How to Install Windows 10 on M1 MacBook

How to Install Windows 10 on M1 MacBook – M1 MacBooks are known for their impressive performance and power efficiency. However, if you’re a Windows user or need to use Windows 10 for work purposes, you might be wondering how to install it on your M1 MacBook.

While it’s not possible to install Windows 10 natively on M1 MacBook, there are ways to run it using virtualization software.

In this guide, we’ll explore the steps to install Windows 10 on M1 MacBook using different virtualization software.

How to Install Windows 10 on M1 MacBook Using Parallels Desktop

Parallels Desktop is one of the most popular virtualization software that allows you to run Windows 10 on your M1 MacBook.

Here are the steps to install Windows 10 on M1 MacBook using Parallels Desktop:

Step 1: Purchase and Download Parallels Desktop

The first step is to purchase and download Parallels Desktop from their official website. You can choose from various subscription plans depending on your needs.

Step 2: Download Windows 10 ISO File

After purchasing Parallels Desktop, the next step is to download the Windows 10 ISO file from Microsoft’s website. Make sure to choose the version of Windows 10 that is compatible with your computer’s architecture.

Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine in Parallels Desktop

Once you have downloaded the Windows 10 ISO file, launch Parallels Desktop and create a new virtual machine by clicking on the “+” button on the bottom right corner. Follow the on-screen instructions and choose the Windows 10 ISO file as the installation media.

Step 4: Configure the Virtual Machine

After creating the virtual machine, you need to configure it by allocating the necessary resources such as RAM and CPU cores. You can also choose the virtual machine’s storage location and network settings.

Step 5: Install Windows 10 on the Virtual Machine

Once you have configured the virtual machine, the next step is to install Windows 10 on it. Follow the on-screen instructions and choose the Windows 10 version that you have downloaded. You will also need to enter the Windows product key during the installation process.

How to Install Windows 10 on M1 MacBook Using VMware Fusion

VMware Fusion is another popular virtualization software that allows you to run Windows 10 on M1 MacBook. Here are the steps to install Windows 10 on M1 MacBook using VMware Fusion:

Step 1: Purchase and Download VMware Fusion

The first step is to purchase and download VMware Fusion from their official website. You can choose from various subscription plans depending on your needs.

Step 2: Download Windows 10 ISO File

After purchasing VMware Fusion, the next step is to download the Windows 10 ISO file from Microsoft’s website. Make sure to choose the version of Windows 10 that is compatible with your computer’s architecture.

Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine in VMware Fusion

Once you have downloaded the Windows 10 ISO file, launch VMware Fusion and create a new virtual machine by clicking on the “+” button on the bottom left corner. Follow the on-screen instructions and choose the Windows 10 ISO file as the installation media.

Step 4: Configure the Virtual Machine

Step 5: Install Windows 10 on the Virtual Machine

How to Install Windows 10 on M1 MacBook Using VirtualBox

VirtualBox is a free and open-source virtualization software that allows you to run Windows 10 on M1 MacBook. Here are the steps to install Windows 10 on M1 MacBook using VirtualBox:

Step 1: Download VirtualBox

The first step is to download VirtualBox from their official website. VirtualBox is available for free and supports M1 architecture.

Step 2: Download Windows 10 ISO File

After downloading VirtualBox, the next step is to download the Windows 10 ISO file from Microsoft’s website. Make sure to choose the version of Windows 10 that is compatible with your computer’s architecture.

Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine in VirtualBox

Once you have downloaded the Windows 10 ISO file, launch VirtualBox and create a new virtual machine by clicking on the “New” button. Follow the on-screen instructions and choose the Windows 10 ISO file as the installation media.

Step 4: Configure the Virtual Machine

Step 5: Install Windows 10 on the Virtual Machine

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I install Windows 10 natively on M1 MacBook?

No, it is not possible to install Windows 10 natively on M1 MacBook as of now.

Q2. What are the minimum system requirements to install Windows 10 on M1 MacBook using virtualization software?

The minimum system requirements to install Windows 10 on M1 MacBook using virtualization software are:

At least 8 GB of RAM
At least 128 GB of available storage space
Intel-based or M1-based Mac with Boot Camp support

Q3. Do I need to purchase a Windows 10 license to install it on my M1 MacBook using virtualization software?

Yes, you will need to purchase a Windows 10 license to install it on your M1 MacBook using virtualization software.

Q4. Can I switch between macOS and Windows 10 on my M1 MacBook using virtualization software?

Yes, you can switch between macOS and Windows 10 on your M1 MacBook using virtualization software. You can run Windows 10 as a separate application in a macOS window or run it full-screen.

Conclusion

Although it’s not possible to install Windows 10 natively on M1 MacBook, virtualization software such as Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion, and VirtualBox offer a viable solution to run Windows 10 seamlessly on M1 MacBook.

By following the steps mentioned in this guide, you can install Windows 10 on your M1 MacBook using any of these virtualization software.

Make sure to check the system requirements and purchase a valid Windows 10 license before proceeding with the installation. Virtualization software allows you to switch between macOS and Windows 10 seamlessly, giving you the best of both worlds.