How to Run Windows 10 on M1 MacBook

Last Updated: 4 April 2023

22 4 minutes read

How to Run Windows 10 on M1 MacBook – Apple’s M1 chip has created a buzz in the tech world with its remarkable performance and power efficiency.

However, one of the biggest drawbacks of M1 MacBook is its inability to run Windows 10 natively. As Windows 10 is still the most popular operating system globally, many users find it inconvenient not to have the option to run it on their M1 MacBook.

Thankfully, there are ways to run Windows 10 on M1 MacBook, and in this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore those methods step by step.

From using virtual machines to installing Windows 10 on an external hard drive, we’ll cover all the available options to help you run Windows 10 on your M1 MacBook seamlessly.

How to Run Windows 10 on M1 MacBook Using Virtual Machines

Virtual machines allow you to create a virtual environment on your M1 MacBook to run Windows 10 without compromising your macOS experience. Here’s how you can run Windows 10 on your M1 MacBook using virtual machines:

Step 1: Download a Virtual Machine Software

The first step is to download a virtual machine software that supports M1 architecture. One such software is Parallels Desktop, which is designed specifically for M1 Macs. Other virtual machine software like VMware Fusion and VirtualBox also support M1 Macs.

Step 2: Install Windows 10 on the Virtual Machine

Once you have installed the virtual machine software, the next step is to install Windows 10 on the virtual machine. You can download the Windows 10 ISO file from Microsoft’s website and use it to install the operating system on the virtual machine.

Step 3: Configure the Virtual Machine

After installing Windows 10 on the virtual machine, you need to configure the virtual machine settings to ensure optimal performance. You can allocate the necessary resources such as RAM and CPU cores to the virtual machine to run Windows 10 smoothly.

Step 4: Install Windows 10 Drivers

Finally, you need to install Windows 10 drivers on the virtual machine to ensure that all hardware components are working correctly. You can download the necessary drivers from your M1 MacBook manufacturer’s website and install them on the virtual machine.

How to Run Windows 10 on M1 MacBook Using Boot Camp

Boot Camp is an official utility provided by Apple that allows you to install Windows 10 on your M1 MacBook natively. Here’s how you can run Windows 10 on your M1 MacBook using Boot Camp:

Step 1: Check Your M1 MacBook Compatibility

The first step is to ensure that your M1 MacBook is compatible with Boot Camp. You can check the compatibility on Apple’s official website.

Step 2: Download the Windows 10 ISO File

Once you have confirmed your M1 MacBook’s compatibility, the next step is to download the Windows 10 ISO file from Microsoft’s website.

Step 3: Create a Bootable USB Drive

After downloading the Windows 10 ISO file, you need to create a bootable USB drive using the Boot Camp Assistant utility. Boot Camp Assistant will guide you through the process of creating a bootable USB drive.

Step 4: Install Windows 10

Once you have created a bootable USB drive, the next step is to install Windows 10 on your M1 MacBook using Boot Camp. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Running Windows 10 on M1 MacBook Using External Hard Drive

If you don’t want to use virtual machines or install Windows 10 natively on your M1 MacBook, you can opt for an external hard drive to run Windows 10. Here’s how you can run Windows 10 on your M1 MacBook using an external hard drive:

Step 1: Purchase an External Hard Drive

The first step is to purchase an external hard drive that has sufficient storage space to install Windows 10. You can also use an existing external hard drive if it meets the minimum requirements.

Step 2: Create a Bootable Windows 10 USB Drive

After purchasing an external hard drive, the next step is to create a bootable Windows 10 USB drive. You can download the Windows 10 ISO file from Microsoft’s website and use Boot Camp Assistant or a third-party utility to create a bootable USB drive.

Step 3: Install Windows 10 on the External Hard Drive

Once you have created a bootable USB drive, the next step is to install Windows 10 on the external hard drive. Insert the external hard drive and boot your M1 MacBook from the bootable USB drive. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10 on the external hard drive.

Step 4: Configure the Boot Settings

After installing Windows 10 on the external hard drive, you need to configure the boot settings to ensure that your M1 MacBook boots from the external hard drive when you want to run Windows 10. You can do this by holding down the Option key while booting your M1 MacBook and selecting the external hard drive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is it possible to run Windows 10 natively on M1 MacBook?

No, it is not possible to run Windows 10 natively on M1 MacBook as of now. However, you can use virtual machines, Boot Camp, or an external hard drive to run Windows 10 on M1 MacBook.

Q2. Which virtual machine software supports M1 architecture?

Parallels Desktop is a virtual machine software that supports M1 architecture. VMware Fusion and VirtualBox also support M1 Macs.

Q3. Can I use an existing external hard drive to install Windows 10?

Yes, you can use an existing external hard drive to install Windows 10 if it meets the minimum requirements.

Q4. Will running Windows 10 on M1 MacBook affect the performance of macOS?

Running Windows 10 on M1 MacBook using virtual machines or external hard drives will not affect the performance of macOS. However, installing Windows 10 natively using Boot Camp may affect the performance of macOS as it requires partitioning the hard drive.

Read Also: Can Apple Watch Work with Android?

Conclusion

Running Windows 10 on M1 MacBook may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and guidance, it can be done seamlessly. In this comprehensive guide, we have explored three methods to run Windows 10 on M1 MacBook: using virtual machines, Boot Camp, and external hard drives.

Whether you choose to use virtual machines, Boot Camp, or an external hard drive, make sure to follow the steps carefully to ensure optimal performance.

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Last Updated: 4 April 2023

22 4 minutes read