How to install Windows 11 on a MacBook step by step: all the options

Install Windows 11 on a MacBook it is totally possible And today there are several ways to achieve this with guarantees: virtualization with Parallels or UTM and, on Intel computers, native installation using Boot Camp. The choice depends on your processor. Mac (Intel or Apple Silicon) and your needs of performance, compatibility and budget.

In this guide I explain, step by step and in detail, all the alternatives: from Parallels' automatic wizard, to manual setup with ISO, through the specific UTM path on M1/M2/M3 chips and native installation with Boot Camp on Intel Macs. You will also see requirements, Tricks useful (including TPM on Intel), real limits and advantages so that you make the best decision without losing There.

What you should be clear about before starting

Lighter and more customized alternatives to Windows 11

• Identify which Mac you have: if it is a model with Intel You can use Boot Camp for native installation; if it is Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3) There is no official dual boot and you will have to opt for virtualization (Parallels or UTM). This difference completely marks the path to follow..
• Prepare disk space: Windows 11 requires at least 64 GB, although reserve 128 GB It is more practical if you are going to install applications and games. On Intel, Boot Camp can free up space deleting old Time Machine snapshots and cached iCloud files, which can sometimes take a long time.
• Get the right image of Windows 11: on Intel, standard 64-bit ISO; on Apple Silicon, Windows 11 ARM. You can download it from Microsoft, and in M1/M2/M3 there are ways such as the CrystalFetch app or the Insider program in the case of VHDX.
• Think about what you will use it for: For maximum native performance on Intel, Boot Camp; for comfort and simultaneous use for macOS and Windows, Parallels; for an option free on Apple Silicon, UTM with QEMU. Each method has its advantages and limitations..

Methods to have Windows 11 on a MacBook

There are three main and consolidated routes: Parallels Desktop (simple and highly integrated virtualization), Boot Camp (Intel only, native execution), and UTM (QEMU-based virtualization/emulation, ideal for Apple Silicon at no cost). Let's go through the steps one by one.

Option 1: Parallels Desktop (Intel and Apple Silicon)

Parallels Desktop is the fastest and most user-friendly option to have Windows 11 running inside macOS without rebooting. Works on both Intel and Apple Silicon, offers a free trial and, since Parallels 18, download and install Windows 11 automatically in just a few clicks.

Automatic installation of Windows 11 with Parallels

If you use Parallels Desktop 18 or later, you can create your virtual machine almost unattended. The “Get Windows 11 from Microsoft” wizard handles the download and installation, and you'll just have to accept the EULA at the end.

1. Open Parallels Desktop and go to Control center > + > Get Windows 11 from Microsoft > Continue > Install Windows. Parallels takes care of the rest.
2. When I finish, the message will appear Installation completed and Microsoft's EULA. Click I Accept to complete the process.

Key benefits: The wizard does it all, you don't need to search for ISO or configure too much. Additionally, Parallels automatically adds a virtual TPM chip. since version 17.1.0, which meets the requirements of Windows 11.

Manual installation with ISO (and other versions)

If you prefer to use your own ISO (e.g. Windows 11 ARM on Apple Silicon), the process is also straightforward and gives you more control over the VM. The flow is guided and very clear.

1. Download the Windows 11 ISO appropriate for your computer from the official Microsoft website. On M1/M2/M3, use the ARM edition.
2. In Parallels, press + in the Control Center and choose Install Windows or another operating system from a DVD or image > Continue. Select the ISO if it is not detected alone.
3. Follow the Installation Wizard and defines resources: CPU, RAM and storage. You can leave the default or assign more if your Mac allows it..
4. Finish the installation and, when Windows Boot, install Parallels Tools to fine integration with macOS (shared folders, dynamic resolution, etc.).

Useful notes: Parallels also allows you to install other versions of Windows (10/8.1/7) following the same scheme with its ISO. Make sure you comply with the guest system's licenses and EULA that you are going to use.

