Quick Answer: Free or Paid?
- Best free option: VMware Fusion runs a full Windows desktop alongside macOS without charging for the virtual-machine software. Start here if keeping costs down is your priority.
- Best for convenience: Parallels Desktop offers easier setup and closer integration between Windows and Mac apps. Consider it if Windows is part of your regular work.
Windows licensing is separate with either option. If you mainly want to play games, check our guide to Windows gaming on a Mac before choosing.
Best Ways To Run Windows on Mac Compared
| Method | Best for | Software cost |
|---|---|---|
| VMware Fusion | A full Windows desktop without paying for the VM | Free |
| Parallels Desktop | Convenient everyday use of Windows and Mac apps together | Paid; free trial available |
| UTM | Open-source virtualization, testing and older operating systems | Free download |
| CrossOver | Compatible Windows apps and games without installing Windows | Paid licence; free trial available |
| Boot Camp | Existing or specialist Windows setups on Intel Macs | Free utility; Windows licence separate |
| Wine | Technical users configuring individual Windows apps | Free |
| Remote desktop software | Access to an existing Windows PC or a hosted Windows desktop | Free and paid options; a PC or cloud service is also required |
Virtual machines give you Windows itself. CrossOver and Wine run compatible Windows applications without a Windows installation. Remote desktop software connects you to Windows running on another computer.
Best Free Way To Run Windows on a Mac
VMware Fusion is our first recommendation if you want a full Windows desktop without paying for virtual-machine software. It is free for personal, educational and commercial use.
Fusion runs Windows alongside macOS, so you can switch between them without restarting your Mac. It is worth trying for Windows productivity software, occasional work applications or a separate Windows environment.
On an Apple Silicon Mac, Fusion uses Windows 11 on ARM. On a supported Intel Mac, it can run the Intel version of Windows. Check that your Fusion release supports your Mac and macOS version before installing it.
File integration also deserves particular attention. Broadcom’s feature comparison lists Shared Folders for Windows on Intel Macs, but not for Windows ARM guests on Apple Silicon in the releases it covers. Drag-and-drop, cloud storage or a network share can provide alternatives. Our Mac and Windows file-sharing guide explains the differences.
You can watch us installing a Windows application using VMware Fusion below.
For the installation process and our experience using it, see our full VMware Fusion review.
Do You Still Need a Windows Licence?
Yes. Free VM software does not include a Windows licence. You need an appropriate licence for your Windows installation, whether you use Fusion, Parallels or UTM.
Microsoft’s Windows-on-Mac guidance explains the separate Windows 11 Pro licensing requirement. Being able to install Windows without entering a product key does not itself provide a free Windows licence.
Are There Other Free Ways to Run Windows on a Mac?
Yes, but they come with more limitations:
- UTM – Free and works on Apple Silicon Macs, but slower and harder to set up
- VirtualBox – Free but less optimized for macOS and not ideal on Apple Silicon
- Wine – Free compatibility layer, but complex to configure and limited compatibility
These options can work in specific situations, but for most users, VMware Fusion is by far the easiest and most reliable free solution.
VMware Fusion vs Parallels: Is Paying Worth It?
Both VMware Fusion and Parallels Desktop create a virtual Windows PC that runs alongside macOS without restarting your Mac. The choice comes down to cost, convenience and the software you need.
| What matters to you | VMware Fusion | Parallels Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of the VM software | Free for personal, educational and commercial use | Paid, with a free trial |
| Working in Windows | A full Windows desktop in a window or full screen | A full Windows desktop, or Coherence mode to display Windows apps beside Mac apps |
| Main reason to choose it | Running your Windows software without paying for a VM | Making Windows easier to use as part of your everyday Mac workflow |
Start with VMware Fusion if your Windows application works well in it and you are comfortable using a separate Windows desktop. It can be sufficient for regular use too; occasional use simply makes the savings easier to justify.
Consider Parallels if you frequently switch between Windows and Mac applications. Its Coherence mode hides the Windows desktop, allowing Windows applications to sit alongside your Mac apps. That convenience can justify paying when Windows is part of your daily work.
