VMware Fusion is a virtualization tool that allows you to run different operating systems on your Mac, including Windows. In this article, we will explore how to use VMware Fusion to run Power BI on your macOS.
VMware Fusion Pro Free for Mac
As of May 2024, VMware Fusion Pro is available for free for personal use. This means you will be able to enjoy all the features and functionality of VMware Fusion Pro without having to pay a price.
Benefits of using VMware to run Power BI on a Mac
- Security: VMware isolates the virtual machine, protecting your macOS system from possible risks associated with running third-party applications.
- Performance: Power BI can deliver performance comparable to performance in a native Windows environment.
- Resource monitoring: VMware allows you to take snapshots of the virtual machine at any time, which is invaluable when working on data visualization projects in Power BI.
The strength of VMware lies in its ability to allow these operating systems to coexist without the need to partition your hard drive or use a dual boot. This is especially valuable for developers and IT professionals, as it provides a flexible and integrated solution for running multiple operating systems simultaneously.
As you start using it, you’ll be able to switch between operating systems smoothly, leveraging your Mac’s capabilities to run Windows applications through seamless integration.
System requirements for installing VMware Fusion Pro on a Mac
- Mac with Intel or Apple Silicon that supports macOS 12 Monterey or later operating systems.
- VMware Fusion 13.
- Licensed copy of Windows.
Free VMware Fusion Pro Installation
- Download VMware Fusion software: Access the official VMware website and download VMware Fusion Pro software. Select the appropriate version for your macOS operating system.
- Install the software: Double-click on the downloaded .dmg file to start the installation process. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
- Configure the virtual machine: Once installed, start the VMware Fusion software and create a new virtual machine. Select the “Create a virtual machine” option and follow the on-screen prompts to configure the virtual machine.
Windows installation on VMware Fusion Pro
After downloading and installing VMware Fusion, your next step is to get the Windows 10 ISO file directly from the official Microsoft website to proceed with the virtual machine setup. The following guide can facilitate the process:
- Download the Windows 10 ISO file: Access the official Microsoft website and download the Windows 10 ISO file.
- Create the virtual machine: Start the virtual machine creation process in VMware Fusion. Select the “Create a virtual machine” option and follow the on-screen prompts to configure the virtual machine.
- Install Windows 10: Start the Windows 10 installation process on the virtual machine. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
Summary Table. Obtaining the Windows 10 ISO
| Step | Action | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Access the website | Navigate to the official Microsoft website |
| 2 | Select the version | Choose the appropriate edition of Windows 10 |
| 3 | Verification | Confirm your choice of language and desired edition. |
| 4 | Acquisition | Download the 64-bit ISO file |
| 5 | Storage | Save the purchased file on your Mac |
Post-Installation Adjustments
After installing Windows 10 on your VMware Fusion virtual machine, it is crucial to make post-installation adjustments to ensure optimal performance and usability. Here is a quick guide to get started:
| Feature | Setting | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| VMware Tools | Install/Upgrade | Improves graphics quality and device support |
| Shared folders | Configure | Seamless file sharing between systems |
| Processor and memory | Optimize | Improve speed and responsiveness |
| Display settings | Adjust resolution | Improve visual experience |
| Peripheral integration | Enable/Disable | Manage device connectivity |
Using Windows on Mac with VMware Fusion
After optimizing the settings of your virtual machine, you are equipped to take advantage of Windows on your Mac. This is not just running an application; it’s an immersive Windows environment accessed through macOS.
To effectively use this setup, consider the following:
- To start Windows, locate and activate the VMware Fusion icon, then select your virtual machine and start it by pressing ‘Play’.
- When navigating the Windows interface on your Mac, use the gestures and shortcuts you are accustomed to. You can manage files and interact with the Taskbar and Start Menu similarly to a standard PC setup.
- Enhance the synergy between Mac and Windows by enabling folder sharing between the operating systems and facilitating data exchange through copy and paste functions. It is also possible to use Windows applications along with Mac applications.
Upon completing the installation, it is advisable to restart your system. With these steps, you have now equipped your macOS with a functional VMware. In the following sections, we will delve into how to set up Power BI within this new virtual environment.
Installing Power BI on VMware
Then, proceed to download the Power BI installation file. This initiates the Power BI installation process; simply follow the guided steps that appear on your screen. Upon completing these steps, you can start to witness Power BI in action on your macOS.
- Download the Power BI installation file: Access the official Microsoft website and download the Power BI installation file.
- Install Power BI: Start the Power BI installation process on the virtual machine. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
Best practices for running Power BI with VMware on macOS
Having successfully installed Power BI within your VMware, you are now ready to take advantage of the wide range of capabilities that VMware has to offer and optimize your experience with Power BI.
- Make sure your macOS system has sufficient memory and CPU resources: Make sure your macOS system has at least 16 GB of RAM and a processor with 4 cores or more. This will allow you to run Power BI effectively and avoid performance issues.
- Update your software regularly: Update your VMware Fusion and Power BI software regularly to ensure you have the latest features and enhancements.
- Use VMware’s snapshot feature: Use VMware’s snapshot feature to capture the precise state of your virtual machine at any time. This will allow you to restore your virtual machine to a previous state in case something goes wrong.
