windows in a window on macOS without restarting, but it's slower and costs money. Cloud-based Windows is the slowest option but requires almost no setup and no disk space.
Key Takeaways
- Boot Camp is free and fast on Intel Macs but requires restarting your computer and is not available on Apple Silicon Macs.
- Virtualization software like Parallels Desktop or UTM runs Windows in a window without restarting, but costs money (except UTM) and runs slower than Boot Camp.
- Cloud-based Windows through Microsoft 365 or similar services requires only an internet connection and browser, but is the slowest option and depends on your connection speed.
- Apple Silicon Macs cannot use Boot Camp and have limited virtualization options — Parallels Desktop is the most reliable paid choice, and UTM is free but less polished.
Boot Camp: Free and fast, but Intel Macs only
Boot Camp is built into macOS on Intel Macs and lets you install Windows directly on your hard drive, then choose which operating system to boot into when you start your computer. It's free, it's as fast as Windows on any other computer, and it gives Windows full access to your Mac's hardware. The catch: you have to restart your Mac every time you want to switch between macOS and Windows, and you're splitting your hard drive between the two systems.
To use Boot Camp, you need an Intel Mac with at least 55 GB of free disk space, a Windows installation file (Windows 10 or 11), and a USB drive with at least 16 GB of capacity. Open Boot Camp Assistant (in Applications > Utilities), follow the prompts to create a bootable Windows USB drive, then restart and install Windows. The whole process takes 30 minutes to an hour.
Boot Camp does not work on Apple Silicon Macs at all. If you have an M1, M2, M3, or newer Mac, skip this section entirely.
Virtualization: Run Windows in a window without restarting
Virtualization software creates a virtual computer inside macOS — Windows runs in a window on your desktop, and you can switch between macOS and Windows without restarting. Parallels Desktop is the most popular paid option and works on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. UTM is free and open-source, also works on both architectures, but has a steeper learning curve and fewer features. VMware Fusion is another paid option, though less common than Parallels.
The trade-off is speed: virtualized Windows is noticeably slower than Boot Camp because it's sharing your Mac's processor and memory with macOS. If you're just opening Word or checking email in Windows, you won't notice. If you're running video editing software or games, you will. Virtualization also uses more disk space — you'll need at least 60 GB free to create a Windows virtual machine, plus whatever space Windows itself needs.
Parallels Desktop costs around $100 for a one-time license or $80 per year for a subscription. UTM is free. To set up either one, you download the software, create a new virtual machine, point it to a Windows installation file, and let it install. The process is automated and takes 20 to 40 minutes. Both work on Apple Silicon Macs, though Parallels is more reliable and better supported.
Cloud-based Windows: No installation, no disk space needed
If you only need Windows occasionally and don't want to install anything, you can access Windows through the cloud. Microsoft 365 (the subscription version of Office) includes access to cloud-based Windows through Microsoft's Remote Desktop service. Amazon AppStream 2.0 lets you stream Windows applications directly. Citrix and VMware Horizon are enterprise options if your workplace uses them.
The advantage is simplicity: you open a web browser, log in, and Windows appears. You don't need disk space, you don't need to install anything, and it works on any Mac. The disadvantage is that everything runs over the internet, so your connection speed matters a lot. Lag is noticeable, file transfers are slow, and if your internet drops, you lose access. This option works best if you need Windows for light tasks like checking a work email account or filling out a form, not for anything that requires real-time responsiveness.
Microsoft 365 subscriptions start at $70 per year for personal use or $100 per year for business. AppStream pricing varies by usage. Both require an internet connection and a Microsoft account.
Comparing the three approaches side by side
| Method | Cost | Speed | Disk Space Needed | Restart Required? | Works on Apple Silicon? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boot Camp | Free | Fastest | 55+ GB | Yes | No |
| Parallels Desktop | $80–100/year | Medium | 60+ GB | No | Yes |
| UTM | Free | Medium | 60+ GB | No | Yes |
| Cloud-based (Microsoft 365) | $70–100/year | Slowest | None | No | Yes |
Which method should you choose?
If you have an Intel Mac and need Windows regularly for demanding tasks, Boot Camp is the best choice — it's free and fast. If you have an Apple Silicon Mac or want to avoid restarting, Parallels Desktop is the most reliable option, though it costs money. If you want to avoid paying anything and don't mind a less polished experience, UTM is free and works on both Intel and Apple Silicon.
If you only need Windows occasionally for light work, cloud-based Windows through Microsoft 365 saves you disk space and setup time, but expect noticeable lag. If you're not sure which you need, start with a free trial of Parallels Desktop (14 days) or use UTM to test the virtualization approach before committing to anything.
Getting a Windows installation file
Whichever method you choose, you'll need a Windows installation file. You can download Windows 10 or Windows 11 directly from Microsoft's website for free — the download is legal and unrestricted, though you'll need a product key to activate it after installation. A product key costs around $100 to $150 for a full Windows 11 license, or you can use Windows unactivated (with a watermark and some minor restrictions) for as long as you want.
If you already own a Windows license on another computer, you may be able to transfer it to your Mac, depending on the license type. Check Microsoft's website or contact their support to confirm. Some older licenses are not transferable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Boot Camp on an Apple Silicon Mac?
No. Boot Camp only works on Intel Macs. If you have an M1, M2, M3, or newer Mac, you must use virtualization software like Parallels Desktop or UTM, or access Windows through the cloud.
Will Windows run as fast on my Mac as it does on a Windows computer?
Only with Boot Camp. Virtualization is noticeably slower because Windows shares your Mac's processor and memory with macOS. Cloud-based Windows is the slowest because everything travels over the internet. For everyday tasks like email and web browsing, the difference is minor. For games or video editing, it's significant.
How much disk space do I actually need?
Windows itself takes about 25 to 30 GB. Add another 30 GB for programs and files you'll install. Boot Camp requires 55 GB free before you start. Virtualization requires 60 GB free to create the virtual machine, plus whatever the virtual machine itself will use. Cloud-based Windows uses almost no disk space on your Mac.
Can I run both macOS and Windows at the same time?
Only with virtualization or cloud-based Windows. Boot Camp requires you to restart and choose one or the other. With Parallels Desktop or UTM, Windows runs in a window on your Mac while macOS is still running in the background.
Do I need to buy Windows, or can I use it for free?
You can download Windows for free from Microsoft, but it will show a watermark and have minor restrictions until you activate it with a product key. A full Windows 11 license costs around $100 to $150. Some people use unactivated Windows indefinitely, though Microsoft discourages it.