Boot Camp Assistant, developed by Apple, helps you install Windows operating system on Mac computers. The Boot Camp Assistant makes it very easy to install Windows on Macs, and the best part is that it also takes care of required device drivers.
As you likely know by now, Boot Camp or Boot Camp Assistant does not support M1, M2, or M3 Macs. When you open the Boot Camp Assistant on a M1, M2, or M3-powered Mac, it shows the “Boot Camp Assistant cannot be used. This Mac does not support Boot Camp” error message. So, you cannot use Boot Camp on M1/M2/M3 Macs.
How do I use Boot Camp on M1, M2, or M3 Macs?
As of now, there is no way to install Windows OS on a Mac with Boot Camp. Additionally, there is no workaround to this limitation other than installing Windows 10/11 on Macs using Parallels Desktop software. For those who are hearing about Parallels for the first time, Parallels Desktop is a virtualization software that allows you to install Windows OS on a Mac in a virtual machine so that you can use all apps and features of the Windows operating system. While Parallels Desktop is not free, it’s the best software to run Windows on Apple Silicon (M1, M2, & M3) Macs.
Why cannot I install Windows 10/11 on M1, M2 or M3 Macs?
Windows operating system is designed and developed for x86 architecture whereas M1, M2, and M3 Macs use ARM architecture.
The good news is that Microsoft is developing Windows for ARM, which might be available in a year or two. Until then, installing Windows 10/11 using Parallels Desktop is the only solution.
Can I install Windows 10/11 on Intel Macs?
Yes, as always, Intel Macs allow you to install the Windows operating system using Boot Camp, as Intel processors use x86 architecture. You just launch the Boot Camp Assistant and start installing Windows on Mac.
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