Intel processors permitted MacOS users to natively run Windows on their computers (2006-2020).
In the world of technology, Mac users have long sought a seamless experience when running Windows on their devices. This article takes a look at the evolution of Mac processors and the tools that enabled native Windows compatibility, from the PowerPC era to the recent transition to Apple Silicon.
From 1994 to 2006, PowerPC processors powered Mac computers, but native Windows compatibility was not available. Instead, users relied on Microsoft's Virtual PC emulation software, which operated at a quarter to fifth of the native processor speed due to the complex translation between PowerPC and x86 instructions.
The landscape changed in 2006 when Intel processors started supporting Mac computers. This shift brought native Windows compatibility, allowing Mac users to run Windows natively without the performance penalty of emulation. Boot Camp Assistant, a built-in Mac utility, became the go-to tool for installing Windows on Intel-based Macs.
Intel Mac models from around 2012 to 2020 support Boot Camp for native Windows installation. Supported macOS versions include Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, and Sonoma on these Intel Macs. However, with the introduction of Apple Silicon Macs starting late 2020, Boot Camp is no longer available, making virtualization solutions like Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion the only options for running Windows.
Parallels Desktop 18, for instance, supports Windows 11 ARM edition installation automatically and enables x64 and x86 application emulation on M1 and M2 Macs. It also offers features like shared clipboard functionality between macOS and Windows and integrates Mac hardware features like Touch ID for Windows authentication.
The performance impact of x64 apps on Windows ARM on Apple Silicon is around 60-70% of native speed, while the performance impact of Parallels Desktop on M1 and M2 Macs is a mere 5-10%.
For Macs with the Touch Bar, Windows 11 installation via Boot Camp is not straightforward due to missing F10 key functionality. In such cases, Windows 10 installation is recommended, with a possible upgrade to Windows 11 later.
In summary, Intel Macs manufactured approximately from 2012 through 2020 are the specific processors and corresponding models that enable macOS users to run Windows natively through Boot Camp Assistant. Apple Silicon Macs do not support Boot Camp, so users with those must rely on virtualization solutions instead. This shift marks a new era in the journey of Mac users seeking a smooth Windows experience on their devices.
[1] Apple Support: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT208397 [2] Parallels Desktop: https://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/ [3] VMware Fusion: https://www.vmware.com/uk/products/fusion.html [4] Microsoft: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/d/windows-11-home/9n6svws6j9x75
- Over the years, the evolution of Mac processors has seen a shift from PowerPC, which lacked native Windows compatibility, to Intel processors, which enabled it, and more recently, Apple Silicon, which necessitates the use of virtualization solutions like Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion for running Windows.
- When it comes to running Windows on their devices, Mac users can choose from using emulation software during the PowerPC era, native installation through Boot Camp on Intel Macs manufactured from around 2012 to 2020, or virtualization solutions like Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion for Apple Silicon Macs.
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