Bootcamp has been the go-to solution for MacBook users who want to run Windows OS on their laptops for quite some time now. However, there is now a new compatibility issue. Apple has replaced Intel chips in Macs with its own M-series silicon processors. And with this change, Apple no longer allows installation of Windows like before. Now, you have to rely on paid virtualization software like Parallels, Crossover, or VMware Fusion, which are undoubtedly quite expensive. However, no worries, because in this guide, we will explain to you how to install Windows on Mac M1 and M2 for free without Parallels.

How to Install Windows 11 on Mac M1 without Parallels

Windows is highly known for its functionality and user-friendliness whereas MacOS is a stupendous powerhouse. Since the introduction of the M1 and M2 processors on MacBooks, the only way to install Windows OS on them was to install virtual machine software. Although this software allows users to run both OS simultaneously on the same physical machine, the only drawback is the cost and complexity of the process. Additionally, Parallels has only been updated to run on Macs with M1 or M2 processors.

We are here with some easy methods that can help you run Windows on your Mac PC.

Method 1: Use VHDX Image

Well, if you think Parallels is expensive, why don’t we look for an alternative? You can choose a quick emulator named UTM.

Prerequisites: Before you start taking steps, make sure you have the following:

• Mac M1, M2, or M1 Pro/Max/Ultra.
• At least 100 GB free storage space.
• Reliable internet connection.

Step 1: Download and Install UTM

You can download the UTM app for free directly from the UTM website or purchase it from the App Store. For $9.99. Well, the only difference is that the store version provides you with regular updates. You may have to manually download updates for the free version.

When you download a file from the UTM website, you get a disk image. Open the disk image and drag the UTM app to the Applications folder. Since the disk image is downloaded in a compressed version, transferring it to the Applications folder may take up about 1 GB of space.

Step 2: Download Windows 11 ARM Insider Edition

As you may already know, Microsoft develops Windows only for computers with Intel processors. Now to run the OS on an M1 processor, you need to install a version of Windows based on ARM processors.

However, Microsoft only offers this version as part of the Windows Insider Program that you register to receive one. Once registration is complete, you can download the free version of Windows Insider Preview for ARM 64-bit.

Comment: While downloading the ARM version make sure you select the dev channel and not the beta channel.

The downloaded Windows image will be in VHDX format which is compatible with the latest version of UTM.

Step 3: Create a new virtual machine

Now that we have both the UTM application and the Windows Image file, let’s begin the installation process. Follow the steps given below:

1. Launch utm app and click Create a new virtual machine or use , icon in the toolbar.

2. Select make virtual Since you have an ARM version of Windows.

3. Choose windows From the menu as your operating system.

4. Check the following:

• Install Windows 10 or higher
• Import VHDX Image
• Install drivers and SPICE tools

5. Click on browse To select the Windows 11 ARM disk image you downloaded.

6. Click Finally continue,

Also read: 26 Best LaTeX Editors for Windows and Mac Devices

Step 4: Configure Virtual Machine Settings

This step involves allocating memory and storage to the new virtual machine as well as creating a shared directory that can be used by both MacOS and Windows to transfer files.

1. Configure Memory And cpu core, You can either start with the default values ​​and adjust later if necessary or just set the RAM right here.

Make sure to select minimum 8GB space for smooth functionality.

2. Choose the amount of disk space for the virtual machine, for which the default 64 GB is usually sufficient.

3. Click on browse To select or create a folder and set up a shared directory. Doing this enables you to transfer files between macOS and Windows. Once set click continue,

4. in Summary window, set a Name For your virtual machine, review the settings and click save,

Also read: How much memory does Windows 10 use?

Step 5: Launch Windows 11 on your Mac

Once saved, the basic Windows installation process will begin, which can be quite easy if you’ve already installed Windows. However, if you get stuck at some point then follow the steps given below.

1. Click game button In the center to launch the virtual machine.

You will see the Windows Setup screen.

2. If you encounter network access issues during the process, restart the VM and press Shift+F10 When the country selection screen appears.

3. once windows command prompt opens, type oobe\bypassnro In the terminal press and enter, Doing so temporarily stops network setup.