Summary table with key requirements for using VMware Fusion on MacOS
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Operating System | macOS 12 Monterey or later |
| VMware Fusion | Version 13 or higher |
| Windows copy | Licensed |
| Memory and CPU resources | At least 16 GB RAM and a processor with 4 cores or more |
| Updates | Regularly to ensure the latest features and improvements |
| VMware Snapshots | Use the snapshot feature to capture the precise state of the virtual machine. |
VMware Fusion on Mac: Frequently Asked Questions
- What is VMware Fusion?
VMware Fusion Pro is a virtualization tool that allows you to run different operating systems on your Mac, including Windows. - Does VMware Fusion slow down my Mac?
VMware Fusion itself does not affect the performance of your Mac when virtual machines are not in use. The performance impact of using them depends on several factors, such as the amount of resources allocated to the virtual machine and the complexity of the application running on it. - How many CPUs can I assign to a virtual machine?
In VMware Fusion 13, you can assign up to 32 virtual CPUs to a virtual machine. However, it is important to note that allocating too many virtual CPUs can affect the performance of your macOS system. For example, on a 6-core Mac, it would be advisable to assign a maximum of 4 cores to a virtual machine. - Do I need a copy of Windows to use VMware Fusion?
Yes, you need a licensed copy of Windows to run it on VMware Fusion, as this software does not include the operating system. You can use an existing copy of Windows or purchase a new license. - Can I run Intel-based Windows on an Apple Silicon Mac using Fusion?
No, VMware Fusion on Apple Silicon Macs only supports the Arm variant of Windows, specifically Windows 11 on Arm. Fusion does not emulate different CPU types, so you cannot run Intel-based operating systems on Apple Silicon Macs, and viceversa. - Is VMware Fusion compatible with the Mac M1 architecture?
Yes, VMware Fusion is compatible with the Mac M1 architecture. - Can I run 64-bit virtual machines in VMware Fusion?
Yes, VMware Fusion allows you to create and run both 32-bit and 64-bit virtual machines on Intel Macs and 64-bit virtual machines on Apple Silicon Macs. - Can I use virtual machines created in other VMware environments with Fusion?
Yes, VMware virtual machines are compatible across their product line, as long as they share the same CPU architecture. This means you can run virtual machines created in Workstation, vSphere, or environments with ESXi hypervisor on VMware Fusion on Intel Macs. - What is the difference between VMware Fusion Pro and VMware Fusion Player?
VMware Fusion Pro is a more complete version of VMware Fusion that includes additional features such as the ability to run multiple operating systems simultaneously and the ability to allocate CPU and memory resources to each virtual machine. VMware Fusion Player is a more basic version of VMware Fusion that only allows you to run one operating system at a time. - How can I get VMware Fusion Pro for free?
VMware Fusion Pro is available for free for personal use. You can download it from the official VMware website and register for a free license.
VMware Licensing Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the VMware Fusion Pro Personal Use License?
The VMware Fusion Pro personal use license allows you to use the tool free of charge for personal purposes, such as running Windows applications on your Mac. - What is VMware Fusion Pro commercial license?
The VMware Fusion Pro commercial license allows you to use the tool on a paid basis for business purposes, such as running Windows applications in a work environment. - How can I get a commercial license for VMware Fusion Pro?
You can obtain a commercial license for VMware Fusion Pro by purchasing a subscription through a Broadcom Advantage partner. - What is VMware Desktop Hypervisor subscription?
VMware Desktop Hypervisor subscription is a licensing model that allows you to use VMware Fusion Pro and Workstation Pro on a paid basis for business purposes. - How much does a VMware Desktop Hypervisor subscription cost?
VMware Desktop Hypervisor subscription costs $120 per year. - What features are included in the VMware Desktop Hypervisor subscription?
The VMware Desktop Hypervisor subscription includes access to product upgrades, technical support and the ability to generate new product licenses. - What is the difference between the free and paid version of VMware Fusion Pro?
The free version of VMware Fusion Pro includes only basic features, while the paid version includes additional features such as the ability to run multiple operating systems simultaneously and the ability to allocate CPU and memory resources to each virtual machine. - How can I upgrade from the free version to the paid version of VMware Fusion Pro?
You can upgrade from the free version to the paid version of VMware Fusion Pro by purchasing a subscription through a Broadcom Advantage partner. - What is eGPU support for VMware Fusion Pro?
VMware Fusion Pro supports eGPU, allowing you to use external graphics cards to improve the performance of your applications. - What is VMware Fusion Pro support for macOS?
VMware Fusion Pro is compatible with macOS, allowing you to use the tool on your Mac. - What is VMware Fusion Pro compatibility with Windows?
VMware Fusion Pro is Windows compatible, allowing you to use the tool to run Windows applications on your Mac. - What is VMware Fusion Pro support for Linux?
VMware Fusion Pro supports Linux, allowing you to use the tool to run Linux applications on your Mac. - What is the compatibility of VMware Fusion Pro with other VMware products?
VMware Fusion Pro is compatible with other VMware products, such as VMware Workstation and VMware vSphere. - What is the compatibility of VMware Fusion Pro with other operating systems?
VMware Fusion Pro is compatible with other operating systems, such as Windows and Linux. - How can I get help and support for VMware Fusion Pro?
You can get help and support for VMware Fusion Pro through the official VMware website and support forum.
Additional Resources
I hope you find this information useful. Remember that it is important to follow best practices to ensure that your system is working properly.
If you’re considering VMware Fusion for your Mac and wondering about its compatibility, performance, and optimal configuration, I invite you to read the following article where I explore these crucial aspects in depth:
