How to Run Windows 11 on Apple Silicon Mac

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to run Windows 11 on Apple Silicon Macs, including M1, M2, M3, and M4 chips.

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TL;DR

• You can run Windows 11 on Apple Silicon Macs using virtualization software like Parallels Desktop. No dual boot or separate PC required. 
• Apple Silicon uses ARM architecture, so you need Windows 11 ARM edition. Parallels Desktop provides Microsoft-authorized support for this. 
• Most Windows applications run on ARM Windows via Microsoft's Prism emulation layer, which automatically translates x86 and x64 apps. 
• Setup takes under 15 minutes: Parallels Desktop downloads and installs Windows 11 ARM with two-click provisioning. 
• Key integration features like Coherence mode, shared folders, and clipboard sharing make Windows apps feel native on macOS.

Understanding Windows 11 on Apple Silicon Macs

Before you install anything, it helps to understand what makes Windows 11 on Apple Silicon different from running Windows on older Intel Macs.

Why Apple Silicon changes the Windows story

Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, M4, and future M-series chips) use ARM architecture instead of the x86_64 architecture that Intel Macs used. This matters because:

• Windows 11 comes in ARM and x86/x64 versions. For Apple Silicon, you need the ARM version.
• Microsoft officially supports Windows 11 ARM on Mac through Parallels Desktop. This is the only Microsoft-authorized virtualization solution for running Windows 11 on Apple Silicon.
• Your Windows applications still work. Windows 11 ARM includes Prism, Microsoft's emulation layer that runs x86 and x64 Windows apps on ARM processors. Recent updates added AVX and AVX2 instruction support, expanding compatibility significantly.

The practical outcome is straightforward: modern Apple Silicon Macs run Windows 11 ARM efficiently, and most Windows apps work without special configuration.

What about Boot Camp?

Boot Camp isn’t an option for Apple Silicon Macs. It worked on Intel because both macOS and Windows ran on the same x86 architecture. Apple silicon changed that.

On M-series Macs, virtualization is the modern approach, and honestly, it’s the better one:

• Run Windows and macOS at the same time, no reboot required
• Move files, copy and paste, and share printers easily
• Take snapshots before updates or testing something risky
• Remove Windows anytime without touching your Mac setup

If you’re coming from an Intel Mac and dual-booting with Boot Camp, this will feel different at first. But once you get used to switching between systems instantly instead of restarting, it’s hard to go back.

Performance expectations on Apple Silicon

I was honestly surprised by how well Apple Silicon (the M-series chips) runs Windows 11. M-series chips are fast and more than capable of running a modern Windows VM without turning your Mac into a space heater.

Here’s what I’ve noticed: 

• The CPU is snappy enough for regular Windows apps and dev tools. No annoying lag
• 8 GB of RAM is the bare minimum, but if you can ramp up to 16 GB, multitasking feels a lot cleaner 
• The integrated graphics aren’t going to ‘wow’ you, but they’ve been good for business software 

For everyday stuff like coding, spreadsheets, or accounting software, I barely notice I’m on a VM. Sure, it’s not going to replace a gaming PC or a serious 3D workstation, but for day-to-day Windows tasks? No complaints. It’s genuinely solid.

Choose your approach: Virtual machine vs alternatives

Most people running Windows on Apple Silicon Macs use virtualization, but it helps to understand all your options.

Virtual machine (recommended for most users)

A virtual machine runs Windows 11 in an isolated environment on your Mac. You can run both operating systems simultaneously, share resources between them, and remove Windows without affecting macOS.

Go with virtualization if any of these sound like you:

• You rely on certain Windows programs for your job, your classes, or a particular task.
• You want to jump back and forth between macOS and Windows, and don’t want to bother restarting your computer each time.
• You like the idea of being able to roll back changes easily, snapshots are a lifesaver if something goes wrong.
• You’d rather get things running with minimal fuss, instead of tinkering with complicated settings.

Personally, I’ve found Parallels Desktop to be the easiest way to set this up. As far as I know, it’s the only Microsoft-approved option for running Windows 11 on Apple silicon, and it’s designed exactly for this use case.

Remote desktop or cloud Windows PC

Windows runs on a remote server (your company's infrastructure or a cloud service like Azure or AWS). You connect through Remote Desktop Protocol or a browser.

Remote Windows is a good fit if:

• Your company already provides you with a Windows setup you can log into remotely.
• You just need to hop into Windows now and then, maybe for a specific app or task.
• Most of your work happens in browsers or on remote servers, so you don’t really need Windows running on your own machine.
• You’re not dealing with big Windows files that need to be stored locally.

