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Welcome, tech enthusiasts! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of installing Windows 11 on your Mac using UTM. This powerful virtual machine software allows you to run Windows 11 seamlessly on your Mac. Let’s get started!
System Requirements
So, before we proceed make sure you have a M series MacBook to Install Windows 11 on Mac Using UTM. If you have an Intel MAC, you can follow this guide:
How to Install Windows 11 on MAC with Parallels Desktop: 2 Easy Steps
How to Install Windows 11 on MAC with Boot Camp: Easy Guide
Limitations of UTM
Running Windows on Apple Silicon Macs with UTM: Key Limitations
- Performance: Emulating x86 architecture on ARM introduces overhead, resulting in slower performance, especially for graphics-intensive applications.
- Compatibility: Not all Windows applications are optimized for ARM. Limited driver support can impact peripherals and hardware functionality.
- Usability: Setting up UTM for Windows involves multiple steps and significant system resources, which can be complex and demanding.
- Security: Virtual machines can introduce new vulnerabilities and may not integrate well with macOS’s built-in security features.
- Licensing: Ensure compliance with Windows licensing and be aware of Apple’s EULA restrictions on virtualization.
- Maintenance: Regular updates and backups are essential but add complexity compared to running software natively.
In summary, while UTM allows Windows to run on Apple Silicon Macs, consider these limitations before proceeding.
Install Windows 11 on Mac Using UTM
Step 1: Download and Install UTM
- Open your browser and search for “UTM for Mac.”
- Click on the official UTM website and download the app.
- Install the UTM app on your Mac. (If you’ve already installed it, you can skip this step.)
Step 2: Launch UTM and Create a Virtual Machine
- Open Launchpad and start the UTM application.
- Click on Create a New Virtual Machine.
- Scroll down to find the Virtualize option and click on it.
- Select Windows and then click on Fetch latest Windows installer.
Step 3: Install CrystalFetch
- You’ll be redirected to your browser to install CrystalFetch from the App Store.
- Once installed, return to the UTM app.
- Click on Fetch latest Windows installer again.
- A popup from CrystalFetch will appear. Select Windows 11 and ARM architecture, then click on the download button. (If you’ve already downloaded the file, you can skip this step.)
Step 4: Set Up the Virtual Machine
- Under Boot ISO file, click Browse and select the ISO file you downloaded.
- Ensure the Install drivers and Spice tools option is checked and click Continue.
- Keep the hardware and storage settings as defaults and click Continue.
- Under Shared Directory, click Browse and create a new folder for sharing files between macOS and Windows.
- Click Continue and review the summary of your virtual machine.
- Rename the VM (e.g., “Windows 11 by techrechard”) and click Save.
Step 5: Start the Virtual Machine
- Click the play button to run your VM.
- Wait for the UTM logo screen to display the message: Press any key to boot from CD or DVD.
- Press Enter to boot from the Windows 11 ISO file.
Step 6: Install Windows 11
- Follow the basic installation steps: select your language, and keyboard settings, and click Next.
- If prompted that your computer is not connected to the internet, press Fn + Shift + F10 to open the Windows Terminal.
- Type
oobe\bypassnro
and press Enter. This will restart your VM and bypass the need for an internet connection. - If not prompted, simply click I don’t have a product key to continue.
- Select the Windows 11 version, accept the terms and conditions, and choose the disk for installation.
- The installation process will begin. This may take some time and may involve several restarts. When prompted to Press any key to continue to boot from CD or DVD, do not press anything.
NOTE: If you are stuck at any point in time, you can scroll down to the bottom of this blog post and find the complete video tutorial.
Step 7: Complete the Setup
- Once you reach the Microsoft login screen, you’re in the final stages.
- Select your country and region, keyboard layout, and click Yes.
- Skip additional setups, and wait while Windows checks for updates.
- Fill in your details, set a password, and answer security questions.
Step 8: Install Spice Tools
- Open File Manager in Windows and go to your primary hard drive.
- Locate and install the utm-guest-tools file.
- These tools enhance VM performance with optimized drivers, clipboard sharing, and better manageability.
- After installation, your VM will restart, and the display resolution should adjust automatically. If not, you can manually change the resolution in Settings > Display.
Step 9: Navigate Between macOS and Windows
- To switch between macOS and Windows, swipe with three fingers on your trackpad (left for macOS, right for Windows).
Step 10: File Sharing
- Use the Windows 11 Shared folder created during setup to transfer files between macOS and Windows.
- On macOS, copy files to this folder.
- On Windows, access these files via the Network Drive in File Manager.
Step 11: Install Applications and Activating Windows 11
- Install Chrome, Microsoft Office, or other applications as needed. Note that UTM may not support high-graphics games requiring GPU emulation.
- If you want to activate Windows 11, here is a guide you can follow: How to Activate Windows 11 for Free: 3 Methods
Step 12: Final Steps
- To shut down Windows 11, click Start and select Shut Down.
- In the UTM app, click on your Windows 11 VM, scroll down, and set the CD/DVD option to empty to avoid booting into setup again.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed Windows 11 on your Mac using UTM. Enjoy the flexibility of running both macOS and Windows on your machine. If you found this guide helpful, share it with others and explore more tech tutorials on our blog.
Here is a complete video tutorial: