Mac Users - Start Here
If you have a Mac read this and get it ready before classes start
IMPORTANT: Macs with ARM processors (starting in 2020) should NOT be used in Engineering.
Reason 1: Software incompatibilities with ARM processor. Not all Engineering software will install, even with a Windows VM.
Reason 2: Your Engineering software will be buggy and slow, if it installs at all.
Known issues with Arm (M1 & M2) processor:
MAE & BME students will have problems installing and using Solidworks on a VM.
As of 10/5/2021 Solidworks does not install on Fusion or Parallels.
BME students - Linx plug in for LabView does not work on M1. You will not be able to work on BME60A projects.
CEE majors will have issues using AutoCad on a VM.
For upper division courses, AutoCad Civil Engineering is used and there is no Mac version.
Other majors will have less issues with using Windows in a VM, but there are no guarantees.
There are NO GUARANTEES an M1 will work without problems. Use at your own risk.
Fusion does not work on Macs with M1 processor. Use Parallels instead.
STEP 1 - Figure out what kind of processor you have, Intel? M1 or M2?
Basic primer regarding installing Windows on a Mac
Plan for a minimum of 128 GB disk space for your Windows VM.
If you're in EECS, MAE, BME, or Civil, you'll probably need around 200-250 GB disk space dedicated to the Windows VM.
FOR ARM BASED MACS with M1 / M2 Processor
Your options to use Windows are:
OPTION 1 - Use Fusion 13 or newer with Windows 11 for ARM
We have free licenses for Fusion Pro.
Please read this before proceeding with your installation
You need Windows 11 for ARM, but it's not easy to locate
There's extra magic you need to perform on the Windows 11 ARM download in order for it to work with Fusion. See video link below.
This video explains how to install Fusion / Windows 11 for ARM on a Mac. It also explains how to obtain and convert the Windows 11 for ARM download so it'll work with Fusion.
Note: When Paralells asks for permission to access downloads, select "YES"
OPTION 2 - Use Parallels with Windows 11 for ARM
We do not have a site license for Parallels, you need to purchase it on your own.
This method is easier to install, but it's not free.
Parallels provides a license and download for Windows 11 for ARM
Note: When Paralells asks for permission to access downloads, select "YES"
Here's a video that explains the process
We do not expect Engineering software to work with Parallels & Windows 11 or ARM.
Expect to use the HSSOE computer labs.
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE OTHER CONFIGURATION
Macs with Intel Processor
Your options to use Windows are:
1) VM with Windows with Fusion & Windows 11 or Parallels and Windows 11
2) Bootcamp
STEP 1 - OBTAIN WINDOWS - Macs with Intel Processor
For best results, do not use Safari. Try a different browser such as Chrome or Firefox.
Create a Personal Microsoft Software account
Instructions are at OIT's page for Student O365
Follow instructions carefully
Do not specify a personal gmail account anywhere in the process.
If you use a personal gmail account, you will not have access to the full library of software because Microsoft will not recognize your Academic association.
Only specify your UCINetID and the ucinetid@personalmicrosoftsoftware.uci.edu account.
Login to Microsoft Azure Dev Tools using your "UCInetID@personalmicrosoftsoftware.uci.edu" login account.
Look for "Software"
Find Windows 11 Education, version 22H2 (updated Sep 2022)
If you are asked to pay for Windows, then you have not created your account correctly or you have not logged in correctly.
If this happens, try a different browser
Or, clear the cookies in your browser.
If you don't see the download, then contact Lisa Preble, labs@eng.uci.edu.
The Azure Dev Tools site is always changing so contact Lisa if you don't see the correct Windows download.
Click the "view key" box on the right. Copy the serial number to a text file in case you cannot open the page again.
Click on "Download" on the bottom right to download the software.
You'll have Windows installer media in ".iso' format.
NOTE the following:
Sometimes the download fails with Safari so use Mozilla Firefox or Chrome.
If the Bootcamp installation does not like Windows, then download again using a different browser.
Contact Lisa Preble, labs@eng.uci.edu if you have issues obtaining Windows using the Azure for Dev Tools website.
Option 1 - Install Windows on your Mac using Fusion - Macs with Intel
Remove unnecessary files
Move files to the cloud if you don't need them locally on your laptop
Download Fusion
Install Fusion & Windows
Option 2 - Install Windows on your Mac using Bootcamp - Intel Macs
Boot Camp is a utility that comes with your Mac and lets you switch between MacOS and Windows.
It allows for Windows to be installed directly onto your hard drive on it's own separate partition.
When you turn on your computer, you can select which OS to use, Apple or Windows.
Prepare your Laptop and Plan
Backup any important files to an external drive or cloud storage in case something bad happens during the installation process.
Remove unnecessary files
Move files to the cloud if you don't need them locally on your laptop
Decide how much space you want to use
In general, plan for 150-250GB
For MAE, CEE, and BME students, consider using half the hard drive for your Windows installation partition.
Your hard drive will fill up quickly
Plan for at least 250GB.
Other majors might get away with 150 GB but it's best to plan for more disk space.
You may have to re-do the work more than once
Install Windows using Bootcamp
Visit the Apple's Bootcamp website for the latest information and instructional guides
Every make & model is different so you need to visit Apple's for the latest information.
Detailed instructions for various MacBooks are found on the BootCamp website
TIP: Use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi
Consider installing BootCamp via Ethernet instead of Wi-fi
The process will take about 1.5-2 hours over WiFi.
Using Ethernet, it'll take around 5-10 minutes
Install fan control software to help with over-heating (for Bootcamp).
Many Apple users complain of their laptops overheating while running Windows
To solve this issue, it is recommended to install Mac Fan Control.
OTHER INSTALLATION WORK - After you have Windows installed
1) Install system and security updates on Windows.
After installing Windows, ensure your Windows OS is up-to-date by visiting Windows Update.
2) UCI requires you to use anti-virus software.
Windows Defender (included with Windows)
3) Install the latest Microsoft .Net Framework.
In order for Solidworks and AutoCad to work, you need to have the latest Microsoft .Net Framework software installed.
This should show up in Windows "Optional Updates".
If not, go to: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=30653
To check which .net version you have visit: http://smallestdotnet.com/
Other resources for Mac Users
In the event you are having difficulty installing Windows, Please be aware of the following resources:
ANTech Repair Center
(949) 824-7096
For a fee, The ANTech Repair Center can install Windows for you using BootCamp, Fusion, or Parallels.
UCI Virtual Classroom (this is operated by OIT, not Engineering)
UCI Libraries Laptop Checkout
https://www.lib.uci.edu/mrc/mrc-laptops-and-mobile-devices
Laptops can be borrowed for up to 2 hours