On Apple Silicon Macs, both run Windows 11 on ARM. App, driver and anti-cheat restrictions still apply, so test your essential software before committing. Paying for Parallels does not remove those underlying limitations. Parallels supports DirectX graphics up to 11.1; it does not provide DirectX 12 support.
Intel Mac owners should check version compatibility: Parallels Desktop 27 requires Apple Silicon, while Intel Macs need a compatible earlier version.
Read our Parallels Desktop review or full Parallels vs VMware Fusion comparison for more detail. You can also try Parallels Desktop with your own Windows software before buying.
For more alternatives, see our guide to the best virtual machines for Mac.
How To Run Windows on a Mac (Step-by-Step)
Once you have chosen a virtual machine, use its installation assistant to set up Windows. The exact screens differ between products, but the process follows these stages:
- Check your Mac and application requirements. Open Apple menu > About This Mac to identify whether you have an Apple Silicon or Intel Mac. Check the VM’s requirements and compatibility with your essential Windows software.
- Install your chosen VM software. Use Parallels Desktop or follow the download instructions in our VMware Fusion guide.
- Create a Windows virtual machine. Parallels offers a guided Windows 11 installation, while supported Fusion releases on Apple Silicon include a Get Windows option. If you supply an installation image yourself, choose Windows ARM for an Apple Silicon VM or the appropriate Intel image for an Intel Mac.
- Complete Windows setup. Follow the installer and activate Windows with an appropriate licence.
- Install the integration tools and updates. Install Parallels Tools or VMware Tools as appropriate, apply Windows updates and restart Windows when prompted.
- Test the application you need. Check that it launches, opens your files and works with any required accessories before relying on the setup for important work.
The video below shows you how to install Windows with Parallels.
You can try a free trial of Parallels to test it for yourself.
Download and installation time will depend on your internet connection and Mac. Our Windows 11 on Mac guide covers the options in more detail.
Once Windows is installed, you can install compatible Windows applications from inside the VM. See our guide to opening EXE files on a Mac if you are starting with a Windows installer.
Other Ways To Run Windows Apps or Access Windows on a Mac
UTM (Free, Flexible Virtual Machine for Mac)
UTM is an open-source option for users who want more control over their virtual machines. It is useful for testing operating systems, experimenting with Windows and running older software.
On Apple Silicon, UTM can virtualize an ARM operating system or emulate an Intel-based computer. These are different tasks: emulating an Intel Windows installation generally involves a much greater performance penalty than virtualizing Windows ARM.
UTM 5 introduces experimental accelerated Windows graphics, including DirectX 11 and, where available, DirectX 12 through D3DMetal. However, game compatibility is limited and the driver can cause instability. Check the UTM graphics documentation for the requirements of your build.
UTM is a useful alternative when flexibility and an open-source setup matter most. For a straightforward Windows desktop, we would still start with Fusion or Parallels.
Read our UTM review and setup guide. VirtualBox is another free VM option, but check its current Mac and Windows guest support before choosing it.
CrossOver: Run Compatible Windows Apps and Games Without Windows
CrossOver is worth trying when you need specific Windows applications or games rather than a complete Windows desktop.
Certainly for gaming, we voted it the best way to play Windows games on a Mac.
It uses Wine-based compatibility technology to translate Windows application calls into a form macOS can handle. You do not install Windows, although the applications and games themselves may still require licences.
Supported games can benefit from graphics translation technologies such as D3DMetal, which supports compatible DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 titles. Results vary between games, launchers and Mac configurations, so check the CrossOver compatibility database and test the trial.
Our video below shows us installing and playing Where Winds Meet on a Mac using CrossOver Preview.
CrossOver+ includes 12 months of updates and support. Under CodeWeavers’ licensing policy, you can continue using the versions covered by your purchase after that period; renewing is optional if you want further updates and support. A lifetime option is also available.
See the current CrossOver offers and free trial, or read our full CrossOver review.
For another approach to supported Windows Steam games, see our Pixel Port review. Check its current availability, pricing and supported games before choosing it.
