How to Enable Virtualization on a Mac M1

In recent years, Apple has been transitioning its lineup of computers from Intel processors to their own Apple silicon, starting with the M1 and M2 chips. This change means that many Macs are no longer compatible with Boot Camp, a feature that allowed users to dual-boot Windows and macOS on an Intel-based Mac. However, for those who want to move forward with Apple silicon, there is another option: virtualization.

UTM is one free solution that allows you to run QEMU on your Mac with minimal setup. Another popular app, Parallels Desktop, also offers a way to run Windows and other operating systems on an M1 or M2-based Mac. Although UTM may not be as feature-rich as Parallels Desktop, it's completely free (optional payment).

For those who need more features, Parallels Desktop is available for purchase, with pricing ranging from about $50 for upgrades to $100 for the Pro Edition. However, only Parallels Desktop has been updated to run on an M1 or M2-based Mac.

If you're looking for a free and open-source emulator that can run Windows and other operating systems on your Mac, QEMU is another option. Although it may require more setup than UTM, QEMU is completely free to use.

Unfortunately, Apple only supports Boot Camp on Macs with an Intel processor, which means that M1 and M2-based Macs are not compatible with this feature. For now, Apple still sells one model of Mac mini with an Intel processor as well as the more expensive Mac Pro, although these options may be out of most consumers' price range.

In summary, virtualization is a viable option for those who want to run Windows and other operating systems on their M1 or M2-based Mac. With UTM and Parallels Desktop available, there are plenty of free and paid options to choose from, making it easy to get started with virtualization on your Apple silicon device.

How to enable virtualization on mac m1