You can finally run Windows 11 on Apple Macs now…kind of
Parallels lets users virtually run Windows 11 on your M1/M2 Mac
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Microsofthas announced thatAppleMac users can now usevirtual machine softwareParallels as an “authorized solution” for running Windows 11 on hardware equipped with the company’s own silicon (M1 and M2 chips).
Ever since Apple ditchedIntelchips, it has been difficult for users to runWindows 11 on a Mac device. While there have been some dodgy workarounds, companies seeking an official solution have been left without one, leaving them issuing workers Windows-only devices, or a secondary device.
Available now, Parallels 18 can now runArmversions ofWindows 11Pro and Windows 11 Enterprise on M1 and M2 Macs including the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac, and Mac Studio.
TechRadar Pro needs you!We want to build a better website for our readers, and we need your help! You can do your bit by filling outour surveyand telling us your opinions and views about the tech industry in 2023. It will only take a few minutes and all your answers will be anonymous and confidential. Thank you again for helping us make TechRadar Pro even better.
D. Athow, Managing Editor
Windows 11 on Mac M1/M2
“Licensing theWindows 11operating systemthat runs on the Mac device is straightforward," a Parallelsblog postnoted. “The same volume licensing system that addresses enterprise licensing, such as Key Management Services (KMS), can be used to provide Pro or Enterprise licenses to the Windows 11 guest operating system.”
While the chosen version of Windows 11 will run in a virtual environment, the software doesn’t support nested or double virtualization, so things like Windows Subsystem for Android and Windows Subsystem for Linux are out of the question.
These are the best online collaboration tools>VMware adds Apple Silicon support for its desktop hypervisors>Windows 11 figures are finally rising as businesses start to welcome upgrades
“The preferred customer experience is to run 64-bit Arm apps, but customers can also use apps in x64 or x86 emulation on Mac M1 and M2 computers,” Microsoft added in a Windowsblog post.
This means you won’t be able to run 32-bit apps, however there shouldn’t be many left because they are being deprecated for Arm versions of Windows anyway.
Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!
Only personal versions of Parallels can be bought for in one transaction, meaning business-oriented plans require an annual subscription. Add to that the licensing cost of Windows 11 and you’ve got a pretty expensive solution. Even so, it could end up being a cheaper solution than buying a secondary device for workers who require access to Windows-only software.
With several years’ experience freelancing in tech and automotive circles, Craig’s specific interests lie in technology that is designed to better our lives, including AI and ML, productivity aids, and smart fitness. He is also passionate about cars and the decarbonisation of personal transportation. As an avid bargain-hunter, you can be sure that any deal Craig finds is top value!
7 myths about email security everyone should stop believing
Best Usenet client of 2024
Another reason to avoid edge-lit 4K TVs: they may fail faster than others, according to this report