Cost and coexistence: Parallels offers a free trial; standard annual licenses are around €99. The great advantage is that macOS and Windows coexist at the same time., perfect for productivity, development or apps specific without having to restart.

Option 2: Boot Camp (Intel Macs only)

If your MacBook has an Intel processor’s most emblematic landmarks, the Boot Camp Assistant allows you to install Windows 11 natively, with dual boot between macOS and Windows. This is how you squeeze the hardware at maximum performance, ideal for heavy-duty tasks.

Previous requirements

You will need to an Intel Mac (approx. 2012–2020), a Windows 11 64-bit ISO, and at least 64 GB of free space (Apple recommends 128 GB). In some older models, a memory may be required USB 16 GB or more to create the installer.

Steps with Boot Camp Assistant

Boot Camp prepares the disk, creates the BOOTCAMP partition, and downloads the drivers. necessary for all hardware to work well in Windows. The wizard guides you through the entire process.

1. On macOS, open Boot Camp Assistant from /Applications/Utilities and press Continue. The system will calculate the available space; if necessary, it will delete old Time Machine snapshots and cached iCloud files to free up space (you can Stop that process if you wish).
2. Select the Windows 11 ISO and decide the partition size by dragging the separator between macOS and Windows. On computers with a single disk it is very direct.
3. If you have multiple internal drives, follow the instructions to choose and forma tear the disk where Windows will go and select the ISO corresponding. Depending on the case: on the boot disk, you can create additional partition; on APFS disks, create partition or erase disk; on non-APFS disks, you can delete and create the partition for Windows. If there is already a Boot Camp installation on that disk, the wizard offers you to uninstall it.
4. When finished, the Mac restarts. and start the Windows installer to complete the installation process.

TPM 2.0 Requirement: Intel Macs do not come with TPM 2.0. It is possible to complete the installation with a registry tweak. during Windows 11 setup to bypass the TPM check, a known “trick” that should be applied with care.

Booting between systems: When turning on, press and hold the key Option (old) to choose macOS or Windows. From macOS you can also define the default boot disk in System Settings.

Pros and cons: Native execution offers higher performance that virtualization, but You won't be able to have macOS and Windows at the same time. and the space allocated to BOOTCAMP becomes unavailable to macOS until you reclaim it.

Option 3: UTM on Apple Silicon (M1, M2, and M3)

UTM is a free alternative based on QEMU which allows you to virtualize Windows 11 ARM on Macs with Apple Silicon. It requires a little more configuration than Parallels, but it works very well for general use.

How to get Windows 11 ARM

You have two main paths to get the right image on M1/M2/M3. Both are valid and choose the one that is most comfortable for you.

• Via CrystalFetch (from the Mac App Store): select Windows 11, Architecture: Apple Silicon, Language: International Spanish y Edition: Windows 11, and press Download. You will get an ARM ISO ready to use in UTM.
• Via Windows Insider: download the image in format VHDX y converts to QCOW2 with QEMU (installable by Homebrew). This method is somewhat more technical, but common in test environments.

Create and configure the virtual machine in UTM

With the ISO ARM in hand, the UTM wizard will guide you to set up the VM. Remember: on Apple Silicon it is better to “Virtualize” than to “Emulate” (emulating x86/x64 works but is much slower).

1. Open UTM and click on Create a new virtual machine. Choose Virtualize.
2. Choose Windows as a system and brand Install Windows 10 or higher. Search for the ARM ISO downloaded.
3. Active the box Install SPICE drivers and tools to improve graphics, mouse/keyboard control, and sharing features.
4. Define RAM and CPU cores. The default values are usually sufficient, although with more than 8GB of RAM in your Mac, Assigning extra to the VM improves fluidity.
5. Set the storage (by default, 64 GB). You can upload it If you plan to install heavy software, the virtual disk grows according to use.
6. Optional: add a Shared directory to exchange files between macOS and Windows. It is very practical In day to day.
7. Name the VM, review the summary and press Save.

