Step 2: Download the Windows 11 ISO file. You can test out a trial version first if you want to make sure everything works. There is also a subscription version if you only plan on using it for a limited amount of time, and thee's also a discounted student version. The standard version – which is all you really need – costs $79.99 for a one-time purchase with limited support. The catch is that you’ll have to pay for it. Step 1: Download the latest version of Parallels, Parallels Desktop 17. While we'll be showing the steps with Windows 11 in mind, this process should work with Windows 10 too if you have the right files.

That lets you set up a VM that's managed away from your local hardware so it can circumvent a variety of limitations – in this case, problems with Apple chip compatibility. Parallels is a virtualization platform that's optimized with an eye on both Windows 11 and MacOS, including the latest Mac models with M1/M2 chips. Use Parallels Desktop 17 to run Windows 11

But there is still an effective workaround if you're willing to invest a little in a VM (virtual machine) setup.

When Apple updated its Macs with its own in-house M1 chips, that prevented Boot Camp from working as it did on old Intel chips, removing the way you could download Windows on older Macs.

How to use windows programs on mac