How To Mac

A Guide on Running Windows 10 on macOS Sierra

Written by John

Although macOS is becoming popular, the most commonly used operating system is Microsoft’s Windows. This means that there are software and applications that will only be available for use on Windows which may limit you. These will range from games to software for use in businesses and so on. So, many people will often have the need to run Windows 10 on macOS Sierra.

From this guide you will understand what your options for running Windows 10 on macOS Sierra are and how to determine which the best is.

Options for installing full-fledged Windows

At times being able to run a few apps is not enough and you will need to install full-fledged Windows so you can tap into all the benefits of Windows from your mac. For this you have two options:

1. Apple’s Boot Camp.

2. Third-party virtualization programs.

Apple’s Boot Camp

With this option, you are able to install Windows on a hard drive partition separate from the one storing macOS Sierra. With the Windows operating system now installed in your computer you can use it as if it were in a different computer. All you need is to specify the OS to boot into when switching the mac on.

Boot Camp on maOS Sierra

Boot Camp on maOS Sierra

The problem with this option is that you have to reboot the mac every time you want to use Windows. You cannot use Windows and the Sierra at the same time; you will be using either one at any given time.

Third-party virtualization software

Such programs allow you to run Windows as though it was another application of MacOS Sierra application. You will therefore be able to use Windows and the Sierra at the same time on one mac. If you decide that this is the way to go, choose either of these virtualization programs:

• VirtualBox

• VMware Fusion 8.5

• Parallels Destop 12

VirtualBox is freeware meaning you will not be required to pay anything for it. However, you will have a hard time setting it up. As for the performance, it is not the best with the other two being much better and more promising. You may not be able to do everything you want on Windows with VirtualBox.

Windows 10 on VirtualBox

Windows 10 on VirtualBox

Parallels Desktop and VMware Fusion are great choices. In terms of performance, their latest versions almost have the same score. While Parallels is faster in some activities, Fusion is faster in others. So, when deciding which of the two to use, consider the reasons why you need Windows.

If games that are not supported by macOS Sierra are the reason why you want to use Windows then Parallels Desktop is the best option. It supports up to 8 GB vRam and has better DirectX support which makes it ideal for playing games. For Linux virtual machines to perform well Parallels is the virtualization software to use as it allows accelerated 3D graphics in such.

Windows 10 on Parallels Destop

Windows 10 on Parallels Destop 12

For those looking beyond Windows and would like to be able to use other operating systems VMWare Fusion is the right option. It has an appliance library consisting of over 1900 appliances whereas Parallels’ has 98. In this case, appliances refer to pre-configured operating systems that are downloadable and come bundled with specific applications.

VMware Fusion on macOS Sierra

VMware Fusion on macOS Sierra

Other than the reasons why you need Windows, the choice you make between Parallels and Fusion will depend on other factors like cost, installation and updates. Both Fusion and Parallels are sold at around $80 with offers and discounts that come and go. You need to check with the official websites before purchasing. They both offer free trial. Other than the software cost, consider the much you will be required to pay for the license. Parallels Desktop requires you to buy a license for every Mac on which you will be using the software whereas VMWare Fusion allows you to use one license on all Macs you control.

As for installation, Fusion is much easier than Parallels. Parallels is installed using an installer and its extensions stored in a system folder. On the other hand Fusion does not come with an installer. To launch it all one has to do is drag and drop it in any directory and it is ready to use.

Both programs are updated often but whereas Parallels sends out its updates in small and frequent batches, Fusion sends the updates less often in large batches. So, which is better? That will entirely depend on what your preferences are.

[adrotate banner=”15″]

Leave a Comment