Operating System
macOS Ventura 13.2 or newer
macOS Monterey 12.6 or newer
macOS Big Sur 11.7 or newer
macOS Catalina 10.15.7 or newer
macOS Mojave 10.14.6 or newer
On the 16th of February 2023, Microsoft recognized Parallels Desktop as an authorized solution for running Arm versions of Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise installed in a virtual machine with Parallels Desktop on Mac with Apple silicon.
For over a decade, Parallels has been a global leader in virtualizing Windows applications and desktops to be accessed on Mac, with customers around the world trusting the solution.
The latest version of Parallels Desktop for Mac is optimized for Apple silicon, providing users with greater freedom and flexibility. Parallels Desktop users can download, install, and configure Windows 11 in just one click, while the virtual TPM chip paired with the strong security capabilities designed into Apple silicon and Secure Boot provide a high level of security on Windows 11.
IT administrators can now allow their users to run Windows 11 on Arm on the Parallels platform, which is supported by Alludo, with the assurance that Microsoft has authorized this solution.
Parallels Desktop enables this by:
Note that you need to activate your copy of Windows 11 after installation.
New users will download and install Parallels Desktop 18.2 which simplifies the out-of-the-box experience to run Arm versions of Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise.
Existing Parallels Desktop users can continue to use Windows without making changes to their current setup on these devices. However, if you are not using one of the supported editions, Parallels recommends upgrading to Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise.
If Windows is not activated, users will be prompted to do so via a Windows dialog. For new users of Parallels Desktop installing Windows, the latest Parallels Desktop build will install Windows Pro Edition.
If a user runs Parallels Desktop 17 or a later version, they can continue to use Parallels Desktop with Mac with Apple silicon.
If a user runs Parallels Desktop 17 or a later version, they can continue to use Parallels Desktop with Apple M-series Mac with Apple silicon.
All Parallels Desktop SKUs (Standard, Pro, Business) are supported by Parallels for users to run Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise with Mac with Apple silicon.
Users will be able to bring their own Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise product keys if they have a key that can be used to activate Windows.
Users can purchase Windows 11 through their normal Windows procurement process. Individuals can acquire Windows 11 Pro through this Microsoft site.
Existing Parallels Desktop users can continue to use Windows without making changes to their current setup on these devices. However, if you are not using one of the compatible editions, Parallels recommends upgrading to Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise. Refer to the upgrade support page here.
Parallels recommends installing Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise.
End users will be able to download and install Windows 11 Pro in two simple steps with Parallels Desktop for Mac: https://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/welcome-trial/.
IT administrators deploying Windows Enterprise will need a volume license agreement and will be able to download Windows from Microsoft. Users can download from the Volume Licensing Service Center, or the Microsoft 365 admin center at https://admin.microsoft.com/Adminportal/Home?#/subscriptions/vlnew/downloadsandkeys.
Some Windows 11 features may not be available or fully functional when running Windows 11 in a virtualized environment. Learn more here.
macOS Ventura 13.2 or newer
macOS Monterey 12.6 or newer
macOS Big Sur 11.7 or newer
macOS Catalina 10.15.7 or newer
macOS Mojave 10.14.6 or newer
Apple M2 Pro, M2 Max, M2, M1 Ultra, M1 Pro, M1 Max, and M1 chips
Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, Core i9, Intel Core M or Xeon processor
600 MB for Parallels Desktop application installation
Apple M2, M1 Ultra, M1 Pro, M1 Max, and M1 chips
Intel, AMD Radeon, or NVIDIA graphics cards
4GB of RAM