Apple has been allowing Mac users to install the Windows operating system on its Mac computers so that the end users can enjoy both Windows and macOS operating systems and their supported apps and games.
On a Mac, users can use the built-in Boot Camp Assistant to install the Windows operating system. However, the same is not true for Apple silicon-powered Macs. In short, a Mac with M1, M2, or M3 chip does not support installing the Windows operating system using Boot Camp Assistant.
What is the “Boot Camp Assistant cannot be used. This Mac does not support Boot Camp” error on a Mac?
When you launch the Boot Camp Assistant on an M1, M2, or M3 MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or Mac Mini, the Boot Camp Assistant throws the “Boot Camp Assistant cannot be used. This Mac does not support Boot Camp” error.
If you also bought a Mac with M1, M2, or M3 chip and got a “Boot Camp Assistant cannot be used. This Mac does not support Boot Camp” error message, it’s because Windows cannot be installed on M1, M2, or M3 Macs as these chips do not support the x86 architecture for which Windows operating system is developed for.
In other words, the Windows operating system that is available for end users cannot currently be installed on ARM architecture chips.
That said, there is a way to install and run Windows 10 or Windows 11 on your M1, M2 or M3 Mac. Fortunately, Windows 10 or 11 can now be installed on Macs using virtualization software such as Parallels Desktop. While Parallels Desktop is not free software, it enables you to install Windows OS on your Mac without any issues. You can refer to our how to install Windows 10/11 on Mac M1, M2, or M3 guide for step-by-step directions.
Can I install Windows 10/11 on an Intel-based Mac?
Yes, Apple is still selling Intel-based Macs. Like before, Macs powered by Intel processors support installing the Windows operating system without using any virtualization software. So, you can use the built-in Boot Camp Assistant on your Mac to install Windows OS on your Intel Mac.
Can we enable Boot Camp on M1, M2, or M3 Macs?
No, as of now, there is no way to enable and use Boot Camp on M1, M2, or M3 Mac computers. The best way to install Windows on these Macs is to use Parallels Desktop software.
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