4. When the VM restarts, let’s you connect to the Internet screen, select I don’t have internet,

5. Click on Accept Wait a few minutes for the Microsoft License Agreement and for Windows to be ready.

Step 6: Complete Windows Setup

Once the installation process is complete you can set up a user account with your desired username and password. Make sure you provide secure answers to the security questions. Continue the setup process, and after a few steps, you will be able to see the Windows desktop.

Step 7: Install Spice Guest Tools

As you previously disabled network access, it is important to download software that enables it again, including other additional features. Spice Tools are already downloaded in your Windows directory and all you need to do is access and install them.

1. Go to file Explorer In Windows (yellow file folder).

2. Find and launch the CD drive masala-guest-tool-xxx.exewhere xxx is the version number.

3. Follow the installation instructions provided by the Windows Installer.

Once installed, the virtual machine will reboot, after which you will be able to adjust the resolution and change the desired settings.

how to use utm

After you successfully install Windows without Parallels on your Mac M1, here’s how you can use it. Exiting and using the cursor are two of the most important actions for a user so you can use the instructions below to do so.

• jailbreak keys: Press to exit the virtual machine control + option,
• capture mouse cursor button: UTM includes a button to capture your cursor. When pressed, your cursor in the host OS will move to the corresponding position in the virtual machine, greatly improving usability.

Also read: How to Install macOS on PC Without Mac

Method 2: Convert VHDX Image to qcow2

If VHDX is causing a UTM error when installing the image one option is to use the qcow2 image. One such option is QEMU and UTM (GUI version of QEMU). You may ask why we need both of these when we have UTM itself. Well, the reason is that the Windows we will install here will not be available as a simple ISO image but as a VHDX image, to make it compatible with UTM and overcome the error encountered earlier. Need to convert to qcow2 format.

Step 1: Install QEMU using Homebrew

As we discussed in the beginning, we will need to convert the Windows image file format. So we will install QEMU for that. But for this you will need Homebrew. For those who don’t know, it’s a package manager for MacOS that can install software on your Mac that Apple can’t. If you don’t have Homebrew, you’ll have to write three commands to get one.

Install Homebrew (avoid if already installed)

If you don’t already have Homebrew, you can install it by executing these commands in the terminal:

1. Open finder app on your Mac.

2. Click on Application folder, then utilitieschoose more terminal,

Enter this command.

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL 

This will install Homebrew, now, enter two more additional commands to set the Homebrew path and avoid any errors in future.

echo ‘eval $(/opt/homebrew/bin/brewshellenv)’ >> ~/.zprofile

eval $(/opt/homebrew/bin/brewshellenv)

4. Once Homebrew is installed, you can proceed to install QEMU with this command in the terminal: install brew qemu

Now that we are ready with our installation tools let’s download the Windows image.

Step 2: Convert VHDX Image to qcow2

In this step, we will again use the terminal to run some commands to convert the image file.

open terminal Write the following command as we did earlier and with necessary changes.

qemu-img convert -p -O qcow2 /Users/<file name>/Virtual\ Machines/Windows11_InsiderPreview_Client_ARM64_en-us_22598.VHDX /users/<file name>/Virtual\ Machines/Windows11_22598.qcow2

Here:

• origin path: the user/ <फ़ाइल नाम>/Virtual\Machines/Windows11_InsiderPreview_Client_ARM64_en-us_22598.VHDX
• new location path: the user/ <फ़ाइल नाम>/Virtual\Machines/Windows11_22598.qcow2

note 1: in command <फ़ाइल नाम> Replace both the paths with your own path.

note 2: The paths provided are specific to the example image (22598), so be sure to adjust them to match the version of Windows you downloaded.

Once you have converted the file all further steps remain the same as Method 1. The only change is in step 3 where we will uncheck: Import VHDX Image,

This is it! We hope our guide helped you Install Windows on M1 Mac for Free without Parallels, Although it may be a bit difficult for non-technical users, considering the zero cost, it is worth it. If you have any questions or suggestions, let us know in the comment box below. Stay connected to TechCult for more such tech-related blogs.