Boot Camp (Intel Macs Only)

Apple’s built-in Boot Camp Assistant allows Intel-based Macs to run Windows on a separate partition. It’s free to use, though you’ll need to purchase a valid Windows licence. Boot Camp provides almost full functionality with Apple’s supplied drivers, making it a great choice for performance-hungry tasks.

⚠️ Note: Boot Camp is not supported on newer Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) Macs. If you own one of these models, you’ll need to use a different solution such as Parallels Desktop.

Parallels Desktop for Mac

The most popular solution is Parallels Desktop for Mac, a virtualisation program that lets Windows run side-by-side with macOS. With Parallels you can:

  • Install and run Windows programs just like on a PC.

  • Copy/paste and drag/drop files between macOS and Windows.

  • Share cloud storage (Dropbox, OneDrive, iCloud).

Performance is slightly reduced compared to Boot Camp, but the convenience of switching instantly between macOS and Windows is worth it for most users.

💡 Apple Silicon users (M-series): Parallels requires the special ARM-based version of Windows. Most software works fine, but some older x86-only 64-bit apps won’t run under emulation. Always check compatibility with your software vendor before committing.
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Boot Camp vs Parallels Desktop: Which is Right for You?

Feature / Consideration Boot Camp (Intel Macs Only) Parallels Desktop (Intel & Apple Silicon)
Mac Compatibility Intel Macs only (not supported on M1/M2/M3) Works on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs
Performance Full native Windows performance Slight performance drop (running both OS at once)
Ease of Switching Must reboot to switch OS Run Windows and macOS side by side instantly
File Sharing Separate partitions, limited sharing Easy drag & drop, copy/paste, shared cloud drives
Software Compatibility Runs all standard Windows apps Works with most apps; some older x86 64-bit apps won’t run on ARM Windows
Cost Free (but requires Windows licence) Paid software + Windows licence
Best For Gaming, heavy-duty Windows use, or apps needing full performance Everyday productivity, business software, convenience and multitasking

Quick Takeaway:
– If you need maximum performance and have an Intel Mac, Boot Camp is a solid choice.
– If you want convenience and multitasking — especially on newer Apple Silicon Macs — Parallels Desktop is the way to go.

Choosing the Right Option

So, how do you decide between Boot Camp and Parallels? It comes down to:

  • Processor type – Intel or Apple Silicon.

  • Work style – do you prefer to reboot for full Windows (Boot Camp) or run both side by side (Parallels)?

  • Data sharing needs – Parallels is much better for cross-OS file sharing.

  • System resources – Parallels consumes more memory since both OSes run together.

At Mac & PC Computer Repairs, we use Parallels daily and have helped many Gold Coast clients set up Windows on their Macs — often because they rely on Windows-only apps such as:

  • MYOB

  • Cubit

  • QuickKids

  • Microsoft Money

  • Stock trading platforms

  • Legacy booking systems

  • Specialist design or industry-specific tools

Need Help Running Windows on Your Mac?

Whether you’re considering Boot Camp or Parallels, we can guide you through setup, licensing, and optimisation. We’ll also help test software compatibility so you don’t get caught out.

📞 Call us on 07 5616 8952 or contact us online to discuss your needs.