With Apple’s transition from Intel to its proprietary M1 and M2 chips, support for Windows via Boot Camp has been discontinued. However, users seeking to run Windows on their Macs have alternative methods at their disposal. We’ll explore a couple of these options below.
Installing Windows on Apple Silicon (M1/M2 Chips)
Microsoft’s Windows operating system traditionally runs on x86_64 architecture; hence, Mac users with M1 or M2 chips require a version of Windows built for ARM64 processors. Here’s how you can get Windows running on your Apple Silicon Mac.
1. Obtain Windows for ARM64
Firstly, source the ARM64 version of Windows from Microsoft. As of now, the ARM64 variant is accessible as a preview release on the Windows Insider Program. You can download it here.
2. Use Virtualization Software
To run the ARM64 version of Windows on your M1 or M2 Mac, you will need to follow specific steps using virtualization software. There’s an excellent step-by-step guide that walks you through the process of setting up Windows 11 Client ARM64 Insider Preview using VMware Fusion.
Creating a Bootable Windows USB Drive
Alternatively, you may opt to create a bootable USB drive for installing Windows on another device.
Meet MeowUSB
One utility that simplifies this task is MeowUSB. This third-party tool allows you to craft a Windows installation USB for Windows 7, 10, and 11.
One of the key advantages of MeowUSB is its compatibility with both Intel and Apple’s M1/M2 chipset-based Macs. Thus, no matter your hardware configuration, you can use it to prepare a Windows USB installer drive with ease.
Remember to consider the legal and technical limitations that come with using preview and insider versions of an operating system.
