How to install Windows 11 on Mac M1/M2 Processors for Free (UTM)

Summary

In this video tutorial, Daniel from Tips to Fix demonstrates how to install Windows 11 on an iMac with an M1 processor. Since Bootcamp doesn't support M1 and M2 processors, he introduces UTM, a free virtual machine software. Daniel walks through the steps to download Windows 11 ARM64 from the Microsoft Insider program, create a virtual machine, and install Windows 11, including necessary drivers. This method provides a functional Windows environment on an Apple Silicon Mac, though it remains in beta. The tutorial aims to help users achieve this setup without cost.

Takeaways

• 💻 The video tutorial is about installing Windows 11 on an iMac with an M1 processor.
• 🔍 Bootcamp does not support M1 and M2 processors for installing Windows.
• 👍 Alternative methods are available to install Windows 11 on M1 processors using a virtual machine.
• 🆓 The tutorial provides a free method to install Windows 11 using UTM instead of Parallels Desktop.
• 🌐 UTM can be downloaded for free from the official website, while the App Store version costs $10.
• 📥 Windows 11 for ARM processors must be downloaded from the Windows Insider Program.
• 🔧 After downloading the ISO file, create a new virtual machine in UTM and configure it.
• 💾 Install necessary drivers using Spice Guest Tools for optimal Windows experience.
• 🆕 The tutorial covers steps to set up the virtual machine and configure settings for Windows 11 installation.
• 📢 The method is not perfect as Windows 11 on ARM processors is still in beta, and Bootcamp support is not yet available.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video tutorial?

The main topic of the video tutorial is how to install Windows 11 on an iMac with an M1 processor using UTM, a virtual machine software.

Why can't Bootcamp be used to install Windows on M1 or M2 processors?

Bootcamp is not supported on M1 or M2 processors because it only works on Intel-based Macs.

What are the alternatives to Bootcamp for installing Windows on M1 processors?

The alternatives to Bootcamp for installing Windows on M1 processors include using virtual machine software such as Parallels Desktop for Mac and UTM.

Why does the video tutorial recommend using UTM instead of Parallels Desktop?

The video tutorial recommends using UTM instead of Parallels Desktop because UTM is free to use, whereas Parallels Desktop requires a paid subscription after a trial period.

What is the first step to take when installing Windows 11 on an M1 processor using UTM?

The first step is to download the UTM software from its official website and install it on the Mac.

How can you obtain the Windows 11 ARM64 ISO file for installation?

You can obtain the Windows 11 ARM64 ISO file by joining the Windows Insider Program and downloading the ISO from the Microsoft website. Alternatively, the tutorial mentions that the ISO file may be made available on the creator's website.

What are the key steps to create a new virtual machine in UTM?

Key steps include opening UTM, creating a new virtual machine, selecting Windows as the operating system, importing the Windows 11 ARM64 ISO file, and configuring the virtual machine settings such as CPU cores and shared directories.

What should be done if you encounter network problems during the Windows 11 setup in the virtual machine?

If network problems occur during the setup, you should use the command 'oobeypassnro' in the Command Prompt to bypass the network requirements.

Why is it important to install the Spice Guest Tools in the virtual machine?

It is important to install the Spice Guest Tools because they include necessary drivers for the virtual machine, which improve performance and compatibility.

What limitations should be expected when using Windows 11 on an M1 processor through a virtual machine?

Users should not expect full performance and stability, as Windows 11 ARM64 is still in beta and not officially supported by Apple on M1 processors.