Unfortunately not all applications are compatible with all operating systems. That is why on certain occasions you will be forced to have Windows installed on a Mac (although it sounds strange). In this article we show you the best applications to achieve it.
Advantages and disadvantages of virtualizing Windows on macOS
Despite the fact that macOS is a very complete operating system, there can be some serious limitations on certain occasions. There are some very specific programs that do not have a port to macOS and should only be used on Windows. This forces many users to install Windows on a Mac on a partition or simply virtualize it. In the case of choosing the second of these options, you should know that there are advantages and disadvantages.
The advantage is clear, you can have Windows running on top of macOS without having to resort to starting a different partition. That is why you can practically be using the two operating systems simultaneously thanks to an application that is installed like any other in macOS and will display the Windows desktop on a screen. The problem with this is that working in a window with Windows causes a lot of performance to be lost. It is not the same as having it installed on the hard disk directly in a partition where you can make use of all the hardware in an optimal way.
This is why virtualization is interesting to consult or execute a program in a timely manner, but in other situations it is not recommended.
The need to virtualize with M1
If you have a Mac with an ARM architecture processor, that is, integrated into an M1 chip, you should know that it will be impossible for you to install on a hard disk partition. This is because Windows 10 does not work on processors with this architecture, being only available for x86 architectures (for home use). That is why you will always be forced to make use of virtualization in macOS as there is no possible alternative. In this way, you will have several limitations at the performance level as we have mentioned before, not being really comfortable to work on it.
Virtualize Windows on macOS with these apps
In the event that you are ‘forced’ to make use of virtualization, you should know that it is done through a simple application that you install on your Mac. In this you will execute a DMG file so that its content is displayed in a call virtual machine. That is, you will have a kind of separate computer in these applications where you can run all Windows files, perform an initial configuration and start working on it. Right now in the market there are many options that can be used to perform this task that can be free or paid. Here are the most important ones.
Virtual box
Virtual Box is an open application that allows you to virutalize the Windows operating system or any other, created by Oracle. It should be borne in mind that this is an application that is designed for the most private and business environment, but that it can also be used in a totally domestic environment. This is a free application and therefore it can be a bit confusing when using it. You must have certain knowledge in computer science since the language that can become very technical although with patience it can be used without any problem.
Parallels Desktop 16
Parallels undoubtedly that you have heard it on more than one occasion, being the most used program to perform a virtualization of Windows or Linux on Mac. It is much easier to use and is updated very frequently, since it is not an open program and open source since it is under the protection of a company. That is why a price must be paid to use the program that is around 80 euros per year. That is why Parallels is recommended if you are in a company or need to virtualize the Windows operating system on a regular basis to study or work. It is not focused on the domestic environment or specific use, although it certainly has an interface that is much clearer to understand and use.
It offers virtualization with higher performance by simulating the hardware that can be found in a normal PC. In this way you can get much closer to having it installed on the partition.
VMWareFusion
As in the previous case, this is a professional software that also has a high price of around 90 euros in the standard or domestic version. In exchange for this price, you will have the possibility of simulating the hardware found in a PC, thus guaranteeing the highest possible performance. You can even go a little further and run older versions of macOS as well. Regarding the interface and the way to configure it, the truth is that it is quite enjoyable. It does not take much computer knowledge to
Wine
Again we will talk about a program that is totally open, such as Wine, and therefore is free, being accessible to all users. In this case, Windows is not exactly virtualized as the operating system, but it will virtualize those applications that you need to run on macOS but are not compatible. It will translate the specific APIs so that these Windows applications work correctly on Mac. In this way you avoid having to install the entire operating system, which is indicated above all for those Macs that do not enjoy very good power.
