While Macs are obviously the best computers for most Apple tree fans, they can also be an excellent option for those who prefer to use Windows.

Thanks to virtual machine software, not to mention Apple's ain Boot Camp solution, you lot can run Microsoft's operating arrangement on all Intel-powered Macs without issue. Read: How to install Windows on Mac for more data virtually setting information technology up.

In this article we are going to examine some ways in which y'all tin can run Windows 10 on a Mac without paying a penny.

With a new version of Windows coming - Windows xi, you might be curious to know if it volition be possible to run Windows eleven for free on a Mac. In which instance read: Volition Windows xi run on Mac.

Tin my Mac run Windows ten?

This is a valid question because, while about Intel-powered Macs can run Windows x, Macs that apply Apple'south M1 Chips tin can but run the ARM verson of Windows.

The new version of Parallels sixteen.5 that arrived in April 2021 does theoretically mean information technology is possible to run Windows on an M1 Mac, but since information technology's non like shooting fish in a barrel to get hold of the ARM version of Windows, and since virtually Windows programs won't run on it, we'd advise you to wait a little longer earlier you consider doing that. For more information read: New Parallels Desktop brings Windows to M1 Macs.

Also read: Will Windows run on Apple Silicon M1 Macs?

Here'south the official list of Macs that run Windows x:

  • MacBook introduced in 2015 or afterward
  • MacBook Air introduced in 2012 or later
  • MacBook Pro introduced in 2012 or afterwards
  • Mac mini introduced in 2012 or afterward
  • iMac introduced in 2012 or later
  • iMac Pro (all models)
  • Mac Pro introduced in 2013 or afterwards

As we said above, there's a new verison of Windows coming. The ability to run Windows 11 on a Mac volition rely on more than an Intel processor. You will as well need a special TPM security chip which doesn't exist on a Mac. It's possible that virtualisation software may find a way round this in the future, but for at present, the answer is no, your Mac won't run Windows xi. Find out virtually Windows eleven here: Windows 11 vs macOS.

Will M1 Macs run Windows?

The M1 Mac only supports an ARM version of Windows due to the architecture. There is an ARM version of Windows that tin run on Apple tree's M1-powered Macs via Parallels, however, it's non a version you can really buy: you lot can download it free of accuse if you register as a Microsoft Insider. Further complicating matters, Windows apps are not running natively on ARM yet, and only a few work via the translation software (like to Rosetta).

That said, Crossover (which lets you lot run Windows apps on a Mac without Windows) has already bought a number of Windows apps to the M1 Mac. Read: CrossOver twenty brings Windows apps to M1 Macs.

Al alternative is to emulate x86 Windows on an M1 Mac with open source emulator and virtualiser Qemu, although you will feel poor performance.

Microsoft is still developing the ARM compatible version of the operating system, so it is likley that this situation will ameliorate at some betoken in the hereafter. And when information technology does we can look to see some dandy results - according to reports the Apple M1 runs Windows on ARM faster than Surface Pro Ten.

In that location volition apparently be an ARM version of Windows 11 - but it'due south not known if this will run on Macs with the M1 chip, we have to assume the same requirement for the TPM security chip.

Windows on a Mac: Best complimentary options

Perhaps the easiest way to get Windows up and running on your Mac is to use virtual machine software. This allows y'all to run Windows, Linux or older version of macOS in a special application, which has the added benefit of meaning you don't accept to reboot your Mac when switching between operating systems.

So long as y'all take a non-M1 Mac that's running at least macOS 10.15 (Catalina) and so y'all tin can use the excellent VMware Fusion Player for free. This package is for non-commercial use, meaning you lot'll need to pay for the full VMware Fusion 12 Actor or higher if you intend to use the app professionally. We were impressed when nosotros tested information technology recently, as you tin see from our VMware Fusion 12 review.

Another option is to get with the Virtual Box software. Information technology's also free, powerful, but can be a little intimidating if you're not upward to speed with how virtual machine software works.

An alternative is non to run Windows at all, but to instead employ Crossover. Crossover lets you run Windows apps without needing Windows. You'll save the price of Windows installation, merely Crossover isn't costless (it starts at £32). Read more about CrossOver here: How to run Windows apps on Mac without Windows.

Nosotros besides have a circular up of the best VM apps for Mac.

How to get Windows ten for free

Obviously, you lot'll also need a copy of Windows x. This is the tricky office, as Windows is not gratis software. Buying a copy directly from Microsoft will cost you £119/US$139/AU$225 for the Home version or more if you lot want the Pro package. But there is a way to get around this.

If you're willing to put up with a few notifications and non being able to alter many of your preferences, then you can download a copy of Windows 10 from Microsoft for free. Follow these steps to get Windows for gratuitous:

  1. Visit the Microsoft Windows 10 Disc Image (ISO File) page and select the version of Windows you want to use. We recommend the 64-scrap Dwelling packet only bank check which one your organization is capable of running.
  2. Now, the important office: when yous install Windows (either via the VM software or Boot Camp) click the 'I don't have a production key selection' when you lot reach the Activate Windows page during the Windows ten installation.

    How to install Windows on Mac for Free: Product Key

  3. You should at present exist able to consummate the Windows x installation without consequence and go along to utilize the software for free.

Microsoft could change this at some point, and then be enlightened that you're living in its skillful graces for the time being, just it does hateful that at the time of writing you can use Windows 10 on your Mac for free.

How to run Windows 10 on Mac for Free: Running Windows

To see a more detailed breakdown of how to apply Boot Army camp or VM software, read how to install Windows on a Mac. We also have a round up of the Best VM software for Mac.