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Windows on Mac via UTM

This guide explains how to set up a Windows ARM virtual machine on macOS using UTM and CrystalFetch ISO Downloader . It covers downloading the ISO, configuring the VM, and optimizing display settings.

Prerequisites

  • A Mac with Apple Silicon (M1, M2, etc.)
  • UTM installed
  • CrystalFetch ISO Downloader app

Step 1: Download the Windows ARM ISO

  1. Open CrystalFetch ISO Downloader on your Mac.
  2. Select the Windows 11 ARM Insider Preview build you want to download.
  3. Choose Home + Pro edition (default selection works for most users).
  4. Wait until the download is complete. You will have an ISO file ready to use with UTM.

CrystalFetch ISO Download

Step 2: Create a New VM in UTM

  1. Open UTM.
  2. Click + to create a new virtual machine.
  3. Select Virtualize → Windows ARM.

  4. Configure the following settings:

    • CPU: 4 cores (recommended)
    • Memory: 4096 MB or more
    • Storage: 64 GB NVMe disk (sparse disk recommended)

  5. Under CD/DVD Drive, select the ISO file you downloaded from CrystalFetch.

Step 3: Configure VM Display and Input

  • Keyboard Layout: Turkish Q (or US if you use an English keyboard)
  • Display Settings:
    • Enable Retina / scaled display if available
    • Allocate more video memory if the screen appears blurry
  • UTM Guest Tools: Install after Windows is running for better graphics and input integration

UTM Windows Install

Step 4: Install Windows ARM

  1. Start the VM. It should boot from the ISO.
  2. Follow the Windows installation steps:
    • Select language, keyboard layout, and time zone.
    • Choose the NVMe virtual disk as the installation target.
  3. Complete the installation. Once finished, remove the ISO from the CD/DVD drive in UTM.
  4. Restart the VM. It should boot directly into Windows ARM from the virtual disk.

UTM Windows Start

Step 5: Post-Installation Tips

  • Storage: The VM disk will consume space based on what you allocated (e.g., 64 GB) and used by Windows + apps.
  • Display Optimization: Adjust scaling in Windows settings and install UTM Guest Tools to reduce blurriness.
  • Shutting Down: Use “Shut Down” instead of “Stop” to avoid booting from ISO again.
  • Deleting the VM: Remove the VM in UTM and delete the associated .utm folder from ~/Library/Containers/com.utmapp.UTM/Data/Documents/<UTM_NAME>/ to free space.

UTM Windows Success

Notes

  • You do not need a license key to run Windows ARM Insider Preview in a virtual machine, but a license is required for production use or activation.
  • Performance will vary depending on your Mac model and allocated resources.