Sometimes you still need a Windows program on your Mac: accounting software, a game or software from work. There are three ways to run Windows on a Mac: Parallels Desktop (Windows in a window), CrossOver (only the program, without Windows) or Boot Camp (Windows alongside macOS). Which one works depends on your Mac. This article explains the differences.
Blue Apple repairs Macs in Amsterdam. We regularly get asked whether a MacBook "can handle Windows". The answer is usually yes, but not always in the way people expect.
First: which chip does your Mac have?
Choose About This Mac in the Apple menu. If it shows a chip such as M1, M2, M3, M4 or newer, you have a Mac with an Apple chip. If it says Intel, you have an older Mac. That makes a big difference:
- Apple chip: Boot Camp does not exist. You use Parallels (or a similar program) with the ARM version of Windows 11, or CrossOver.
- Intel: all three options are possible, including Boot Camp.
Option 1: Parallels Desktop (Windows in a window)
Parallels creates a virtual PC on your Mac. Windows then runs as a program in a window, next to your Mac apps. On Macs with an Apple chip the ARM version of Windows 11 runs; it can also run most ordinary Windows programs through a translation layer.
- Pros: no restarting, copy and paste between Mac and Windows works, and it is relatively easy.
- Cons: you pay for Parallels and usually for a Windows licence. Heavy games and software with its own drivers (for special devices, for example) do not always work.
There are also free alternatives, such as UTM and VMware Fusion, but they need a bit more setting up.
Option 2: CrossOver (only the program)
CrossOver runs a Windows program directly on your Mac, without installing Windows itself. It translates the Windows instructions into macOS. That is light and fast, but not every program works. Before buying, check the list of tested programs on CrossOver's site, and try the trial version.
Option 3: Boot Camp (Intel Macs only)
With Boot Camp Assistant (in the Utilities folder) you put Windows on its own part of the drive. At startup you then choose macOS or Windows. Windows runs at full speed that way, which is nice for games. Downsides: you have to restart every time you switch, it takes a lot of disk space, and Apple no longer develops Boot Camp.
What to keep in mind
- Storage. Windows with programs quickly takes tens of gigabytes. On a MacBook with little storage it gets tight.
- Memory. Parallels uses part of your memory. It works with 8 GB; with 16 GB or more it is more comfortable.
- Battery and heat. Running Windows alongside costs extra power; your MacBook gets warmer and the battery drains faster.
- Backup. A virtual PC is one big file. Include it in your backup, or a failed drive also takes your Windows installation with it.
What we do at Blue Apple in Amsterdam
If your MacBook has become very hot or slow since you started running Windows alongside, or the battery suddenly drains fast, we check whether the cooling, battery and storage can still cope. Also read MacBook runs hot or slow and our page about MacBook repair in Amsterdam.
Frequently asked questions
Does Boot Camp work on a MacBook with M1 or newer?
No. Boot Camp is for Intel Macs only. On a Mac with an Apple chip you use a virtualisation program.
Can I play Windows games on my Mac?
Sometimes. Light games often work through Parallels or CrossOver. Games with anti-cheat software usually do not.
Do I need a Windows licence?
For Parallels and Boot Camp, yes. For CrossOver, no, because you do not install Windows.
