Microsoft has formally approved a way to run Windows 11 on ARM-based Macs, if not in the way you might hope. In a new support article, the company has "authorized" using Parallels Desktop 18 to run the ARM versions of Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise on M1- and M2-based Macs. If you need Windows for work, you can theoretically use the virtual machine without angering your IT manager.
As you might guess, there are limitations. You can't run 32-bit ARM apps, in part because Microsoft is deprecating 32-bit software for all ARM Windows builds. Devices won't work unless they have Windows 11 ARM drivers. You can't use anything that depends on another layer of virtualization, such as Android apps, the Linux sybsystem and Windows Sandbox. Don't expect to run some games, either, as anything that requires at least DirectX 12 or OpenGL 3.3 won't work.
It's been possible to run Windows 11 in Parallels on ARM Macs since 2021, and it even ran reasonably well. You needed to use an Insider preview of…
2023-02-16 17:11:00
Original from www.engadget.com
In recent years, Microsoft has been increasingly embracing the idea of running its own Windows operating systems on Macs. After previously introducing support for Apple’s systems through their Boot Camp software, the software giant has now taken a step further, announcing their intention to allow users to run their upcoming Windows 11 on Macs as well.
Microsoft is introducing support for Windows 11 on Macs through their own Parallels software. This software will allow users to boot both the Mac and Windows operating systems on the same device concurrently. In addition to switching between the two systems, users will also be able to run programs and applications natively on both systems. This is in contrast to Boot Camp, which only allows users to install one operating system at a time and thus switch between them.
The new support for Windows 11 on Macs through Parallels comes at a pivotal point in the company’s history. Microsoft is about to launch the newest version of its operating system for the first time in many years, and thus this is a unique opportunity for the company to prove their support for the latest iteration of their flagship software.
It is important to note, however, that Apple’s systems will not be the only ones to be supported. Microsoft has also indicated that it will also be introducing support for their hardware platform, the Surface Pro, when the new Windows 11 is released. This would represent a step in the direction of greater compatibility for Microsoft hardware with the rest of the Windows platform.
Overall, this announcement is an exciting development for Mac and Windows users alike. Not only will users now be able to operate both Mac and Windows-based platforms on the same device, but they will also be able to take advantage of the new features available with Windows 11. It is yet to be seen how this will help Microsoft gain an edge in the ever-evolving market of operating system choices, but in any case, the company’s commitment to bridging the gap between Apple and Windows users is something worth noting.
