How to correctly install Windows on my Mac

You switched to the Mac world and you're delighted… until work requires you to use Windows-exclusive software. Don't worry: at iRepairs we explain how to install Windows on your Mac step by step, both with Boot Camp and through virtualization programs. This way you can use your Windows applications and games without giving up macOS.

Can you install Windows on a Mac in 2025?

Yes, although it depends on the model of your Mac and the chip it uses:

• Mac with Intel processor: you can use Boot Camp for a native Windows installation.
• Mac with Apple Silicon chip (M1, M2, M3): Boot Camp is no longer available, but you can run Windows ARM with programs like Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion or UTM.

In both cases, you will have access to Windows and you can choose whether you prefer to run it within macOS or boot directly into that operating system.

What is Boot Camp and how does it work

Boot Camp is an official Apple utility for installing Windows on a disk partition. By doing so, your Mac can boot into Windows or macOS depending on what you choose when turning it on. This method offers maximum performance, ideal for games or heavy professional software, since Windows runs natively.

During installation, Boot Camp also downloads the drivers needed for the Mac's hardware to work correctly (keyboard, trackpad, Wi-Fi, sound, etc.).

How to install Windows on your Mac with Boot Camp (Intel only)

For this method you need a copy of Windows 10 or 11 (ISO image) and at least 64 GB free on the disk. Here are the updated steps:

1. Make a backup of your data with Time Machine or iCloud.
2. Open Boot Camp Assistant from "Applications > Utilities".
3. Select the Windows ISO file and define the size of the partition (recommended: minimum 80 GB).
4. Boot Camp will create the partition and start the Windows installation automatically.
5. When the Windows installer requests it, select the "BOOTCAMP" partition and click "Format".
6. Complete the installation following the on-screen instructions.
7. When it boots into Windows, the Apple drivers installer will run to optimize performance.

Once installed, you can switch between macOS and Windows by restarting the Mac and holding down the Option (⌥) key when turning it on.

Install Windows on Mac without Boot Camp (Parallels, VMware, UTM)

If your Mac has an Apple Silicon chip or you prefer not to restart every time you switch systems, you can use virtualization. These apps create a virtual machine to run Windows within macOS, as if it were just another application.

The most recommended options in 2025 are:

• Parallels Desktop – the most stable and simple. Compatible with macOS Sonoma and Windows 11 ARM.
• VMware Fusion – free for personal use, also supports Windows ARM.
• UTM – free alternative based on QEMU, more technical but functional.

Steps to install Windows with Parallels or VMware Fusion

1. Download and install Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion from their official sites.
2. Open the program and select "Create a new virtual machine".
3. Select "Install Windows from ISO image" or download the ARM version from Microsoft (in the case of Apple Silicon).
4. Configure the amount of RAM and CPU cores you want to assign (recommended: 8 GB and 4 cores if your Mac has 16 GB or more).
5. Follow the installer steps until you complete the installation.
6. Windows will open within macOS, ready to use.

You will be able to copy and paste between both systems, drag files or open Windows apps in integrated mode without leaving macOS. That said, keep in mind that performance is lower than with Boot Camp, although more than enough for office, development or design tasks.

Performance and compatibility tips

• Free space: leave at least 20% free on your internal disk to avoid slowness or failures.
• Windows versions: Windows 11 Pro 23H2 or later is recommended for its stability on Mac.
• Peripherals: use Apple or manufacturer drivers to ensure compatibility with printers or USB devices.
• Updates: both macOS and Windows must be kept updated to avoid boot errors or driver conflicts.

Which option to choose?

Boot Camp is ideal if your Mac is Intel and you need full performance in games or CAD software.

Parallels / VMware are perfect if you work with multitasking and prefer to alternate Windows and macOS without restarting.

At iRepairs we help you

If you need to install Windows correctly on your Mac or solve compatibility errors, at iRepairs we have technicians specialized in Apple hardware and software. We can set up your Mac with both systems and optimized for your workflow.

Combining macOS and Windows has never been so easy. With the right configuration, you can enjoy the best of both worlds without complications.