While just a few years ago it was for many users Windows switching to macOS was very complicated due to incompatibility of applications, so nowadays the whole situation has improved a lot. Most applications that were originally only available on WindowskoneYou can download it on macOS, and if not, in many cases you can find a suitable alternative. However, there are still several applications that do not have an alternative and are not available on macOS. If it is an application that the user cannot function without, but still wants a Mac with macOS, then he has no choice but to install it on his Mac. Windows, or another operating system. This can be done with the help of special applications that are designed for this - in this article we will look at the best of them.
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Parallels Desktop
If you're looking for an industry leader, you'll love Parallels Desktop. This virtualization application offers a simple user interface that you will get used to very quickly. With Parallels Desktop, you can run directly within macOS Windows and other operating systems without having to restart your computer. However, Parallels Desktop can bring the entire operating system into a window in a perfect way - you don't have toancand recognize that you are in macOS. The latest version, labeled 16, comes with many new features, including compatibility for macOS 11 Big Sur. The only thing that bothers users about Parallels Desktop is the subscription plan. Every year, when a new version of macOS is released, you also have to buy a new version of this application, which can be relatively expensive. There is a 14-day trial period during which you can find out if the application is worth it for you.
VirtualBox
If you're looking for a solution that won't cost you a penny, and which will be open-source, then Oracle's VirtualBox will suit you. This application is intended primarily for developers and IT specialists, in any case, even an ordinary user will get used to the application. However, don't expect a friendly user interface that walks you through everything step by step in VirtualBox. The VirtualBox application offers support for installing all kinds of operating systems, from Windows 98 to the last Windows 10, or different versions of Linux. So VirtualBox is free, but you have to wade through various settings that are not described in any way, and also consider the inferior user interface, which is kind of outdated. VirtualBox doesn't even offer any form of support, so you have to rely primarily on Google searches.
Gallery
VMware Fusion Player
If you are looking for a virtualization application that is primarily intended for large companies, then VMware Fusion Player is the right choice. However, we certainly did not mean to say that even ordinary users could not decide for VMware Fusion Player. Like Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion Player can Windows run directly within macOS so that you won't even notice macOS running in the background. The latest version of the application is the one labeled 12 and is also compatible with macOS 11 Big Sur. The latest version came with many improvements, especially in the user interface. However, some features have also been added that will be used primarily by developers and advanced "IT professionals". Pro For an individual, the price of the application is relatively high, however, a free license is available for students and other cases.
Crossover
Crossover is an application developed by Codeweavers. This application builds on an open-source software called Wine that can run Windows applications directly from the macOS desktop without the need for virtualization. This means that Crossover does not in any way create a second desktop and everything you do on Windows, will also be reflected in macOS - and of course the reverse is also true. Thanks to the fact that you do not have to "power" two computers at the same time, there is not even a huge loss of performance. Unfortunately, it is still not possible to run all applications from Crossover WindowsHowever, you can check on the application's website whether Crossover can run your application or not, and then decide based on the results whether to give it a try.anci. If so, this is probably the best solution for you, and it's not even that expensive, compared to competing applications. You can try Crossover for free for two weeks.
Boot Camp
Finally, of course, we must not forget the good old Boot Camp. If none of the above virtualization applications for you Windows or another operating system is not suitable, so you can reach for Boot Camp. It differs from other applications in that it is available natively and for free directly within macOS. If you additionally install through it Windows, so you will have to switch between the individual systems by restarting the device. On the one hand, this is a disadvantage due to inconvenience, but on the other hand, after starting Windows with Boot Camp you are sure that all the power will be used directly in it. So it mainly depends on your preferences and it is up to you whether you choose a virtualization application or use Boot Camp directly.
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I personally had a problem with BootCamp. OS installed, went to boot. Windows but he was mega slow. Almost unusable… But the app needed worked just fine…. After a few days, Macintosh HD stopped showing up. I always had to repair and restore MacOS via the Recovery utility. It was then loaded, but after turning the computer off and on, it had to be restored and repaired again via the utility. Suddenly only MacOS started working but Windows I have not seen I don't miss it…. but suddenly I found out that I can't install BigSur because some volume is damaged, which I couldn't fix in any way. Volume with Windows I can't see it anymore, it just disappeared...
something must have gone wrong during the installation, boot camp works without any problems and I have a feeling that windows slap on macbookmuch better than on a laptop with the same hardware,,,
the best time to change the disc
I hope that doesn't happen when I see how the iMac has to be peeled off and glued back on 😀😩😅
If you don't have an SSD, bootcamp is mega slow, almost unusable. I have it installed on macbookon the Pro, where there is an SSD, it runs absolutely smoothly and without problems, but on the iMac with Fusion Drive It is truly a suffering. Windowsy via bootcamp to use.
I would add PlayOnMac. Free CrossOver.
I tried almost all the solutions mentioned. Boot Camp is great, I even managed to get it on an external SSD via Thunderbolt, so reading and writing was really fast. Everything ran smoothly, but I didn't enjoy having to boot all the time. Nakonec won Paralell desktop. It is not true that you have to buy a license every year. However, with such a fundamental change as Big Sur, I had to come to version 16, because 13 was not compatible. But it is true that the subscription version has better virtualization options in terms of using the number of cores. The "lifetime license" allows you to use only four and 8 GB of memory.
WinToUSB. Transmission Windows disk with installed Windows to USB. I have this on an external SSD drive that I connect when I want to start VR games and then disconnect it again. It doesn't take up any space on my disk and it works without any problems.
https://wintousb.en.uptodown.com/windows
I do the same, it's a great solution
Parallels 16 on Big Sur doesn't support virtualization of USB devices other than mass storage (so various USB serial ports and diagnostic cables don't work), comrades from Parallels play dead bug.
The 16 version is full of bugs compared to the debugged and reliable 15..