This setup is great for connecting to your company’s Windows environment, as long as your internet is solid. Just keep in mind, there can be a bit of lag since everything’s happening over the netw

CrossOver (limited compatibility)

CrossOver runs some Windows applications without installing Windows. It uses Wine technology to translate Windows API calls to macOS equivalents.

CrossOver might make sense if:

• There’s just one Windows app you need, and you know for sure it runs well with CrossOver.
• You’d rather skip the whole Windows licensing process altogether.
• You’re okay with the fact that a lot of Windows programs either won’t work at all, or might be glitchy.

Honestly, CrossOver can be a bit unpredictable. If you need something that just works with a wide range of Windows apps on Apple silicon, running a full Windows 11 virtual machine is usually the safer bet.

What you need before you start

Getting Windows 11 up and running on your Mac goes a lot smoother if you’re set up properly from the start. Most headaches happen when you don’t have enough storage, run into licensing confusion, or skip a few basic checks.

Mac hardware requirements

Make sure your Mac checks these boxes:

• Apple Silicon chip: Any of the M-series chips will do—M1, M2, M3, M4, or any of the Pro, Max, or Ultra versions. I’ve found Windows 11 ARM runs well across the board.
• RAM: You’ll want at least 8 GB for light Windows use, but if you plan to juggle a bunch of apps or run heavier programs, 16 GB (or more) is definitely worth it.
• Storage space: Set aside at least 60–80 GB for Windows itself, your apps, and future updates. If you deal with big files or like to install lots of programs, I’d aim for 100–120 GB just to be safe.
• macOS version: It’s always a good idea to keep your Mac updated. Parallels Desktop works with several recent versions, but sticking with the latest macOS usually means fewer problems.

Windows 11 licensing

You’ll need a legit Windows 11 license to get things running on your Mac. There are a few ways to go about this:

• Purchase directly during setup: Parallels Desktop lets you buy a Windows 11 license during installation. This is the simplest path if you don't already have a license.
• Use an existing Windows 11 license: If you have a Windows 11 license from another device, you may be able to use it on your Mac. Check Microsoft's licensing terms for transferability.
• Volume licensing: Organizations with Microsoft volume licensing agreements can use those licenses for Windows VMs on Mac.
• Trial period: You can install Windows 11 without activating it initially to test compatibility, but you'll need to activate with a valid license for full functionality and to stay compliant.

Windows 11 requires activation for full access to personalization features and to stay properly licensed. Budget for this as part of your setup if you don't already own a license.

Download Parallels Desktop

Before you install Windows, get Parallels Desktop:

1. Visit the Parallels Desktop website
2. Download the installer (free trial available)
3. Open the downloaded file and follow the installation prompts
4. Launch Parallels Desktop when installation completes

Parallels Desktop handles the Windows 11 ARM download and installation automatically in the next steps, so you don't need to manually find or download a Windows ISO file.

Quick pre-installation checklist

Before you click install:

• Confirm you have 60-80 GB free storage on your Mac
• Close resource-heavy applications to free up RAM
• Connect to reliable internet (Windows 11 download is several GB)
• Have your Windows license information ready, or plan to purchase during setup
• Back up your Mac with Time Machine or your preferred backup method

With these items confirmed, the installation process takes 15-30 minutes depending on your internet speed.

How to install Windows 11 on Apple Silicon with Parallels Desktop

Parallels Desktop automates most of the Windows 11 setup process. Instead of manually configuring virtual hardware or finding Windows installation media, you follow a guided wizard that handles technical details automatically.

Step-by-step installation

Here's the complete installation process:

1. Open Parallels Desktop Installation Assistant

Start up Parallels Desktop, and you should see the Installation Assistant pop up right away. If it doesn’t, just head to File > New to get started.

2. Select “Get Windows 11 from Microsoft”

Parallels makes things easy by letting you download Windows 11 ARM straight from Microsoft. Just pick this option—it’s definitely the simplest way to go.

3. Review and confirm your VM settings

You’ll see some suggested defaults, like:

• Name: Windows 11 (feel free to rename it)
• Location: Where your virtual machine file will live
• CPU: 4 virtual cores (you can tweak this)
• RAM: 8 GB (adjust as needed, depending on how much your Mac has)
• Disk: 60 GB (and yes, you can expand this later if you need more room)

For most people, these settings work just fine. You can always adjust them now, or later after everything’s set up.

