A virtual machine (VM) is a computer inside your Mac. It lets you run Windows, Linux or another copy of macOS in a window. Plenty of people never need one. This guide helps you decide, and shows what to check if you do.
What a virtual machine looks like#
Stack from the bottom up
- What you use
Guest app
A Windows program, a Linux tool or a test build.
Guest operating system
Windows, Linux or another macOS. It thinks it has a computer to itself.
Virtual machine
A software computer with its own slice of memory, disk and processor cores.
- Parallels, Fusion, others
Hypervisor
The software layer that creates and manages virtual machines.
- Your Mac
macOS and your Mac's hardware
The real chip, memory and storage that everything shares.
Do you need one?#
Find your answer
Why are you thinking about a VM?
Apple silicon vs Intel#
| Apple silicon Mac | Intel Mac | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical guests | Windows for Arm, Arm Linux, macOS | Windows (x86), Linux (x86), macOS |
| Old Intel-only software | May need emulation inside the guest, with limits | Runs as designed |
| Speed | VMs of the same architecture run close to native | Depends on the Mac and workload |
Check your Mac under Apple menu → About This Mac: "Chip" means Apple silicon, "Processor" means Intel. The supported guests change with vendor updates, so confirm on the vendor's site before buying.
What a VM costs you#
- Memory. Give the guest only what it needs. Both systems share your RAM, and a squeezed Mac slows down. If it does, see why a MacBook runs slowly.
- Disk space. Guest systems often take tens of gigabytes. Use the storage size calculator to plan.
- Battery and heat. A running VM uses power. See how to fix MacBook overheating.
- Licences. Windows needs its own licence. Check each vendor for terms.
Lighter alternatives#
- Web apps and remote desktops. Log in from a browser or a remote client.
- Native Mac apps. Often cover the same job with less hassle.
- Containers. Perfect for Linux services without a full desktop.
- A spare PC. Cheap, simple and always compatible.
Choosing virtualization software#
Parallels Desktop focuses on smooth Windows-on-Mac integration, and VMware Fusion appeals to developers and teams. Read the Parallels Desktop review, the Parallels vs VMware Fusion comparison and our list of Parallels Desktop alternatives.
Frequently asked questions#
Is a VM the same as dual booting?#
No. Dual booting restarts the Mac into another system. A VM runs the second system in a window while macOS keeps running. Apple silicon Macs do not support the old Boot Camp dual-boot approach.
Can I run Windows on an Apple silicon Mac?#
Yes, through a VM that runs Windows for Arm. Check that your programs support it.
How much memory does a VM need?#
It depends on the guest and your workload. Start with the vendor's minimum, then adjust. Keep enough for macOS itself.
Is a VM safe for testing unknown software?#
It helps, with caution about shared folders and clipboards. It does not replace sensible habits.
Written by
Guides are researched, written, and maintained by the Atypical Mac User editorial team. Every procedure is checked against the current version of macOS before it is marked as published.
Last updated . First published .
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