How to Install Windows 10 in a Virtual Machine on Mac for Free

Are you a Mac user who wants to run Windows 10 on your computer without having to dual-boot or invest in a separate PC? You're in luck! Installing Windows 10 in a virtual machine (VM) is a great way to enjoy the best of both worlds. In this article, we'll show you how to set up a free Windows 10 VM on your Mac.

Step 1: Download VirtualBox

The first step is to download VirtualBox, a free and popular virtualization software that allows you to run multiple operating systems on one machine. You can download the latest version of VirtualBox from its official website.

Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine

Once downloaded, open VirtualBox and click on 'New' to create a new VM. Choose 'Microsoft Windows' as the type and 'Windows 10' as the version. Name your VM and allocate memory size (RAM) according to your needs. A minimum of 1GB is recommended for x86 versions and 2GB for x64 versions.

Step 3: Download Windows 10 ISO

Next, you'll need to download a Windows 10 ISO file from the official Microsoft website using Windows Media creation tool. Make sure to choose the correct edition (32-bit or 64-bit) based on your VM settings.

Step 4: Install Windows 10 in VirtualBox

Create a virtual drive and specify the size of the virtual hard disk according to Windows 10 system requirements. A minimum of 16GB is recommended for 32-bit editions and 20GB for 64-bit editions. Load the Windows 10 ISO file you downloaded earlier and follow the installation wizard.

Step 5: Configure Settings

After installing Windows 10, go back to VirtualBox and configure your VM settings. You can adjust video settings under the 'Display' tab and mount the Windows 10 setup ISO image under the 'Storage' tab. Make sure to select the correct edition (32-bit or 64-bit) based on your VM settings.

Installing Windows 10 in a virtual machine on your Mac is a simple and free process that can give you access to a wide range of Windows-based applications and games without having to dual-boot or invest in a separate PC. With VirtualBox and a little bit of setup, you can enjoy the best of both worlds and experience the power of Windows 10 on your Mac for free.

Windows virtual machine for mac free