NEWS  Windows  January 19, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Apple's transition to its proprietary Apple Silicon processors marked a significant shift in the Mac ecosystem. However, this transition also posed a challenge for users accustomed to running Windows on their Macs through Apple's official tool, Boot Camp. The era of Boot Camp on Apple Silicon has come to an end, but the void has been filled by alternative virtualization solutions, with Microsoft officially endorsing Parallels Desktop for running Windows 11 on ARM-powered Macs.

The Shift from Boot Camp to Parallels Desktop

In a support document released by Microsoft, Mac users are presented with viable options for running Windows on their Apple Silicon-powered machines. While purchasing a Windows-centric device is one option, the document highlights two alternatives: Windows 365 and Parallels Desktop.

Parallels Desktop: An Officially Authorized Solution:

Versions 18 and 19 of Parallels Desktop have received Microsoft's official authorization for running Windows 11 for ARM and Windows 11 Enterprise on Macs equipped with the Apple M1, M2, and M3 processor families. This endorsement ensures that users can seamlessly run Windows 11 within a virtual machine, providing access to a range of features, including multimedia technologies, hardware acceleration, DirectX 12, and more.

Feature Inclusions and Exclusions

While Parallels Desktop offers an extensive set of features, it's essential to note that certain functionalities are not available due to the absence of nested virtualization support. Users won't be able to utilize features like Windows Subsystem for Android, Windows Subsystem for Linux, Windows Sandbox (an isolated app running feature), and Virtualization-based Security (VBS). For those requiring these features, alternatives such as Windows 365 or investing in a dedicated Windows-running device may be more suitable.

As Boot Camp fades into the past, the compatibility of Windows 11 on ARM-powered Macs is ensured through Microsoft's official support for Parallels Desktop. Mac users now have a reliable solution to seamlessly integrate the Windows operating system into their Apple Silicon machines. However, careful consideration of feature requirements is essential, and users seeking specific functionalities should explore the available alternatives.

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