How to download the Windows 11 ARM64 ISO
Apple Silicon Macs need the Arm version of Windows 11. Microsoft offers it as an official ISO download — here is how to get the right file.
Why you need the ARM64 ISO
Apple Silicon processors use the Arm architecture. A virtual machine on these Macs runs Windows 11 for Arm, so the regular x64 ISO cannot be used. Windows 11 for Arm can still run most x64 apps through emulation.
Download from Microsoft
- Open the official pageGo to Microsoft's "Download Windows 11 for Arm-based PCs" page.
- Choose the editionSelect the Windows 11 multi-edition ISO for Arm64 and confirm.
- Choose the languagePick the Windows language you want to use and confirm.
- DownloadClick the 64-bit Arm download link. The file is several gigabytes.
Verify the download
Microsoft lists verification hashes on the download page. On a Mac you can calculate the SHA-256 value in Terminal with: shasum -a 256 followed by the ISO file name. Compare the result with Microsoft's value.
Avoid unofficial ISOs
Download Windows only from Microsoft. Modified ISOs from other websites can contain malware or fail to install. WinDock checks the image structure before installing, but it does not replace a checksum.
Next step
Open WinDock, choose the ISO and follow our installation guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a Windows 10 ISO?
Use Windows 11 for Arm. Windows 10 on Arm is not offered as a regular ISO and is not the recommended choice.
Which edition should I pick?
The multi-edition ISO lets you choose Home or Pro during setup, matching your license.
Do I need a product key to install?
Windows Setup lets you continue without entering a key; activation follows Microsoft's terms.
WinDock
WinDock creates and runs a Windows 11 ARM virtual machine for you. Choose a Windows ISO from Microsoft and WinDock handles the rest — the virtual machine, Windows Setup, the display driver and the connection to your Mac files.