Windows Installation and Configuration on macOS (English version)

** Version française: Installation et configuration de Windows sur macOS (version française) **

User Notice

Apple computers (macOS) are not officially recommended, as some software may not function properly. However, they may be used as long as a full Windows environment is installed—without any guarantee of full compatibility. These installations are the responsibility of the user and may involve additional costs.

⚠️ Please note that HEC Montréal's IT Support Center does not provide assistance for these installations.

Requirements

The method to achieve Windows compatibility on a Mac depends on your device's processor:

• For newer Macs with Apple M1, M2, M3, or M4 processors:
  You must subscribe to Parallels Desktop, which enables the use of Windows 11 ARM on Apple Silicon chips. This is the only method officially approved by Microsoft.

• For older Macs with Intel processors (non M1/M2/M3/M4):
  You can use VirtualBox, a free virtualization tool, to install and run Windows on your Mac.

💡 Ensure that your Mac has enough memory, disk space, and processing power to run a virtual environment smoothly.

Minimum recommended configuration for VirtualBox:

• MacBook Pro (or equivalent) with at least 8 GB RAM

• At least 50 GB of free disk space

What is VirtualBox?

In some of your courses, you may need to use Windows-only software such as Microsoft Access, Microsoft Visio, MS Project, or SAP Lumira.

VirtualBox is a free solution that allows you to create a Windows virtual machine on your Mac.
This lets you run Windows as if it were a regular application inside macOS—a full Windows environment within your Mac.ac OS computer.

Alternatives to VirtualBox

Other ways to run Windows on a Mac include:

• Boot Camp (Intel Macs only):
  Apple's official utility for partitioning your hard drive and installing Windows alongside macOS.
  More info here: Boot Camp – Apple Official Support

• Parallels Desktop (for M1, M2, M3, M4 Macs):
  Recommended for Apple Silicon chips. Allows smooth operation of Windows 11 ARM with high compatibility. This option requires an annual paid subscription.

⚠️ Important note: Windows versions on Apple Silicon (M1 to M4) are ARM-based. Some software must be ARM-compatible or run through an emulation layer, which may result in performance or compatibility limitations.

Compatibility summary table:

⚠ *VirtualBox may work with Windows ARM, but this usage is unofficial and requires advanced configuration. It is not recommended for standard academic use.