Mac Users - Start Here

IMPORTANT: Macs should NOT be used by MAE or BME majors.  

Other majors, use at your own risk. There are no guarantees you will be without issues.

Reason 1: Software incompatibilities with ARM processor.

Reason 2:  Your Engineering software will be slow and buggy, if it installs at all in a Windows VM.

Reason 3:  You will spend extra time troubleshooting and preparing your laptop.  Also, students complain their VM's run very slow after a while.

USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES YOU WILL BE WITHOUT ISSUES

Please read the Laptop FAQ for more information

Known issues with Macs:

• • MAE & BME and ENGR 7A students will have problems installing and using Solidworks on a VM.  There are reports as of Spring 2024, saying Solidworks is extremely slow in a VM. You will spend extra time troubleshooting hardware & software issues instead of doing coursework. 

  • BME students - Linx plug in for LabView does not work on M series processors. 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.

        • CEE majors have expressed exasperation saying that their Windows VM will work for a short time, but then it stops working or gets extremely slow.

  • Other majors (such as EECS, ChemE, MSE)  will have less issues with using Windows in a VM, but there are no guarantees.

  • There are NO GUARANTEES a Mac  will work without problems. Use at your own risk.  

    • • Engineering software is designed for Intel processors.  

      • The new Windows for ARM version has Intel emulation built-in, however, it can run slow, especially for CAD software.

Resources for Mac Students

The following resources are available to support students with Macs

1. Engineering drop-in computer labs

2. Engineering remote computer lab

3. UCI Libraries laptop rental

4. OIT Apporto Virtual Lab  (ArcGIS, Matlab)

5. Fusion instructions (below).

STEP 1 - Figure out what kind of processor you have, Intel?  Arm?

• How to check find out processor and RAM on a MAC

• Basic primer regarding installing Windows on a Mac

  • Plan for a minimum of 250 GB disk space for your Windows VM.

  • If you're in EECS, MAE, BME, or Civil, you'll probably need around 300 GB disk space dedicated to the Windows VM.

FOR ARM BASED MACS with M Series Processor

Your options to use Windows are:

OPTION 1 - Use Fusion 13 or newer with Windows 11 for ARM

• VMWare Fusion is now free for personal use. This includes use on student-owned laptops.

• Please see our Broadcom Fusion page for instructions

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

• Student version of Parallels with Discount

• Detailed instructions

• Note: When Paralells asks for permission to access downloads, select "YES"

• Here's a video that explains the process

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE OTHER CONFIGURATION

Macs with Intel Processor  (CAUTION:  Use at your own risk)

Please use the Engineering Computer labs and the Engineering Remote labs.

Bootcamp is no longer supported by Apple and recent version of Parallels and Fusion will not work with Mac's Intell Processor.

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

  • http://tech.book.uci.edu/

    • • (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)

  • http://www.oit.uci.edu/labs/vcl/

• UCI Libraries Laptop Checkout

  • https://www.lib.uci.edu/mrc/mrc-laptops-and-mobile-devices

    • • Laptops can be borrowed for up to 2 hours