How to Run Linux on Mac (Apple Silicon and Intel)

Yes, you can run Linux on a Mac. On Apple silicon Macs (M1 through M4), the two main options are running Linux in a virtual machine using Parallels Desktop or installing Asahi Linux natively alongside macOS. A virtual machine is the simplest option for most users because it lets you run Linux and macOS at the same time without rebooting. With Parallels Desktop, you can install Ubuntu or Fedora in just a few clicks and start using Linux in about 10 minutes. This guide compares both approaches, explains when each makes sense, and shows you how to install Linux on Mac using Parallels Desktop.

Ways to Run Linux on Mac: Virtual Machine vs. Native Installation (Asahi Linux)

Mac users have two practical ways to run Linux. The first is a virtual machine using Parallels Desktop, which runs Linux inside a window on your Mac alongside macOS with no reboot required. The second is Asahi Linux, a native Linux distribution built for Apple silicon that installs directly onto Mac hardware. Parallels Desktop VM: Linux and macOS run simultaneously. You can copy and paste between them, share files, and switch apps with a click. Best for developers who need Linux tools while keeping their Mac apps available. For a detailed VM setup walkthrough, see the Linux virtual machine guide. Asahi Linux (native): Installs directly on Apple silicon hardware for bare-metal performance with no macOS overhead. Requires repartitioning the drive and some technical comfort. Hardware support is still maturing on some Mac models.

How to Install Linux on Mac with Parallels Desktop (One-Click)

Parallels Desktop 26.1 introduced expanded Linux compatibility on Apple silicon Macs, including expanded Linux kernel compatibility. Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and Fedora 40 install in one click from the Parallels new VM wizard with no ISO download required.

1. Download and install Parallels Desktop for Mac — a 14-day free trial is available. For developers running Linux alongside resource-intensive Mac workflows, Parallels Desktop Pro is recommended for its higher RAM and virtual CPU (vCPU) limits.
2. Open Parallels Desktop and click New to create a virtual machine.
3. Select Ubuntu 24.04 LTS or Fedora 40 from the one-click options. Parallels downloads and installs the OS automatically.
4. When setup completes, Linux opens in a Parallels window alongside macOS. No reboot required.
5. Install your Linux tools and packages as normal. Shared folders and clipboard sync between macOS and Linux are enabled by default.

Parallels Desktop supports a wide range of Linux distributions on Apple silicon and Intel Macs. The current options and their installation methods are:

Best Linux Distributions for Apple Silicon Macs

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is the most widely tested distribution on Apple silicon and the default recommendation for most users. One-click install via Parallels Desktop; Arm support is mature. Fedora 40 is popular with developers who prefer GNOME and up-to-date packages. Also one-click in Parallels Desktop; runs well on M-series chips. Debian 12 installs via ISO and is a strong choice for server workloads and lightweight environments. Fully supported in a Parallels VM on Apple silicon. Kali Linux is available for Apple silicon and installs via ISO in Parallels Desktop. The standard choice for security testing and penetration testing on Mac. Asahi Linux is the only distribution that runs natively on Apple silicon without a VM. It is a community project; GPU acceleration and some hardware features are still in development. Check the Asahi Linux site for your specific Mac model before installing.

Ready to run Linux on your Mac? Try Parallels Desktop free for 14 days and get Ubuntu or Fedora running in minutes. For power users and developers, Parallels Desktop Pro unlocks higher RAM and CPU allocation for demanding Linux workloads.

FAQ

Can you run Linux on a Mac?

Yes. Linux runs on both Intel and Apple silicon Macs. On Apple silicon (M1 through M4), the two main options are a Parallels Desktop virtual machine — which runs Linux alongside macOS without rebooting — or Asahi Linux installed natively. Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, and Kali Linux are all supported.

How do I install Linux on Apple silicon Mac?

The fastest way is through Parallels Desktop, which offers one-click installation of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and Fedora 40 on any Apple silicon Mac. Download Parallels Desktop, open the New VM wizard, select your distribution, and Parallels installs it automatically in about 10 minutes. For a native install without a VM, Asahi Linux supports Apple silicon, though hardware support varies by Mac model.

Is Linux fast on Mac with Parallels?

Yes, for most developer workloads. Linux runs at near-native speed in a Parallels Desktop virtual machine on M-series Macs because Parallels uses hardware virtualization, not emulation. CLI tools, compilers, Docker containers, and web servers all perform at full Arm speed. See Parallels Desktop Pro for higher RAM and CPU limits if running demanding Linux workloads.

Does Parallels Desktop support Linux on M1, M2, M3, and M4 Macs?

Yes. Parallels Desktop supports Linux virtual machines on all Apple silicon Macs from M1 through M4. Parallels Desktop 26.1 introduced expanded Linux kernel compatibility for future Apple silicon generations. See what's new in Parallels Desktop 26.1 for details.

What Linux distributions work with Parallels Desktop on Mac?

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and Fedora 40 install in one click. Debian 12, Kali Linux, and many other Arm-compatible distributions install via ISO. CentOS and Linux Mint are no longer in the Parallels free systems library. See the distribution table above for a current list.