4. Start the installation

Click “Create” and Parallels will take care of the rest:

• It’ll download Windows 11 ARM for you
• Set up the virtual machine
• Install Windows 11 automatically
• And install Parallels Tools for better integration

Depending on your internet speed, this usually takes anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.

5. Complete the Windows setup

Once the installation is done, Windows 11 will start up and guide you through the initial setup steps:

• Pick your region and keyboard layout
• Sign in with (or make) a Microsoft account
• Go through the privacy settings
• Set your preferences

6. Activate Windows

When prompted, pop in your Windows 11 license key. If you don’t have one yet, you can buy a license through the Windows activation screen, or just continue for now, you can always activate later.

What happens during installation

Behind the scenes, Parallels Desktop:

• Downloads the official Windows 11 ARM installer from Microsoft
• Creates a virtual machine configured for Apple Silicon
• Allocates CPU, RAM, and storage from your Mac's resources
• Installs Parallels Tools automatically for macOS integration
• Configures network access, display settings, and device sharing

You don't need to understand virtualization technology to complete this process. The Installation Assistant handles technical configuration automatically.

First boot and Parallels Tools

After installation completes, Windows 11 starts for the first time. Parallels Tools should install automatically, enabling:

• Better mouse and keyboard behavior
• Proper display resolution and scaling
• Shared folders between macOS and Windows
• Clipboard sharing for copy and paste
• Coherence mode (run Windows apps like Mac apps)

If Parallels Tools doesn't install automatically, install it manually: click Actions > Install Parallels Tools in the menu while Windows is running.

Post-install setup: Integrate Windows with macOS

Your first Windows boot is functional, but a few configuration changes make Windows feel integrated with macOS rather than isolated in a separate environment.

Enable Coherence mode

Coherence mode is Parallels Desktop's signature feature. It hides the Windows desktop and runs Windows applications directly on your Mac desktop, as if they were native Mac apps.

To enable Coherence mode:

1. Click the View menu in Parallels Desktop
2. Select "Enter Coherence"
3. The Windows desktop disappears, but Windows apps remain visible

In Coherence mode:

• Windows application windows appear alongside Mac windows
• The Windows taskbar integrates into your Mac menu bar
• Windows apps appear in macOS Mission Control and Spaces
• You can open Windows files from Finder

Coherence mode makes Windows apps feel like Mac apps. It's the most popular view mode for users who primarily need Windows applications rather than the full Windows desktop environment.

If you prefer the traditional full Windows desktop, use Window mode or Full Screen mode instead. You can switch between modes anytime.

Configure shared folders

Shared folders let you access the same files from both macOS and Windows. Instead of copying files between systems, you work with one set of files accessible from both environments.

To set up shared folders:

1. Go to Parallels Desktop > Configure > Options > Sharing
2. Under "Share Mac," choose which Mac folders to make available in Windows
3. Common choices: Desktop, Documents, Downloads, and project folders

Your shared Mac folders appear in Windows File Explorer under "Network" or as mapped drives. You can save Windows files directly to Mac folders and access Mac files from Windows applications.

Best practice: Store your working files in shared folders by default. This makes them easy to back up (macOS backups include them) and accessible from both systems without manual file transfers.

Set up clipboard sharing

Clipboard sharing lets you copy content in macOS and paste in Windows, or vice versa.

Clipboard sharing should be enabled by default. To verify:

1. Go to Parallels Desktop > Configure > Options > Sharing
2. Confirm "Share Mac clipboard" is checked

Test it: Copy text from a Mac application and paste into a Windows application. Copy from Windows and paste into a Mac app. Both directions should work smoothly.

Configure printers and USB devices

Parallels Desktop can share your Mac's printers with Windows automatically:

1. Go to Parallels Desktop > Configure > Hardware > USB & Bluetooth
2. Ensure printer sharing is enabled
3. In Windows, your Mac's printers appear in the printer list

For USB devices:

• External drives: Appear in both macOS and Windows by default
• USB peripherals: You can choose whether they connect to macOS, Windows, or both
• USB security keys: Can be shared with Windows for authentication

When you plug in a USB device, Parallels Desktop asks whether to connect it to Mac, Windows, or both.

