Microsoft and Parallels are officially working together to deliver Mac M1 and M2 users a virtualized version of Windows 11 on ARM. Microsoft has never formally endorsed running Windows 11 on an Apple silicon Mac, so the practice has existed as a murky area up until now.
Throughout the years, installing Windows on an Intel-based Mac has been very simple, but the advent of Apple silicon processors in Apple’s Macs made things a bit more challenging. There were methods, but they required workarounds as Microsoft’s official clearance was necessary. But now Microsoft officially brings Windows 11 support to a mac natively so it may be easier even on an Apple silicon chip. Let’s dive into the further details.
Microsoft Windows 11 on Mac PCs
According to a new support article published by Microsoft today, Parallels Desktop version 18 is now an authorized solution for running the Pro and Enterprise editions of Windows 11 for ARM in a virtual environment on Macs with the M1 and M2 chips. This is happening due to the new partnership between Microsoft and Parallels.
Microsoft, meanwhile, has since published a help website detailing how to link its own software with Mac PCs. In particular, the instruction approves running Windows 11 in a virtual machine created using the Parallels Desktop program or a Windows 365 Cloud PC.
For those who are unaware, Parallels is a firm that formerly made it possible for customers to run Windows on Macs through the use of their Parallels Desktop hardware virtualization software. Yet, in order to get Windows operating and set correctly, the procedure has always required users to apply workarounds and jump through hoops.
A Trusted Platform Module (TPM), which not all Macs have, was formerly necessary for computers to run Windows, according to Microsoft. The virtual TPM that Parallels built to address this issue is no longer required. Alternatively, you may simply use Parallels in a regular manner, and it will run Windows 11 without any issues.
There are certain compromises even though the official support is a positive move that customers will welcome. The drawbacks of Windows 11 for ARM include the inability to run games and programs that require DirectX12 or OpenGL3.3 or later.
Programs that require an extra virtualization layer, such as Windows Subsystem for Android, Windows Subsystem for Linux, Windows Sandbox, and Virtualization-based Security (VBS), will not function on Windows 11 for ARM through Parallels whereas x86 apps will function as anticipated.
You may get Parallels Desktop 19 for Macs if you wish to install Windows 11 for ARM on your Mac by clicking here. The cost of the Standard Edition is €99.9 (about Rs 8,700).
This change from Microsoft will probably be appreciated, whether you’re a corporate user or just wish to run Windows 11 on your Mac without using any workarounds. That only serves as evidence that Apple and Microsoft can cooperate when they want to. You may choose Microsoft’s Windows 365 Cloud PC Service, which is an alternative option if virtualization isn’t your cup of tea. A Windows desktop may be streamed to your devices, including Macs with M-series CPUs, via the cloud-based service Windows 365, from any place.
