Virtualization is a useful tool that allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine simultaneously.

It has several advantages over using BootCamp on an Intel Mac, technology writerShahnawaz Sadiquetold Lifewire via email.

Parallels, a Virtual Machine App

Theres more than one way to run Windows on a Mac.

A Mac desktop and laptop computer running Windows in a virtual PC.

Parallels

It was possible to work around it byusing prerelease versions of Windows, but that wasnt officially supported.

Virtualization vs Emulation

You may be familiar withemulation.

This is commonly used for emulating game consoles.

A virtual machine on a Mac desktop.

Parallels

This can have a performance hit.

your setup is running software that is running more software, and this slows things down.

The alternative is desktop virtualization.

Windows in a virtual machine on an iMac.

Parallels

The host Mac is still running two operating systems simultaneously, but both are running on hardware.

The catch here is that the virtualized operating system has to be compatible with the hardware.

When Macs and PCs both ran on Intel chips, that was easy.

Why Run Windows on a Mac?

There are several advantages to using Windows on a Mac.

This means that you’ve got the option to play games at full-tilt on battery power.

Virtualization, then, is about convenience, with a few tradeoffs in performance.