Adjust Windows performance settings

Fine-tune Windows performance based on how you use it:

For better Windows performance:

• Allocate more CPU cores (4-6 cores for demanding apps)
• Increase RAM allocation (12-16 GB if your Mac has 32 GB total)
• Enable "Faster virtual machine" optimization in Performance settings

For better Mac performance:

• Use fewer CPU cores (2-3 cores for light Windows use)
• Reduce RAM allocation (6-8 GB)
• Enable "Longer battery life" optimization on MacBooks

You can change these settings anytime: Parallels Desktop > Configure > Hardware.

Starting point for most users: 4 CPU cores, 8 GB RAM. Adjust up or down based on whether Windows or macOS feels slow during actual use.

Running Windows applications on Apple Silicon

The main reason to install Windows 11 on your Mac is to run Windows applications. Here's what you need to know about app compatibility and performance.

How Windows apps work on ARM

Windows 11 ARM runs three types of applications:

• ARM64 native apps: Built specifically for ARM processors. These run at full native speed with best performance and battery efficiency.
• x64 apps: 64-bit Intel applications. Windows 11 translates these using the Prism emulation layer. Performance is good for most productivity apps.
• x86 apps: 32-bit Intel applications. Also translated by Prism. Generally work well, though very old apps may have compatibility issues.

Microsoft's Prism emulation is sophisticated. Recent updates added support for AVX and AVX2 instructions, which expanded compatibility significantly. Most Windows applications run without modification or special configuration.

Which apps work well

These categories typically work well on Windows 11 ARM:

Productivity applications:

• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
• Communication tools (Zoom, Teams, Slack)

Development tools:

• Visual Studio Code
• Git and GitHub Desktop
• Docker Desktop (ARM version)
• Python, Node.js, and many programming languages
• Database tools and SQL clients

Business software:

• QuickBooks
• Sage accounting software
• Industry-specific applications (check vendor documentation)
• Custom business applications (may need testing)

Creative tools:

• Affinity Designer, Photo, and Publisher
• Many Adobe Creative Cloud apps (check current compatibility)
• DaVinci Resolve
• Video editing and audio production tools (performance varies)

Apps that may have limitations

Some application categories have compatibility constraints:

Heavy 3D applications:

• CAD software with intensive 3D rendering
• Engineering simulation tools
• Professional 3D modeling applications

These apps often work but may perform slower than on dedicated Windows hardware with discrete GPUs.

High-end gaming:

• DirectX 12 games with advanced graphics
• Games with anti-cheat software that blocks virtualization
• VR applications

Gaming on Windows 11 ARM in Parallels Desktop works for casual and older games, but it's not a replacement for a gaming PC.

Legacy software:

• Applications that haven't been updated in 10+ years
• Software that uses very old Windows APIs
• Programs that require specific legacy hardware

Before you buy software: If you need a specific Windows application on Apple Silicon, check the vendor's documentation for ARM compatibility or test it with Parallels Desktop's free trial first.

Finding ARM-native Windows apps

For best performance, choose ARM-native Windows applications when available:

• Check the software vendor's website for ARM versions
• Look for "ARM64" or "Windows on ARM" in download options
• Microsoft Store apps increasingly offer ARM-native versions

ARM-native apps deliver better performance and battery life than translated x64 apps, but the difference is often subtle for typical productivity work.

Performance optimization and best practices

Once Windows is running, a few adjustments keep both macOS and Windows performing well.

Resource allocation guidelines

Balance resources between macOS and Windows based on your actual usage:

Light Windows use (email, web browsing, Office):

• 2-3 CPU cores
• 4-6 GB RAM
• Parallels Desktop's "Longer battery life" mode

Moderate Windows use (development, business apps, multitasking):

• 4 CPU cores
• 8 GB RAM
• Balanced performance settings

Heavy Windows use (demanding apps, multiple Windows programs):

• 6-8 CPU cores
• 12-16 GB RAM (if your Mac has 32 GB total)
• "Faster virtual machine" optimization

Rule of thumb: Leave at least 4 GB RAM and 2 CPU cores for macOS. If either operating system feels slow, you've allocated too aggressively.

Storage management

Your Windows VM grows over time as you install applications and create files:

• Monitor VM size: Check the virtual disk size periodically in Parallels Desktop settings
• Expand proactively: Increase the virtual disk before you run low on Windows storage
• Use shared folders for large files: Store large documents, media, and projects in shared Mac folders instead of inside the Windows VM
• Regular Windows maintenance: Run Disk Cleanup in Windows to remove temporary files and old updates

The VM disk file lives on your Mac's storage, so your Mac needs available space for the VM to grow.

