However, the licensing situation for running Windows 11 on Macs is still unclear, and further details are needed.Īccording to Parallels, businesses can acquire a Windows 11 license through their normal Windows procurement process, while individuals can purchase the $199 Windows 11 Pro license directly from Microsoft.

Until now, Microsoft has only licensed Windows versions of Arm directly to OEMs, making it challenging for M1 and M2 users to run it in a virtual machine. Microsoft’s decision to authorize Parallels to support Windows 11 on Apple’s latest Macs is a step beyond what it has done previously.

These virtual machines are hosted in the cloud and offer a more efficient and secure experience, albeit requiring a fast and stable internet connection and a monthly subscription fee. However, for those who want better performance and security than running Windows 11 locally, there is the option of using Windows 365 Cloud PCs. Microsoft writes on the related support page that the “Arm version of Windows 11 has limitations that can impact your ability to use various types of hardware, games, and apps, including those that rely on DirectX 12 or OpenG元.3 or greater“. These include reduced performance, hardware compatibility issues, and licensing costs. While this is a significant development for Mac users, there are still some limitations and drawbacks to running Windows 11 in a virtual machine. Limitations with Windows 11 as a Virtual Machine on Macs The partnership will allow Mac users to have the best of both worlds, running both macOS and Windows 11 on the same device. With just a single click, users can download and install Windows 11 and enjoy full application compatibility. Parallels Desktop version 18 has been authorized by Microsoft to run the Arm versions of Windows 11 on Apple’s latest Macs. This is great news for Mac users who want to take advantage of Windows 11’s features and applications.Ī new Microsoft support page for using Windows 11 with Mac computers with Apple M1 and M2 chips provides more information. The announcement means that users can access and use Windows 11 on their Macs without having to buy a new PC or use a cloud-based service.

Microsoft has teamed up with Parallels, a top provider of virtualization software for macOS, to bring Windows 11 to Apple’s latest M1 and M2 Macs, according to a blog post from Parallels.

Parallels desktop mac m1