How to Install a Windows 11/Mac Dual Boot System on Mac [All Processor]

Want to use the latest Windows on your macbook? Since Windows 11 has been released for a long period, a lot of user like it's UI design and some other useful functions, like Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), new virtual board and so on. But for some Mac users, how can we install a Windows 11 and Mac dual system? This article will share some guide to help you use or install Windows 11 on your Mac, let's check it out!

In Apple's later releases of the Mac product line, initially powered by Intel processors as the CPU component, a significant shift occurred in 2020 with the introduction of Apple's proprietary ARM architecture chip, the M1, in the MacBook series. Subsequent products have also adopted the M1, M2, and M3 chips. Consequently, different methods are required to install the Windows 11 operating system on MacBooks with different processors.

• Section A: Using Vitualization Machine for Apple Silicon
• Section B: Using Boot Camp Assistant for Intel Silicon

Using Vitualization Machine for Apple Silicon Mac

Using UTM

UTM is a free and open-source virtualization tool for macOS.

Prerequisites

Download UTM: You can click here to download UTM.[UTM's official website](https://mac.getutm.app/)

Windows 11 ISO: Download the Windows 11 ISO for Arm 64 from the Microsoft website. You can click here to download it.

Backup Data: Ensure your important data is backed up.

Step 1. Install UTM

Open the downloaded UTM .dmg file and drag UTM to your Applications folder.

Step 2. Launch UTM

Open UTM from the Applications folder.

Step 3. Create a New Virtual Machine

Click on the "+" button to create a new VM.

Select "Virtualize" as the option for the virtual machine type.

Step 4. Configure VM Settings

Name: Give your VM a name.

System: Select "Windows" as the operating system and choose the appropriate architecture.(import thr arm_64 Windows 11 ISO file as boot image)

Hardware: Allocate the desired amount of CPU and RAM to the VM. Ensure you meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11 (4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage).

Step 5. Add Installation Media

In the "Drives" section, add the Windows 11 ISO as a boot drive.

Step 6. Network Settings

Configure network settings if needed (usually, the default settings are sufficient)

Step 7. Start the VM

Click "Save" and then "Play" to start the VM.

Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 11.

You may need to bypass the TPM 2.0 and other check during the install progress, you can click here to get some information about this.

By following these steps, you can successfully install and run Windows 11 on your Mac using UTM.

Using Boot Camp Assistant for Intel Silicon Mac

Installing Windows 11 on a Mac via Boot Camp is a straightforward process, though it involves several steps. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you through the installation:

Prerequisites

Compatible Mac: Ensure your Mac supports Windows 11. You can check Apple's support page for Boot Camp requirements.

Backup Your Data: Use Time Machine or iCloud backup method to back up your important data.

Windows 11 ISO: Download the Windows 11 ISO file from the Microsoft website.(x86_64)

USB Drive: You may need a USB drive with at least 16 GB of space if your Mac requires it for the installation.

Step 1. Prepare Your Mac

Update macOS: Go to System Preferences > Software Update and ensure your macOS is up to date.

Free Up Space: Ensure you have enough free space on your hard drive. At least 64 GB of free space is recommended for the Windows partition.

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive

Insert the USB Drive:

Insert a USB drive into your Mac.

Use Boot Camp Assistant:

Open Boot Camp Assistant from Applications > Utilities.

Follow the on-screen instructions to create a bootable USB drive using the Windows 11 ISO file (this step is only necessary for some Macs; newer models may not require a USB drive).

Step 3: Partition Your Hard Drive

Open Boot Camp Assistant:

Open Boot Camp Assistant again if you closed it.

Partition the Disk:

Select the size of the Windows partition. The minimum recommended size is 64 GB, but more space is better if you plan to install many applications.

Boot Camp Assistant will create a partition for Windows and download the necessary drivers.

Step 4: Install Windows 11

Begin Installation:

Click the "Install" button in Boot Camp Assistant. Your Mac will restart and begin the Windows installation process.

You may need to bypass the TPM 2.0 and other check during the install progress, you can click here to get some information about this.

Follow Windows Setup:

Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 11. Select the Boot Camp partition when prompted to choose the installation location.

If prompted, format the Boot Camp partition to NTFS (do not delete or create new partitions).

Step 5: Install Boot Camp Drivers

Complete Windows Setup:

Once Windows installation is complete, your Mac will boot into Windows.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the Windows setup.

Install Boot Camp Drivers:

After Windows setup is complete, the Boot Camp installer should automatically launch.

If it doesn’t, open the Boot Camp installer manually from the USB drive or the Boot Camp partition.

Follow the prompts to install the Boot Camp drivers. This will ensure that your Mac hardware works correctly with Windows 11.

Step 6: Switching Between macOS and Windows

Booting into macOS:

Restart your Mac and hold down the Option (Alt) key immediately after hearing the startup sound.

Use the arrow keys to select the macOS partition and press Enter.

Booting into Windows:

Restart your Mac and hold down the Option (Alt) key immediately after hearing the startup sound.

Use the arrow keys to select the Windows partition and press Enter.

By following these steps, you can successfully set up a dual-boot system with Windows 11 and macOS on your Mac. Boot Camp Assistant simplifies the process, making it accessible even for users who are not highly technical. That's all!