Run Windows 11 on Apple M1/M2 Macs: How Parallels Makes It Possible

Microsoft has partnered with virtualization software Parallels to allow Arm versions of Windows 11 to run in virtual environments on Apple M1 and M2 Macs.

Parallels Desktop 18 provides a licensed solution that runs Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise without rebooting, offering over 40 one‑click tools to simplify daily tasks on both Intel and Apple‑silicon Macs.

Previously, Microsoft only licensed Arm Windows to OEMs, leaving M1/M2 users without support. Parallels also adds a virtual TPM to meet Windows 11’s security requirements.

Microsoft notes that the Arm version of Windows 11 has limitations, such as reduced compatibility with hardware, games, and applications that rely on DirectX 12 or OpenGL 3.3, and it does not support 32‑bit Arm apps from the Windows Store.

Licensing is available through normal Windows procurement for enterprises, while individuals can purchase a $199 Windows 11 Pro license directly from Microsoft.

Apple’s native Boot Camp does not work on M1/M2 Macs, and Microsoft also offers Windows 365 Cloud PC as a cloud‑hosted alternative with full application compatibility.

For more details, see Microsoft’s official announcement: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/options-for-using-windows-11-with-mac-computers-with-apple-m1-and-m2-chips-cd15fd62-9b34-4b78-b0bc-121baa3c568c