Can You Run Windows on an M1 MacBook?

The introduction of the M1 chip by Apple has brought about a significant change in the world of computing, especially for those who are accustomed to using Windows. The new chip is revolutionary and has opened up new possibilities for Macs, but it also poses some challenges when it comes to running Windows.

Currently, the M1 chip does not support Windows natively, which means that users cannot install Windows directly on their M1-based Macs. This is due to differences in architecture between the M1 chip and previously used x86 architecture. However, there are some workarounds available that can help users run Windows on their M1 MacBooks.

One option is to use Parallels, a virtual machine (VM) software that allows users to run Windows on their Macs. Parallels has announced support for the M1 chip and claims that it will provide up to 250% better performance than previous versions of its software.

Another alternative is Crossover by CodeWeavers, which translates Windows commands into Mac commands, allowing users to run Windows applications without having to reboot. This option is similar to Rosetta, a translation system built into Apple's M1 chip that allows new Macs to run Mac applications designed for Intel Macs.

However, it's important to note that Crossover is not a VM and does not provide the same level of compatibility as Parallels. Additionally, users cannot install Windows 10 or 11 ARM builds on their M1 MacBooks natively, as these are not compatible with the chip.

For those who rely heavily on Windows in their daily routine, it may be wise to hold off on purchasing an M1-based MacBook until a more solid solution for running Windows is available. Apple and Microsoft have announced plans to develop solutions for running Windows on M1 Macs, but there is no timeline for when these solutions will be released.

In the meantime, users can consider alternative operating systems such as Asahi Linux, which is the only non-MacOS operating system that can be installed on an M1 Mac. However, this option may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who are heavily invested in the Windows ecosystem.

Overall, while it is possible to run Windows on an M1 MacBook, users should be aware of the limitations and challenges involved. With Parallels and Crossover offering workarounds, users can still access their favorite Windows applications even if they don't have native support for the M1 chip.

Macbook m1 run windows