Booting Windows on a Mac: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you looking to run Windows 11 on your Mac? This process can help speed up installation and ensure that all features are unlocked. If you own a licensed copy of Windows 11, you will also have the option to enter your license key.

To start, download the latest version of Parallels Desktop 17 from their official website. Once downloaded, follow these steps:

Step 1: Launch Parallels and follow any final setup instructions to ensure it's fully installed.

Step 2: Download the Windows 11 ISO file by going to the section for Windows 11 disk image, selecting the only option in the Select download menu, and choosing Download to begin. Microsoft has a useful guide on this page that can help you through the process.

Step 3: Launch Parallels and select the Plus button in the upper-right corner of the window.

Step 4: Select Install Windows or another OS from a DVD or image.

Step 5: When prompted, choose to Find automatically to search for your Windows 11 ISO folder. As long as you have the Windows 11 ISO downloaded on your local storage, this should be an easy process.

Step 6: The Installation Assistant will now open and guide you through the process of setting up your Windows 11 VM (virtual machine).

By using Parallels Desktop 17, you can create a VM that's managed away from your local hardware, allowing you to circumvent limitations such as those caused by Apple chip compatibility. This platform is optimized for both Windows 11 and MacOS, including the latest Mac models with M1/M2 chips.

Keep in mind that while we're showing the steps using Windows 11, this process should work with Windows 10 if you have the right files. Additionally, Parallels offers a trial version, subscription version, and discounted student version, so be sure to explore your options before making a purchase.

The standard version of Parallels Desktop 17 costs $79.99 for a one-time purchase with limited support. However, the catch is that you'll have to pay for it.

By following these steps, you can successfully boot Windows 11 on your Mac using Parallels Desktop 17.

Booting windows on mac