Correct, the 2014 Mac Mini runs, at least if one uses a supported configuration, macOS Monterey at the latest.
Fusion is now a free download, and you can use it to run the ARM64 version of Windows, which can also be freely downloaded but must then be activated by a valid license key (resellers of varying provenance are happy to sell you keys at a very reasonable price, but any existing key will also work if it’s not in use). I cannot stress enough, though, the need to upgrade the RAM from the base 8 GB of the Mini in order to make this a good experience. Aim as high as you possibly can. Even then, you need to be aware that the ARM64 version of Windows is different from the x86-64 version (for Intel processors), and that especially where drivers and system software is concerned, there’s a high probability of incompatibility unless the vendor has provided software for the ARM version of Windows; software emulation of Intel processors only works for typical user-facing applications. So while moving to a new Mac Mini is highly encouraged, you need to think carefully about whether you can still do it all in one machine when you take your Windows apps into account. Check if the vendor provides the necessary drivers for Windows-on-ARM. There is another thought that occurs. Depending on the age of your PC, you could consider using it just for those problematic Windows apps. It might be more tolerable if you nuke-and-pave and fresh-install everything, targeting unnecessary bloat and software. This is clearly a cost-saving exercise, because new Windows PCs are already pretty cheap, at the low end. Your 2014 Mac Mini, sadly, cannot run Windows 11, because the processor is far too old. It could continue to run Windows 10, but this puts it very close to end-of-life, unless you’re prepared to pay a subscription charge just to receive security updates. Maybe Microsoft will have a change of heart but I sincerely doubt this, so I don’t recommend taking your chances unless your PC can run Windows 11. Having access to both machines provides a simple, if less elegant, solution to the problem of compatibility with Windows apps. The new Minis have 3 USB-C ports and 2 USB-A ports, as well as Ethernet, audio and HDMI. You can of course connect downstream ports through docks via Thunderbolt or USB using either type of port. The Mini is powered by a dedicated power socket. -- The following information is important for all members of the Mac Visionaries list. If you have any questions or concerns about the running of this list, or if you feel that a member's post is inappropriate, please contact the owners or moderators directly rather than posting on the list itself. Your Mac Visionaries list moderator is Mark Taylor. You can reach mark at: [email protected] and your owner is Cara Quinn - you can reach Cara at [email protected] The archives for this list can be searched at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "MacVisionaries" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/macvisionaries/4DCA03BF-2B91-4F8D-AC9A-2F14CACD0195%40me.com.