Snapshot strategy

Snapshots save your VM's complete state at a point in time. You can roll back if something breaks.

When to take snapshots:

• After clean Windows installation and activation, before installing applications
• After installing critical software, when everything works well
• Before major Windows updates
• Before testing new software or making system changes
• Before security testing or running untrusted software

Snapshot management:

• Don't keep every snapshot forever (they consume storage)
• Delete old snapshots you don't need anymore
• Keep 2-3 key snapshots: clean install, current stable state, and recent backup

Snapshots turn experimentation from risky to reversible. They're one of virtualization's biggest advantages over dual boot or physical PCs.

Windows Update management

Keep Windows updated for security and compatibility:

• Automatic updates: Windows Update runs automatically by default
• Restart timing: Schedule Windows restarts during times you're not using it
• Update delays: If a Windows update causes issues, roll back to a snapshot taken before the update
• Jamf integration: IT administrators can manage Windows updates inside VMs using Parallels' Jamf Pro integration

Major Windows updates (feature updates released twice yearly) can take 30-60 minutes. Take a snapshot before starting these updates.

Battery life on MacBooks

Running Windows on a MacBook affects battery life. Here's how to manage it:

When you need battery life:

• Quit Windows completely when not using it (don't leave it paused)
• Use Parallels Desktop's "Longer battery life" power mode
• Close unused Windows applications
• Lower Windows screen brightness

When you're plugged in:

• Use "Faster virtual machine" mode for better performance
• Run more demanding Windows applications
• Keep Windows running if you switch back and forth frequently

Shutting down Windows completely when you're done gives you normal Mac battery life. Leaving Windows paused in the background still consumes some resources.

Common issues and solutions

Even well-configured Windows 11 installations hit occasional bumps. Here's how to troubleshoot the most common issues.

Windows activation problems

Problem: Windows shows "Activate Windows" watermark or activation fails.

Solutions:

• Verify you're using a valid Windows 11 license key (Windows 10 keys don't always work for Windows 11)
• Check your internet connection (activation requires contacting Microsoft servers)
• Try activating by phone if internet activation fails (Settings > System > Activation > Activate by phone)
• Contact Microsoft support if you purchased your license from Microsoft and activation fails

Note: Windows can run without activation, but you'll have limited personalization options and a persistent watermark. You need to activate for full functionality and proper licensing compliance.

Slow Windows performance

Problem: Windows feels sluggish, applications load slowly, or both systems lag.

Troubleshooting steps:

1. Check resource allocation: Parallels Desktop > Configure > Hardware. Ensure Windows has enough RAM (8 GB minimum) and CPU (4 cores recommended).
2. Close unnecessary apps: Quit applications you're not using in both macOS and Windows to free up resources.
3. Check Mac storage: Your Mac needs free storage space for the VM to work efficiently. Aim for at least 20 GB free.
4. Update Parallels Tools: Outdated Parallels Tools can cause performance issues. Go to Actions > Install Parallels Tools to update.
5. Restart both systems: Sometimes a simple restart of Windows or your entire Mac resolves performance issues.
6. Check Activity Monitor: Open macOS Activity Monitor to see if another process is consuming excessive resources.

Application compatibility issues

Problem: A specific Windows application won't install, crashes, or doesn't work correctly.

Steps to try:

• Check ARM compatibility: Search online for "[app name] Windows ARM" to see if others have tested it successfully
• Try compatibility mode: Right-click the app's .exe file > Properties > Compatibility tab > Run compatibility troubleshooting
• Update the application: Check for newer versions that may have better ARM support
• Contact the vendor: Ask the software vendor if they support Windows 11 ARM or have recommendations

If the app absolutely won't work: Consider whether you can use a web version, find a Mac alternative, or access the app through a remote Windows server instead.

Network connectivity issues

Problem: Windows can't connect to the internet or network resources.

Solutions:

• Check network mode: Parallels Desktop > Configure > Hardware > Network. Try switching between "Shared Network" and "Bridged Network"
• Restart Windows: Network settings sometimes need a reboot to take effect
• Check macOS connection: Verify your Mac itself has working internet
• Disable VPN temporarily: Some VPN configurations interfere with VM networking
• Reset Windows network settings: Windows Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset

Coherence mode problems

Problem: Coherence mode doesn't work properly, Windows apps don't appear correctly, or the view is glitchy.

