How to install PUBG (Windows version) on MacBook Pro?
If you’re a MacBook Pro user like me and have been wondering how to install the Windows version of PUBG on your machine, you’re in the right place. While Apple’s macOS doesn’t natively support PUBG, which is designed for Windows, there are ways to get this popular battle royale running with decent performance. I’ll walk you through the process with some tips and alternatives so you can jump into the action as soon as possible.
Why PUBG doesn’t run natively on macOS?
First things first, PUBG is a Windows-exclusive game, primarily built with Unreal Engine 4, which doesn’t have an official macOS port yet. Unlike Fortnite, which runs on Macs natively, PUBG does not. Attempts to run it on virtualization software like Parallels or CrossOver won’t work because PUBG’s anti-cheat system blocks those setups.
This means, if you own an Intel MacBook Pro, the best solution is to install Windows on your Mac via Boot Camp. For newer M1 or M2 Macs, things are a bit trickier since Boot Camp doesn’t support Apple Silicon chips. For those, your options boil down to game streaming or possibly using an Android emulator to play PUBG Mobile version — but more on that later.
Installation options for different Mac models
Your MacBook Pro’s model largely dictates your approach:
| Mac Model | Recommended Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Intel-based MacBook Pro | Boot Camp: install Windows & PUBG | Native Windows performance |
| Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, M4) | Game streaming services or PUBG Mobile via emulator | No Boot Camp support, streaming preferred |
Step-by-step guide: Installing PUBG on Intel MacBook Pro via Boot Camp
Getting PUBG to run on an Intel MacBook means running Windows alongside macOS. Here’s how I did it:
- Create Windows Installation Media
Download a Windows 10 or 11 ISO file from Microsoft’s official site. - Open Boot Camp Assistant
Find this in your Utilities folder inside Applications. - Partition your disk
Boot Camp will guide you to split your hard drive — one side macOS, the other Windows. You’ll want to allocate a minimum of 64GB for Windows to comfortably fit PUBG and other apps. - Install Windows
Follow the on-screen prompts. Your Mac will reboot several times, so don’t be alarmed. - Set up Windows
After installation, complete the initial Windows setup and install all Boot Camp drivers to ensure hardware compatibility. - Download and install PUBG
Using the Windows environment, open the Steam client or PUBG website, and install PUBG just as you would on a regular PC. - Restart to switch OS
Whenever you want to play PUBG, restart your Mac and hold down the Option key to choose Windows.
Remember, running PUBG this way provides the best performance because you’re running it natively on your Mac hardware, but it means you need to reboot every time you switch between macOS and Windows.
Can you install PUBG on M1 or M2 MacBook Pro?
Unfortunately, for Apple Silicon Macs, Boot Camp is not available. You can’t install Windows natively. Some software promises virtualization or emulation to run Windows but PUBG’s anti-cheat often blocks these methods, causing the game not to launch properly.
The most practical alternative is to use a game streaming service like NVIDIA GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming, which lets you stream PUBG to your MacBook over the internet. This method doesn’t require installing Windows or the game locally but depends on a stable, fast internet connection.
Alternative methods: Streaming and emulators
- Game streaming services: Services like NVIDIA GeForce Now allow you to play PUBG on your Mac through cloud streaming. It’s simple and doesn’t require high-end hardware but can suffer from latency issues depending on your internet.
- PUBG Mobile via emulator: If streaming isn’t an option, you can also try playing PUBG Mobile on your MacBook by using an Android emulator like BlueStacks. This isn’t the Windows version but still provides access to PUBG gameplay. BlueStacks runs well on both Intel and M1 Macs now.
Tips for optimal gaming performance on MacBook Pro
- Allocate enough disk space and RAM for Windows via Boot Camp. PUBG is resource-heavy.
- Keep your GPU drivers up to date in Windows.
- If streaming, use an Ethernet connection or high-speed Wi-Fi for stable gameplay.
- Lower in-game graphics settings if you experience lag.
- Consider external peripherals like a gaming mouse or controller for better control.
FAQs
No, PUBG doesn’t have a native macOS version, so direct installation won’t work.
Yes, Boot Camp is an Apple-supported tool that partitions your drive and allows you to run Windows safely.
Not natively. The best options are streaming services or playing PUBG Mobile through an Android emulator like BlueStacks.
Yes, using Boot Camp means dual booting, so reboot and hold Option key to switch OS.
Potentially yes, streaming depends on your internet quality. Ethernet or strong Wi-Fi reduces lag.








