By Alexander Kay
Publication Date: 2026-01-26 19:36:00
Yes. A Mac mini with the M4 chip can run Windows 11, but not as a native dual boot. You run it either in a virtual machine (VM) using the ARM64 version of Windows 11, or you stream Windows from the cloud using Windows 365. Microsoft’s own guidance for Apple silicon Macs points to virtualization (like Parallels) or Windows 365, and not Boot Camp.
Because the Mac mini M4 is Apple silicon, you cannot install the regular Intel and AMD Windows 11 build and boot into it. You need Windows 11 for ARM (ARM64) for VMs, which Microsoft now provides as an ARM64 ISO download.
Best option for most people
If you want Windows apps to run alongside macOS with good performance, Parallels Desktop is usually the easiest route. Microsoft specifically calls it an “authorized solution” for running Windows 11 on Apple silicon Macs.
If your Windows use is mostly office apps and browser work, and your company already uses Microsoft cloud PCs, Windows 365 can be simpler since nothing heavy runs locally.
Ways to run Windows 11 on Mac mini M4
| Method | What it is | Performance | Best for | Key limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parallels Desktop | Windows 11 ARM VM with strong macOS integration | High | Most users, daily Windows apps | Some games and low level drivers may not work |
| VMware Fusion | Windows 11 ARM VM | Medium to high | Dev and IT users who prefer VMware tools | Still ARM Windows, not native boot |
| UTM | QEMU based VM, can use Apple Virtualization | Medium (best in “Virtualize”) | Free setup, testing, labs | Setup is more… |
