Mac Virtualization

Many software applications used in ERAU courses are only available on Windows operating systems. Academic programs including (but not limited to) Engineering, Decision Sciences, and Technology Management require students to have access to a Windows machine.

If you are a Mac user, a solution to installing Windows-only software on your computer is to use virtualization. To do this, you must choose the appropriate virtualization option for your computer chip, and download and install Windows 10 or 11 in the virtualized environment. Use the detailed steps below to get started.

ERAU provides limited technical support for macOS, virtualization, or Windows installation. For additional support, please visit the vendors' support sites for help with these products.

Depending on the chip hardware in your Mac, the supported operating system(s) and/or virtualization program may be different. Select the appropriate option below. View this support page from Apple if you are unsure.

Step 1: Choose a Virtualization Option

Here are some popular options for creating a virtualized environment on your Mac computer. Choose a virtualization option and utilize the vendor's support information to install the software. Below are some options that are free of cost.

Boot Camp

Description: Boot Camp is already part of your Mac computer. To install, run the Boot Camp Assistant. This method will partition your hard drive and create two separate operating systems on your computer. You will then be able to run one operating system at a time; either Windows or Mac, but not both. This option is better for older Mac computers that may have difficultly running two operating systems at once.

Support: Contact Apple Support for help with Boot Camp installation.

VirtualBox

Description: VirtualBox is a free, open source virtualization software from Oracle. Choose the OS X hosts link on the downloads page. As a free software, VirtualBox does not have as many features as Parallels or VMware.

Support: There is no direct customer support for VirtualBox. Consult the VirtualBox user manual PDF and discussion forums for help with installation.

These options will have to be purchased in order to use them but will have some extra features that might not be found with the free options.

Parallels

Description: This software is a popular option for running a virtual version of Windows on your computer. Parallels allows you to have both your Mac and Windows desktops running at the same time. This is a convenient option appropriate for newer Mac computers. Parallels includes a setup wizard to make the installation process easier.

Support: View the Parallels Support page for help installing Parallels and Windows.

VMware Fusion

Description: VMware is similar to Parallels and includes many features and a setup wizard to guide your through the installation process. It allows you to have both your Mac and Windows desktops running at the same time.

Support: Support for VMware is available through the My VMware site.

Step 2: Download and Install Windows 10 or 11

You will also need to download and install a copy of the Windows 10 or 11 operating system to run on the virtualized environment. All ERAU students can download a free copy of Windows 11.

To do so, go to this website for Microsoft Azure Education and Sign In with your Embry-Riddle username and password. After login, select Software on the left menu and search for Windows 11. Several versions are listed so be sure you click the product name and read about the software ahead of downloading.

After reading, select the View Key button and write down the key. Then select Download.

Step 1: Virtualization

Parallels is a popular option for the virtualized environments on your Mac and is compatible with this chipset. View below and utilize the vendor's support information to install the software. You will need to purchase Parallels to be able to use the software.

Parallels

Support: View the Parallels Support page for help installing Parallels and Windows.

Step 2: Install Windows 10 or Windows 11

You will also need to download and install a copy of the Windows 10 or 11 operating system to run on the virtualized environment. All ERAU students can download a free copy of Windows 11.

After reading, select the View Key button and write down the key. Then select Download.