Boot Camp: A Legacy Option For Intel Macs
Boot Camp installs Windows on a separate partition of an Intel Mac. You choose macOS or Windows when starting the computer, rather than running both at once.
Windows gets direct access to the hardware, which can benefit compatible games and demanding software. However, performance and game support still depend on the Mac’s graphics hardware, Windows drivers and the game’s requirements.
Boot Camp is unavailable on Apple Silicon Macs. Apple’s official installation route covers Windows 10 on supported Intel Macs. Standard Windows 10 support ended on 14 October 2025, so continued security updates require an appropriate Extended Security Updates arrangement where available.
Windows 11 installation through Boot Camp involves unofficial workarounds. It should not be treated as equivalent to an officially supported Windows 11 PC.
See our guides to Windows 10 with Boot Camp and Windows 11 with Boot Camp for the requirements and limitations.
Wine: For Users Comfortable Troubleshooting
Wine is the open-source compatibility technology behind CrossOver and other tools. It can run some Windows applications without installing Windows, but setting it up directly requires more technical involvement.
Compatibility depends on the particular Wine build, Windows application and macOS version. There is no guarantee that a program will work simply because it runs on Windows.
Mac-focused tools can make configuration easier. These include Sikarugir, formerly Kegworks, and PlayOnMac.
Choose this route if you are comfortable configuring individual applications and troubleshooting problems. CrossOver provides a more guided commercial alternative
Remote Desktop: Use Windows Running on Another Computer
If you already have access to a Windows PC, remote desktop software can be the simplest way to use its applications from your Mac.
Windows runs on the other computer, with its screen streamed to your Mac. An Apple Silicon Mac can therefore access Intel Windows software without running it locally in Windows ARM.
Options include:
- Windows App, Microsoft’s client for supported remote PCs and Windows cloud services.
- Chrome Remote Desktop, a free option for accessing a computer you already have.
- RemotePC and Zoho Assist, which offer additional remote-access and support features.
Installing a remote desktop client does not provide a Windows computer or Windows licence. You need an existing PC, an employer-provided environment or a separately paid cloud service.
Responsiveness depends on the connection and host computer. This can work well for business software, but general remote-access tools are not a substitute for a dedicated cloud gaming service.
See our guide to the best remote desktop software for Mac and also free remote desktop software guide for more free choices.
FAQ
Will My Windows Applications Work on an Apple Silicon Mac?
Many x86 and x64 Windows applications can run inside Windows 11 on ARM using Microsoft’s application emulation. However, drivers and some low-level components need ARM-compatible versions.
Check specialist software, USB accessories and anti-cheat games individually. Our Windows on ARM compatibility guide explains what to check before installing.
Will Running Windows Slow Down My Mac?
A local VM shares your Mac’s memory, processor and storage with macOS. The effect depends on the resources available and the applications running in both operating systems.
Allocate enough resources for Windows without leaving macOS short, and close or shut down the VM when you no longer need it. Emulating an Intel computer in UTM is more demanding than virtualizing Windows ARM on Apple Silicon.
Can I Play Windows Games on a Mac?
Some games work through CrossOver, a VM or another compatibility tool; others need a Windows PC or a suitable cloud gaming service.
Check the exact game and its anti-cheat requirements. Parallels does not support DirectX 12, while UTM’s newer Windows graphics support remains experimental. See our Windows gaming guide for the available routes.
How Can I Transfer Files Between macOS and Windows?
Parallels can share selected Mac folders with Windows. Fusion’s capabilities vary between Intel and Apple Silicon Macs, while UTM’s Windows sharing depends on its backend and guest tools.
Drag-and-drop, cloud storage or a local network share may also work. Our Mac and Windows VM file-sharing guide covers setup and troubleshooting.
Are There Risks When Installing Windows on a Mac?
A VM separates Windows from macOS, but does not eliminate every risk. Windows malware can affect files accessible through shared folders or connected drives. Compatibility layers and remote-access tools also depend on how file access is configured.
Keep Windows and your software updated, install trusted applications and limit sharing to the folders you need. Back up your Mac with Time Machine before changing partitions or making other substantial changes.