In a recent development, Microsoft has introduced updates. These updates enable users of Apple’s latest Mac devices with ARM-based processors (M1, M2, or M3) to seamlessly run Windows 11 in a virtual environment. This breakthrough comes after Apple’s transition to its proprietary ARM processors in 2020, which left Mac users without the familiar Boot Camp option, a program facilitating Windows installation on Intel-based devices.
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Options Endorsed by Microsoft for ARM-based Apple Processors
For users of Apple’s new ARM processors, Microsoft has officially endorsed two options for running Windows 11. These options are Windows 365 Cloud PC (Microsoft’s own service) and Parallels. Versions 18 and 19 of the Parallels Desktop have received Microsoft’s authorization to run ARM-specific editions of Windows 11 Pro and Windows 11 Enterprise.
Users can create a virtual machine using Parallels Desktop 18 or 19 within their existing operating system, most likely macOS. However, it’s crucial to note that ARM versions of Windows 11 come with limitations. These limitations impact the ability to run certain hardware, games, and applications.
Limitations of Parallels and Windows 11 ARM Versions
Among the limitations of Parallels is the absence of features utilizing Windows’ nested virtualization capability. Examples include Windows Subsystem for Android, Windows Subsystem for Linux, Virtualization-Based Security (VBS), and Windows Sandbox. Additionally, Parallels Desktop for Mac does not support 32-bit ARM versions of Windows 11, as Microsoft ended support for 32-bit UWP applications for ARM in January of last year.
For a more comprehensive experience, Microsoft offers its in-house solution, Windows 365 Cloud PC. This allows users of Apple’s ARM chips to stream a fully functional and customized version of Windows 11.
Windows 365 Cloud PC: A More Robust Solution
Initially intended for organizations, this software-as-a-service (SaaS)-based service from Microsoft provides features not found in Parallels. These features include nested virtualization for testing and support for emulators. These enhancements are within the virtual Windows 11 operating system. However, Microsoft has yet to release an individual version for common users, maintaining the focus of this service on businesses of all sizes.
