In short
- Free on Mac, with Apple silicon or Intel.
- It runs Windows on ARM, Linux and other systems.
- More manual and with weaker graphics: not for games or demanding 3D programs.
It’s for you if…
- You use a Windows program on your Mac now and then.
- You try Linux or other systems to learn or develop.
- You do not want to pay an annual subscription.
Better pick something else if…
- You want Windows programs mixed in with Mac ones, without worrying about anything.
- You need 3D acceleration for games, CAD or graphics programs.
From Parallels Desktop to UTM: equivalents
| Parallels Desktop | UTM |
|---|---|
| Installation Assistant | Manual wizard, with an ISO image |
| Coherence | No equivalent |
| Parallels Tools | SPICE guest tools |
| Shared folders | Shared folders with SPICE |
| Snapshots | Clone the virtual machine |
| Shared clipboard | Clipboard with SPICE |
| Connect USB | USB sharing |
| x86 Windows on an ARM Mac | Very slow emulation: Windows on ARM is better |
Step by step
Install UTM
Download it free from mac.getutm.app. The App Store version is paid, as a way to support the project, but it is the same app.
Get the system
If you have an Apple silicon Mac, download the Windows 11 ARM ISO image from Microsoft’s website. You will need your own Windows licence. For Linux, use the ARM version of your distribution.
Create the virtual machine
Press Create a New Virtual Machine, choose Virtualize and the system. Assign memory and cores without taking too much from macOS, for example 4 or 8 GB, and enough disk space.
Install the system
Select the ISO and install as on a normal computer. Follow UTM’s guide for Windows: it has its own steps for drivers.
Install the guest tools
Install the SPICE tools inside the virtual machine to get automatic resolution, a shared clipboard and shared folders.
Bring your files
Copy your documents through a shared folder or from your cloud. Reinstall your programs on the new machine rather than trying to convert the old one.
Files and formats
Parallels .pvm machines do not open directly in UTM. Converting the disk is technical and does not always work, and a clean install usually causes fewer problems. Copy your documents before deleting anything. UTM stores machines in a .utm package that you can copy as a backup.
What you won’t find
- No Coherence mode or such polished integration with macOS.
- Limited graphics acceleration: not for games or demanding 3D programs.
- Emulating x86 Windows or Linux on an Apple silicon Mac is very slow.
Tips
- Always choose Virtualize on an Apple silicon Mac with ARM systems: it is far faster than Emulate.
- Windows on ARM can run many x86 programs thanks to its own emulation, though not those that use their own drivers.
- Clone the machine before making big changes: that is your way of having a copy.
Frequently asked questions
Can I run Windows for free with UTM?
UTM is free, but Windows needs its own licence for full use. UTM does not include one.
Can Parallels machines be opened?
Not directly. The simplest way is to create a new one, install the system and copy your files.
Do games work?
Generally not. 3D acceleration is limited. For gaming, UTM is not a good choice.
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