Mac Virtualization

After reading the following information, select a button below to learn more about it.

Several 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 processor, and download and install Windows 10 or 11 in the virtualized environment. Depending on the processor hardware in your Mac, the supported operating system(s) and/or virtualization program may be different. View the Mac computers with Apple silicon support page if you are unsure which processor hardware you are using. Once you have located your computer hardware processor information, choose the corresponding options button below to explore your virtualization options. Once you have decided the best virtualization option, select the Install Windows button below.

Note: Intel Processors will only be applicable if you have a Mac that was released in 2020/2021 or prior.

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.

Options for Intel Processor

Options for Silicon Processor

Install Windows

Intel Processor Virtualization Options

Follow steps below for Virtualization of a Intel Processor.

Note: Intel Processors will only be applicable if you have a Mac that was released 2020/2021 or prior

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

Read Apple Guide for Using 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.

Virtual Box

Download VirtualBox from Oracle

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 below 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

Download Parallels from the ERAU WebStore

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

Download VMware Fusion from VMware Store

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 Broadcom site.

Once you have chosen the best virtualization option for your computer, please Install Windows 10 or 11 prior to installation of virtualization software.

Silicon Processor Virtualization Options

Follow steps below for Virtualization of a Apple Mac Silicon Processor.

Virtualization

Parallels is a popular option for the virtualized environments on your Mac and is compatible with this processor set. 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

Download Parallels from the ERAU WebStore

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

Install Windows

Follow steps below for installing Windows.

Install Windows 11

Windows 10 or 11 must be downloaded in order to run 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 underneath Learning Resources 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.