There are three main methods to run Windows systems on Mac: First, use Boot Camp Assistant to install dual systems, suitable for Intel chip Mac users, they need to prepare USB drives and divide hard disk space. After installation, they can choose to boot the system; second, run Windows through virtual machine software such as Parallels Desktop or VirtualBox, without restarting, suitable for those who occasionally use and have low performance requirements; third, they adopt cloud or remote desktop solutions, rely on network connections, and are suitable for users who are unwilling to install locally. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and can be selected according to actual needs.

Many people want to run Windows systems on their Macs, either to use certain Windows-specific software or to play games. In fact, the method is not complicated, and there are several common ways to achieve this requirement.

Install dual system using Boot Camp Assistant

This is the official method recommended by Apple, suitable for those who want to use Windows as one of the main systems. Boot Camp can divide a piece of space on your Mac hard drive specifically for installing Windows.

• Prepare a USB drive of at least 16GB (for creating a boot disk)
• Open Boot Camp Assistant in Applications > Utilities
• Follow the prompts to download the driver, partition and create the installation media
• Insert the Windows installation USB disk to start the installation process

After the installation is complete, press and hold the Option key during restart to choose to enter macOS or Windows. It should be noted that this method requires you to have an Intel chip Mac that supports Boot Camp. Macs with M1 and subsequent chips are not currently supported.

Run Windows using virtual machine software

If you only need to use Windows occasionally and don't want to restart your computer, then a virtual machine is a more flexible option. Common virtual machine software include Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion and free VirtualBox.

• Download and install your favorite virtual machine software
• Create a new virtual machine and select Windows Image File (ISO)
• Follow the boot to complete the installation and configuration of Windows
• You can set up shared folders, network modes, etc. to improve convenience

Parallels is more suitable for beginners, with a friendly interface and good resource occupancy control. Although VirtualBox is free, it is a little troublesome to configure. Virtual machines have certain requirements for computer performance. It is recommended to have at least 8GB of memory or more, otherwise it will feel stuck.

Cloud or remote desktop solution

If you don't want to install Windows locally, you can also consider remote access or cloud desktop services.

• Create Windows instances using cloud services such as Microsoft Azure or Amazon WorkSpaces
• Or build a Windows computer in the LAN and connect it through a remote desktop
• Installing a remote desktop client (such as Microsoft Remote Desktop) on your Mac

The advantage of this method is that it does not occupy local resources, and the disadvantage is that it has high dependence on the network. If the network is unstable, the operating experience may be discounted.

Basically, there are only these common methods, each with its advantages and disadvantages. You can choose according to your usage scenario: if you pursue performance, use Boot Camp, if you want to use virtual machines flexibly, and if you don’t want to make trouble, try remote desktop. These methods are not too difficult, but some details such as drivers and compatibility should be paid attention to.

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