How to Run Windows on Your M1 MacBook: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you an M1 MacBook user who's looking for ways to run Windows on your device? You're not alone! With the discontinuation of Boot Camp support for M1 Macs, many users are left wondering what their options are. In this article, we'll explore the reasons why you might want to run Windows on your M1 MacBook and provide a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Why Run Windows on Your M1 MacBook?

There are several reasons why running Windows on your M1 MacBook can be beneficial. For instance, if you need to use specific software that's only available for Windows, or if you want to access certain corporate intranet sites that only support Windows.

Preparing Your Mac for Running Windows

Before we dive into the process of creating a bootable Windows USB disk, it's essential to prepare your Mac. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Connect an external storage device to your Mac.

2. Go to System Preferences > Time Machine and select your backup disc.

3. Make sure you have enough space on your external drive for the Windows installation.

Method 1: Create a Bootable USB Disk Using Boot Camp Assistant (Not Available for M1 Macs)

Unfortunately, Boot Camp Assistant is no longer compatible with M1 Macs. However, we'll provide an overview of how to create a bootable Windows USB disk using this method, in case you're still using an Intel-based Mac.

Method 2: Create a Bootable USB Disk Without Using Boot Camp Assistant

To create a bootable Windows USB disk without using Boot Camp Assistant, follow these steps:

1. Download the Windows ISO file and save it to your Mac's internal storage.

2. Go to Finder > Applications > Utilities and launch Disk Utility.

3. Select the 16GB USB drive you'll be using and click Erase.

4. Format the USB drive as MS-DOS (FAT) and name it 'Windows Boot Camp.'

5. Once the formatting process is complete, eject the USB drive from your desktop.

6. Open a new Finder window and navigate to the folder containing the Windows ISO file.

7. Select the Windows ISO image and drag it onto the 'Windows Boot Camp' USB drive.

8. Wait for the copying process to complete.

Running Windows on your M1 MacBook may not be as straightforward as it was in the past, but there are still ways to do it. By following these steps, you can create a bootable Windows USB disk and enjoy the benefits of running both macOS and Windows on your device. Remember to always back up your data before making any changes to your Mac.

Bootcamp on m1 macbook