The Ultimate Solution: Windows 11 in a virtual machine + Parallels Desktop + Mac Computers with Apple silicon

Parallels Desktop is the first solution authorized by Microsoft for using Arm versions of Windows 11 on Mac with Apple Silicon.   

It is now listed as an authorized solution with Microsoft Support, so you can feel confident in your own set-up as well as supporting users that need to host Arm versions of Windows 11 applications in a virtualized environment on Mac with Apple silicon. 

What does this mean for you? 

IT leaders can now enable their users to run Windows 11 on Arm with Parallels Desktop for Mac, with the assurance that Microsoft has authorized this solution.   

Whether user devices are owned and managed by the employee/contractor or the organization’s IT department, Parallels Desktop bridges the technology gap between the two operating systems by enabling a virtualized environment capable of running Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise editions as a guest operating system on Mac with Apple silicon.  

Parallels Desktop is the first solution to be authorized and listed by Microsoft, so IT leaders can feel confident in supporting users that need to host Arm versions of Windows 11 applications in a virtualized environment on Mac with Apple silicon.  

Ready to get started? Try Parallels Desktop for Mac now

User perspective + challenges 

Mac users are passionate about their devices, but often become frustrated when they need to access applications that are only available or perform best on Windows operating systems  

For example, how can a field engineer that prefers a Mac access a Windows-based application such as AutoCAD, Matlab, ArcGIS, or SolidWorks? Or perhaps power users of Excel or PowerPoint may prefer the Windows versions as well.  

In many environments, this means that a Windows device is required as the primary device, regardless of user preference.   

Another option is getting a second laptop. Even though laptops are small and lightweight, carrying two laptops and synchronizing files is an unnecessary hassle.   

Either way, users are not content and potentially less productive, but organizations still need to find a way for their teams to access niche applications. 

Developing in a Windows environment, on a Mac 

Similarly, how can application developers utilize their Mac devices to access a locally installed Windows 11 guest operating system for development work?   

Whether the developer is a contractor or an employee, they need to install tools such as Visual Studio or Notepad++ and/or create and test Windows code in a segregated environment.   

Especially within small enterprises, a centralized virtual machine or device may add complexity to development efforts.   

A much better alternative is to allow the user to choose their favored device type, e.g., a Mac, and enable Windows-based applications to run in a virtualized environment with Parallels Desktop.  

After installation, the Windows 11 operating system can be run in a virtualized environment by the user on a dedicated resource.  

This way both the host and guest can function independently without relying on each other, and files and system resources can be shared between macOS and Windows.   

Then, the desired Windows application(s) and tools can be installed on Windows 11, providing the best of both worlds for the end user.  

H2: Windows 11 licensing  

Licensing the Windows 11 operating system that runs on the Mac device is straightforward.   

The same volume licensing system that addresses enterprise licensing, such as Key Management Services (KMS), can be used to provide Pro or Enterprise licenses to the Windows 11 guest operating system.  

Frequently asked questions 

1. What will change for users of Parallels Desktop for Mac?

New users must download and install the latest version of Parallels Desktop to get started running Arm versions of Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise.  

Existing Parallels Desktop users can continue to use Windows without making changes to their current set-up on their devices. However, if you are not using one of the supported editions of Windows, we recommend upgrading to Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise. 

2. Do I have to purchase a new version of Parallels Desktop to access the version certified by Microsoft? 

If you run Parallels Desktop 17 or a later version, you can continue to use Parallels Desktop on Mac with Apple silicon or Apple M-series Mac with Apple silicon. 

3. Do existing users have to upgrade their Parallels Desktop SKU? 

All Parallels Desktop SKUs (Standard, Pro, Business) are supported by Parallels for users to run Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise with Apple Silicon. 

4.Do Parallels Desktop users have to purchase new Windows product keys? 

You will be able to bring your own Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise product keys if they have a key that can be used to activate Windows.  

5. How can I purchase Windows product keys if I don’t have one? 

Organizations can purchase Windows 11 through their normal Windows procurement process. Individuals can buy Windows 11 Pro through the Microsoft site.  

6.I have a working version of Parallels Desktop with Windows 11, can I continue to use it? 

Existing Parallels Desktop users can continue to use Windows without changing their current set-up on their devices. However, if you are not using one of the compatible editions, we recommend upgrading to Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise. 

7. Can I install other Windows editions? 

We recommend installing Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise. 

8. How can I get Windows for my Mac with Apple silicon now? 

End users will be able to download and install Windows 11 Pro in two simple steps with Parallels Desktop for Mac. 

IT administrators and organizations deploying Windows Enterprise will require a volume license agreement and will be able to download Windows from Microsoft. You can download this from the Microsoft 365 admin center.  

9. Are there known issues or limitations with Parallels Desktop used with Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise on Mac with Apple silicon? 

Some Windows 11 features may not be available or fully functional when running Windows 11 in a virtualized environment. Access our knowledge base to learn more. 

Ready to jump right in? Learn more about our Microsoft certification and get your free trial of Parallels Desktop!  

Recap: Parallels Desktop is the only Microsoft-authorized solution for running Windows on Mac 

The Parallels Desktop team is proud to be the only solution certified by Microsoft to run Windows on Mac, so you can be confident in choosing it for your own use as well as advising your organization, customers, or teams to use Parallels Desktop. 

Parallels Desktop empowers you with: