Microsoft has worked with Alludo, the maker of Parallels Desktop, to offer support for Windows 11 on Apple’s M1 and M2-powered MacBook models. This allows users to virtually access Windows 11 apps on their MacBook via Parallel Desktop 18. The latest version of Parallels Desktop for Mac is supported on the latest Mac models from Cupertino, which are powered by Apple’s proprietary chipsets. The list includes MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, and Mac Studio models powered by M1 and M2 series chips. However, there are certain limitations when using Parallels Desktop 18 on these Mac models.
According to shared Microsoft about a support pageusers can run Windows11 on a Mac with Apple M-series processors, on a cloud PC via the Windows 365 service, or via Parallel Desktop 18.
Microsoft has worked with Alludo to allow authorized Parallel Desktop 18 users to run ARM versions of Windows 11 Pro and Windows 11 virtually on Apple M1 and M2 machines. Parallels allows Mac users to run multiple operating systems virtually without creating partitions or using Boot Camp. Unlike older Intel-based Mac models, newer versions with Apple Silicon cannot use Boot Camp to dual-boot Windows and macOS.
announced Alludo details its update to Parallels Desktop 18, which adds support for the latest line of Macs powered by Apple Silicon, including MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini and Mac Studio. It’s worth noting that Parallels Desktop 18 runs on macOS Ventura 13.2 or later, macOS Monterey 12.6 or later, macOS Big Sur 11.7 or later, macOS Catalina 10.15.7 or later, and macOS Mojave 10.14.6 or later versions. Additionally, users need 600MB of hard drive space to install the Parallels Desktop applications on their MacBook.
Apart from that, the ARM version of Windows has certain limitations. Microsoft says that users running Windows 11 ARM version will be restricted from using some apps, games as well as antivirus solutions. Games with DirectX 12 or OpenGL 3.3 or higher are not supported. Also, 32-bit ARM apps available from the Microsoft Store on Windows are not supported on Mac computers with M1 and M2 chips.