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How I Installed Windows 11 on macOS Using VMware Fusion (Complete Guide)

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Want to run Windows 11 on your Mac? This step-by-step tutorial shows you how to install Windows 11 on macOS using VMware Fusion. From downloading the tools to final setup, everything's explained in simple terms perfect for students, developers, or anyone switching between operating systems.

INTRODUCTION

Windows is an operating system, and macOS is another. Running Windows on macOS is known as virtualization. This process requires virtualization software like Parallels, VMware, or VirtualBox to run Windows as a guest operating system on your Mac.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be confident in downloading and installing an operating system on your Mac with ease.

Outline

1.Downloading VMware Fusion

2.Downloading Windows 11 ISO

3.Installing Windows 11 using VMware Fusion

4.Post-installation Setup

Part 1: Downloading VMware Fusion

        .  Open your browser and go to :
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https://access.broadcom.com/default/ui/v1/signin/

        . If you don’t already have a Broadcom account, create one
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       . Once logged in, navigate to the Product Downloads section and search for VMware Fusion.
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       .  Select VMware Fusion Player and click Download.
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        .  Once downloaded, open the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install VMware Fusion on your Mac.
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Part 2: Downloading the Windows 11 ISO

       .  Open your browser and go to :
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https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11

       .  Scroll to Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO). 

       .  Select Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO) from the dropdown and click Download. 

       .  Choose your preferred language and click Confirm. 

       .  Click the 64-bit Download button to begin the download.
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Part 3: Installing Windows 11 with VMware Fusion

        .  Launch VMware Fusion.
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        .  Click File > New.
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        .  Select "Install from disc or image", then click Continue.
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        .  Locate and select the Windows 11 ISO you downloaded.
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         .  Choose the version of Windows 11 you want to install (e.g., Windows 11 Pro) AND Choose UEFI Boot (if available)
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.

         .  Follow the prompts to set up the virtual machine:
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         .  Allocate at least 4 GB of RAM 

         .  Assign 2 or more CPU cores 

         .  Set disk size (minimum 64 GB recommended)
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         .  When prompted, name your virtual machine (e.g., “Windows 11 on Mac”) and choose a location to save it. 

         .  Use a short, clear name without special characters. 

         .  Save it to a location like Documents or an external drive.
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         .  Click Save or Finish.
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Part4: Post-Installation Setup

         .  Once inside Windows.
         .  Install VMware Tools 
         .  This improves graphics, performance, and input responsiveness
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        .  Go to Settings > Windows Update to install any pending updates .
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By following this guide, you’ve successfully set up Windows 11 on your macOS system using virtualization. This allows you to take advantage of both operating systems on one device, giving you flexibility for work, school, or personal use. Whether you're running Windows-only applications or testing a dual environment, your Mac is now capable of handling it all.

Remember to regularly back up your virtual machine and keep your system updated for the best performance.

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