The Ultimate Solution: Windows 11 in a virtual machine + Parallels Desktop + Mac Computers with Apple silicon

Effective February 16, 2023, Microsoft has authorized the Parallels Desktop solution for using Arm versions of Windows 11 on Mac with Apple Silicon.

IT leaders can now enable their users to run Windows 11 on Arm with Parallels Desktop for Mac, with support from Alludo and the assurance that Microsoft has authorized this solution.

Whether user devices are owned by the employee/contractor or IT, Parallels Desktop bridges the technology gap between the two operating systems by enabling a virtualized environment capable of running Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise editions as a guest operating system on Mac with Apple silicon.

With Microsoft’s listing of Parallels Desktop as an authorized solution, IT leaders can now say yes and provide support for users that have the need to host Arm versions of Windows 11 applications in a virtualized environment on Mac with Apple silicon.

User Perspective

Mac users are quite passionate about their devices, but they become frustrated when they need to access applications that are only available on Windows operating systems. For example, how can a field engineer that prefers a Mac access a Windows-based application such as Matlab or VTScada?

In many environments, this means that a Windows device is required as the primary device, regardless of the user preference. Another option is toting around a second laptop. Even though laptops are small and lightweight, carrying two laptops and synchronizing files is no joy. Either way, the user is not content with the forced overhead just so that niche applications can be accessed.

Similarly, how can application developers utilize their Mac devices to access a locally installed Windows 11 guest operating system for development work? Whether the developer is a contractor or an employee, there is the need to install tools such as Notepad++, as well as to create and test Windows code in a segregated environment. Especially within small enterprises, a centralized virtual machine or device may add complexity to development efforts.

A much better alternative is to allow the user to choose the favored device type, such as a Mac, and enable Windows-based applications to run in a virtualized environment by means of Parallels Desktop. After installation, the Windows 11 operating system can be run in a virtualized environment by the user on a dedicated resource. This way both the host and guest can function independently without relying on each other, and files and system resources can be shared between macOS and Windows. Then, the needed Windows application(s) and tools can be installed on Windows 11, providing the best of both worlds for the end user.

Windows 11 Licensing

Licensing the Windows 11 operating system that runs on the Mac device is straightforward. 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.

For those IT leaders that were awaiting confirmation of Microsoft’s authorization of
Windows 11 with Parallels Desktop running on Mac with Apple Silicon,
the wait is over!

For more information, please see:

Press Release: https://www.alludo.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/20230216-parallels-desktop-windows-11-apple-silicon

Web landing page: https://www.parallels.com/windows-11-arm-apple-m-series/

Microsoft, Windows, and Windows 11 are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.