If you’re tired of using macOS, you can replace it with Windows, Linux, or even an older version of macOS using virtual machine software.
You may have many reasons for wanting to install Windows on your Mac. Maybe you want to play PC games or run Windows-specific programs that macOS doesn’t support. Or maybe you’ve just switched from a Windows PC and are having trouble adjusting to macOS.
That’s where virtual machine software comes in, because it lets you easily run Windows on your Mac and play all your favorite games, while leaving macOS untouched.
What is a virtual machine?
A virtual machine is an operating system that runs inside a computer. As its name suggests, it is a “virtual” computer with all the capabilities of a real computer.
Using a virtual machine, you can easily install Windows on your Mac without buying two PCs to use two different operating systems. Virtualization is one of three ways to run Windows on your Mac.
There are many reasons why you should start using a virtual machine. For starters, it’s great for developers and gamers because they can run Windows-specific games and apps instead of spending thousands of dollars buying another PC. Developers in particular love virtual machines because it helps them test their programs on multiple operating systems.
Since the virtual machine you’re running on your Mac is a completely separate program, anything you do on it doesn’t affect the host operating system. For example, if you catch a virus on the virtual machine, it won’t affect your Mac.
You can run multiple virtual machines on your Mac, but as you can probably guess, this will cause slow and choppy performance, which is why it’s not recommended.
Virtual Machine Software to Run Windows on a Mac
The most famous virtual machine program for running Windows on a Mac is Parallels Desktop. Although a bit pricey, Parallels Desktop runs on all Intel and Apple silicon-based Macs. You don’t need to be a tech savvy to use Parallels Desktop, as it has a pretty user-friendly interface.
With Parallels Desktop, you can use Windows and macOS side-by-side without having to constantly restart your Mac to switch between operating systems. It has the ability to run resource-intensive programs such as AutoCAD, Visual Studio, and MetaTrader, although how smoothly it runs depends on your Mac’s specs.
You can choose from one of three subscription models depending on how powerful you want your virtual machine to be.
The standard edition costs $100 per year and allows you to allocate 8 GB of RAM and 4 processors to virtual operating systems, while the Pro edition, priced at $119 per year, will allow you to allocate 128 GB of RAM and 32 processors. And finally, the Business edition designed for IT departments to run Windows on multiple Macs will cost you $149 per year.
But if you find Parallels expensive, you have other options like CrossOver and QEMU that you can use to run Windows on a silicon-powered Intel or Apple Mac. However, QEMU requires installation via Terminal using Homebrew.
But before you try virtualization software, you need to know the pros and cons to have realistic expectations.
The Benefits of Using a Virtual Machine to Run Windows
Installing Windows on your Mac using a virtual machine has many benefits that you won’t get if you use other methods. So here are some reasons why you should use Parallels Desktop:
1. Run Windows and macOS Simultaneously
With Parallels Desktop, you can easily run Windows and macOS at the same time. The virtual machine runs separately, but you can resize it to see both macOS and Windows on your screen.
You can also switch to full-screen mode with macOS running in the background. It basically works like any other program on your Mac, so you can dim the entire Windows screen when you only want to use macOS.
2. Share files between multiple operating systems
With Parallels Desktop, transferring files and other data between multiple operating systems is extremely easy and efficient. You can copy files from one operating system and paste them into another with just a few clicks. You can also drag them between different operating systems. And the copy/paste is not limited to files but also to texts and everything you can copy to the clipboard.
Parallel’s file sharing feature enables interoperability between different operating systems installed on your Mac. This means that you don’t need to install a program on both Mac and Parallels VM because the latter can access the programs already installed on your Mac.
3. No need to create separate partitions
Parallels Desktop doesn’t require you to partition your hard drive to run a second operating system like Windows on your Mac. The virtual machine is simply a file stored on your Mac.
The Disadvantages of Using a Virtual Machine to Run Windows
While we all love the benefits that virtualization software offers, here are some things you should keep in mind before using a virtual machine to run Windows on your Mac:
1. Parallels Desktop performance may suffer
You’re running two operating systems on one computer, so it’s only natural for it to slow down, especially if you’re using an older Mac that doesn’t have enough memory.
Parallels recommends that you use at least 8 GB of RAM to get stable performance. You can allocate more memory to the virtual machine if you suspect it is unusable due to poor performance.
2. Parallels Desktop is expensive
As you can see from the prices mentioned above, Parallels Desktop is expensive and not everyone can afford it. Fortunately, you can use alternatives like CrossOver. QEMU or other virtual machine applications for Mac, such as VMware Fusion and VirtualBox, but they are not as good as Parallels Desktop.
Remember that if you have a Mac with an M1 or M2 chip, you have limited options for virtualization software, as popular programs like VirtualBox don’t support it.
3. Battery drains quickly while running Parallels
If you often use your unplugged MacBook, be aware that the battery drains quickly. This is because Parallels Desktop (and other VM software) is a CPU-intensive program, which is why it consumes excessive battery. So have your charger ready, just in case.
Run a virtual machine on your Mac
A virtual machine is a great way to run two operating systems on your Mac. It doesn’t take up much space, but sometimes you may experience choppy performance as it needs a large amount of RAM to run smoothly.
Parallels Desktop is the most popular virtual machine software that you can use to run Windows on your Mac. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s packed with features and gets the job done.