How to install Windows 11 on a Mac using an Azure VM

Tags windows osx

Before You Begin

Create a Free Azure Account: Elon students can start with a free Azure for Students account that includes $100 in credits and select free services. No credit card is required.

Sign Up for Azure Student Free Tier

To get started, you will need:

  • A valid school email (e.g., your Elon University email).
  • A computer with stable internet access.
  • Administrator login info for the VM (username + password).

Steps to Create a Windows VM in Azure

 

Step 1: Log In

  • Go to the Azure Portal.

  • Log in with your Microsoft account (linked to your Elon email if using the free student offer).

  • Make sure your subscription is active (Student or Free Trial).

 

Step 2: Create a VM

  • In the portal, type “Virtual machines” in the search bar.

  • Click Create > Azure Virtual Machine.

 

Step 3: Configure the Basics

  • Name: Example – ElonTestVM
  • Region: Pick one close to you (e.g., East US).
  • Image: Select Windows Server 2022 Datacenter, Azure Edition – x64 Gen2.
  • Admin credentials: Set a strong username + password.
  • Inbound ports: Allow RDP (3389).

 

Step 4: Review + Create

  • Click Review + create.
  • After validation, click Create.
  • Wait for deployment (few minutes).

 

Step 5. Connect to the VM (Mac Users)

Install Microsoft Remote Desktop

  • Open the Mac App Store.
  • Search Microsoft Windows App (official Microsoft app).

    Direct Download Link
  • Install and launch it.

 

Connect

  • From the Azure portal, go to your VM and click Connect > RDP.





     
  • Download the .rdp file.


  • Clicking the downloaded rdp file will autostart Microsoft Windows App. (Feel free to save this download to another location for future use eg. Desktop or Documents Folder)
     
  • Enter your VM admin credentials and connect.


 

Microsoft Project 2019 Install Steps

To install Microsoft Project on the newly created Windows VM, follow these instructions: link

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