Microsoft and Parallels Enable Windows 11 on Apple M1 and M2 Macs via Virtualization

Microsoft has partnered with virtualization software provider Parallels to permit the Arm version of Windows 11 Pro and Windows 11 Enterprise to run in virtual environments on Apple M1 and M2 Macs. Parallels Desktop 18 is presented as a licensed solution for this purpose.

Previously, Microsoft only licensed the Arm edition of Windows to OEMs, leaving M1 and M2 users without official support. Parallels states that Parallels Desktop 18 can run Windows on Intel or Apple‑silicon Macs without rebooting and includes more than 40 one‑click tools to simplify everyday tasks on both macOS and Windows.

Since Parallels Desktop 16.5, support for Windows on M1 chips existed, but the latest version enables one‑click download and installation of Windows 11. The Mac‑optimized version supports MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, and Mac Studio, and uses a virtual TPM paired with Apple silicon to meet Windows 11 TPM and Secure Boot requirements.

Microsoft notes that the Arm version of Windows 11 has certain limitations that may affect hardware, games, and applications, especially those relying on DirectX 12 or OpenGL 3.3 or higher. Because M1/M2 Macs do not support 32‑bit Arm apps from the Windows Store, the preferred experience is running 64‑bit Arm apps, with optional x64 or x86 emulation for needed legacy software.

Parallels indicates that enterprises can now purchase Windows 11 licenses through normal procurement channels, while individual users can buy a $199 Windows 11 Pro license directly from Microsoft. Microsoft has not yet clarified the specific licensing rules.

It is worth mentioning that Apple previously offered a native solution, Boot Camp, for installing and running Windows on Intel‑based Macs, but this does not apply to M1 or M2 Macs, and Apple shows no sign of developing a similar tool.

Microsoft also provides an alternative for accessing Windows 11 on M1 and M2 Macs via Windows 365 Cloud PC, a cloud‑hosted virtual machine that offers full application compatibility.

For more details, see the official announcement: Microsoft Support .