Install Windows 11 on UTM

The VM will boot as a new computer without a system. Start the installer from the ISO and complete the usual steps. The procedure is identical to that of a PC conventional.

1. Boot the VM and press a key when prompted to boot from the ISO. Capture the keyboard by clicking inside the window.
2. Choose language, date/time and keyboardIf you don't have a license yet, click I don't have a product key to follow.
3. Select the edition of Windows 11 (for example, Pro) and agree to the terms.
4. Create the partition in the unallocated space and let Windows copy files and reboot.
5. On restart, do not press any keys to avoid booting from the ISO again.

Initial setup: After the first boot, the wizard will ask you for region, keyboard, username, password, and security questions. In this installation mode, typical steps can be omitted. such as your Microsoft account or some privacy settings; you can add the account later from Settings.

Install SPICE/Guest Tools and optimize

For a more integrated and fluid Windows, install the guest tools. If you checked the box when creating, You will see a CD with the installer inside This computer; if not, use the disk icon in the UTM bar and choose Install Guest Tools on Windows.

Complete the wizard, restart the VM and take advantage of improvements such as dynamic resolution when you resize the window, clipboard shared and a more polished experience overall.

UTM Performance and Limits

UTM offers very remarkable performance in general tasks even on entry-level computers like a MacBook Air with M2 and 8GB. The experience is stable and the thermal consumption is reduced in office uses, browsing and many apps.

• Graphics/UI: Details such as rounded corners on windows may be missing, probably due to drivers. It's not critical, but it's good to know..
• Trackpad gestures: some native macOS gestures (pinch, etc.) they do not move inside the VM.
• Games: Although you will be able to run simple titles, It is not the ideal route for gamingIf you want to play seriously, you'll want a PC or Boot Camp on Intel.
• windows license: the system works without activating, but customization options are limitedYou can activate later if it suits you.

Alternatives and licensing considerations

In addition to Parallels and UTM, you have other options like vmware fusion for virtualization, or compatibility layers such as Wine and the commercial solution CrossOver. Wine/CrossOver does not virtualize the entire system, but rather attempt to run Windows-specific apps with varying results.

If you choose CrossOver, you will enjoy a more guided “catalog” type experience, in exchange for paying a license fee. Wine is free and open source, but it requires patience and trial and error. For maximum compatibility with Windows 11, full virtualization (Parallels/UTM) is usually preferable.

In any case, remember that the installation of guest systems entails comply with the EULA and licenses from Microsoft and any other software. In Parallels, the manufacturer himself recalls that the client is responsible for legal compliance.

Practical tips, typical problems and help

• Optimize space before installing: If you're using Boot Camp, let the wizard free up space (old Time Machine snapshots, iCloud caches). This step may take a while.; this is normal and prevents partitioning errors.
• If your Mac has multiple internal drives, Boot Camp will prompt you to choose and format the correct destination. It depends on whether it is APFS or not.: In APFS, you can create an additional partition or erase the disk; in non-APFS, you usually have to erase to create the partition. The wizard offers you to uninstall Boot Camp if it detects previous remains.
• TPM compatibility on Intel: If the Windows 11 installer complains about TPM 2.0, apply the registry setting to skip the hardware check when prompted. Do this carefully and only during setup..
• Parallels vs UTM on Apple Silicon: Parallels is more convenient and is officially supported by Microsoft, with very polished integration, but it is paid. UTM is free and surprisingly capable for office and light development, at the cost of extra tweaks and minor UI details.
• About third-party pages: When researching, it is normal to come across Intrusive privacy notices on sites like Reddit; they do not provide technical steps, but are part of the results overview. Stick with technical sources and structured guides To not waste time.

Related article:

How to see how much RAM you have in Windows 11 and what type it is

With all of the above, you now have a complete roadmap: Parallels for ease and simultaneous dual environments, Boot Camp on Intel for native power, and UTM as the free alternative on Apple Silicon. Choose the method that best suits your Mac and your usage, preparing the appropriate ISO, disk space, and, if applicable, guest tools for a well-rounded experience.

Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.