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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.

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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:

Security compliance with virtual TPM chips and Secure Boot technologies.
Volume license key or Key-free activation in a corporate environment with Single Sign-On support and integration with leading identity providers such as Azure, Okta, and Ping Identity, among others.
Centralized user and licenses administration via Parallels My Account web app.
The ability to mass deploy Parallels Desktop using solutions such as Apple Remote Desktop, Jamf, Microsoft Intune, and Munki, among others.
The ability to provision a corporate Windows image to selected users within the organization.
Premium support for Parallels Desktop.

Note that you need to activate your copy of Windows 11 after installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will change for users of Parallels Desktop for Mac?

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.

Do existing users have to purchase a new version of Parallels Desktop?

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.

Do existing users have to upgrade their Parallels Desktop SKU?

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.

Do Parallels Desktop users have to purchase new Windows product keys?

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.

How can users purchase Windows product keys if they don’t have one?

Users can purchase Windows 11 through their normal Windows procurement process. Individuals can acquire Windows 11 Pro through this Microsoft site.

I have a working version of Parallels Desktop with Windows 11, can I continue to use it?

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.

Can users install other Windows editions?

Parallels recommends installing Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise.

How should users get Windows for their Mac with Apple silicon now?

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.

How should users get Windows for their Mac with Apple silicon now?

Are there limitations or known issues with Parallels Desktop used with Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise on Mac with Apple silicon?

Some Windows 11 features may not be available or fully functional when running Windows 11 in a virtualized environment. Learn more here.

System Requirements

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

Processor

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

Storage

600 MB for Parallels Desktop application installation

Graphics

Apple M2, M1 Ultra, M1 Pro, M1 Max, and M1 chips
Intel, AMD Radeon, or NVIDIA graphics cards

Memory

4GB of RAM

See the full System Requirements

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