Fixes:

• Update Parallels Tools: Outdated Tools often cause Coherence issues. Install or update from Actions > Install Parallels Tools
• Restart in Coherence mode: Exit Coherence (View > Exit Coherence), restart Windows, then re-enter Coherence mode
• Try Window mode: If Coherence continues having issues, use Window mode instead (View > Window)
• Check display settings: Ensure Windows display scaling is set to 100% or 125% for best Coherence compatibility

Shared folders not appearing

Problem: Mac folders don't appear in Windows or files aren't syncing properly.

Troubleshooting:

• Verify sharing is enabled: Parallels Desktop > Configure > Options > Sharing > confirm "Share Mac" is turned on
• Check folder permissions: Ensure the Mac folders you're sharing don't have restrictive permissions
• Restart Parallels Tools: Sometimes the shared folders service needs a restart. Reboot Windows to reset it
• Map as network drive: In Windows File Explorer, manually map your Mac folders as a network drive if they don't appear automatically

Get Windows 11 running on your Apple Silicon Mac today

Running Windows 11 on Apple Silicon Macs is more practical than most people expect. You don't need a separate PC, you don't need to dual boot, and you don't need advanced technical knowledge.

Parallels Desktop handles the complex parts automatically: downloading Windows 11 ARM from Microsoft, configuring the virtual machine for Apple Silicon, and enabling integration features that make Windows apps feel macOS native on. The whole setup takes less than 30 minutes from start to first Windows application launch.

Whether you need Windows for work, school, specific software, or compatibility testing, virtualization gives you full Windows functionality without sacrificing your Mac experience. You keep macOS as your primary environment, run Windows apps when you need them, and shut down Windows completely when you're done.

Ready to start?

Download the Parallels Desktop free trial and have Windows 11 running on your Apple Silicon Mac in under 15 minutes. No credit card required for the trial.

Frequently asked questions

Can you run Windows 11 on Apple Silicon Macs?

Yes. Windows 11 ARM runs on all Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, M4, and all Pro, Max, and Ultra variants) using virtualization software. Parallels Desktop provides Microsoft-authorized support for Windows 11 on Apple Silicon and handles installation automatically.

Do I need to buy Windows separately?

Yes, you need a valid Windows 11 license to run Windows on your Mac. You can purchase a license during Parallels Desktop installation, use an existing Windows 11 license if you have one, or run Windows temporarily without activation to test compatibility first. Windows requires activation for full functionality and proper licensing compliance.

Will my Windows apps work on Apple Silicon?

Most Windows applications work on Apple Silicon through Windows 11 ARM's Prism emulation layer, which translates x86 and x64 applications automatically. Productivity apps, development tools, business software, and many creative applications work well. Heavy 3D applications, high-end gaming, and very old legacy software may have limitations. Test critical applications with Parallels Desktop's free trial before committing.

How much RAM do I need for Windows 11 on Mac?

Your Mac should have 16 GB RAM minimum for comfortable Windows use, with 8 GB allocated to Windows and 8 GB left for macOS. If your Mac has 8 GB total RAM, you can run Windows but performance will be limited. Macs with 32 GB or more RAM can allocate 12-16 GB to Windows for demanding applications while keeping macOS responsive.

Is Parallels Desktop better than Boot Camp for Apple Silicon?

Boot Camp is not available on Apple Silicon Macs. It only worked on Intel Macs. For Apple Silicon, Parallels Desktop is the recommended solution and provides several advantages: run Windows and macOS simultaneously without rebooting, share files and clipboard between systems, take snapshots before risky changes, and remove Windows without affecting macOS.

Can I play Windows games on Apple Silicon Mac?

Yes, but with limitations. Casual games, older titles, and less demanding games work well. Modern AAA games with advanced 3D graphics, games with anti-cheat software that blocks virtualization, and VR applications have significant limitations or won't work. Windows gaming on Apple Silicon through Parallels Desktop is not a replacement for a dedicated gaming PC.

How much storage does Windows 11 need on Mac?

Plan for 60-80 GB minimum for Windows 11, including the operating system, updates, and basic applications. If you'll install many programs or work with large files, allocate 100-120 GB or more. The Windows virtual machine lives as a file on your Mac's storage, and you can expand the allocated space later if needed.

What's Coherence mode in Parallels Desktop?

Coherence mode hides the Windows desktop and runs Windows applications directly on your Mac desktop, as if they were native Mac apps. Windows programs appear alongside Mac windows, integrate with macOS Mission Control, and feel like part of your Mac environment. It's the most popular way to use Windows on Mac for users who primarily need Windows applications rather than the full Windows desktop.