With the most recent release of Microsoft Windows 11, people are excited to explore its new features and device compatibility. One of the primary worries of mac customers is whether their newly-purchased is capable to run windows on M1 and M2 macs.
The Verge article discussing the compatibility of Parallels virtual machines on M1 and M2 Macs with Windows 11. While the post contains some useful information, we want to provide a more in-depth review of how to run Windows on m1 and m2 macs.
Introduction to Parallels virtual machines on Macs:
The introduction of the new M1 and M2 CPUs on Apple Macs has caused compatibility worries for virtual machines. Parallels is among the most popular virtual machine software, and users eagerly awaited its inclusion for M1 and M2 Macs.
The good news is that Parallels Desktop 18, the most recent version of Parallels, is compatible with Windows 11 on M1 and M2 Macs. Users can now utilise Parallels to run Windows on M1 and M2 Macs.
Overview of the support of Parallels on M1 and M2 Macs:
The release of the new M1 and M2 chips on Apple Macs has raised concerns about the compatibility of virtual machines. Parallels is one of the leading virtual machine software, and users were eagerly waiting for the support of Parallels on M1 and M2 Macs.
The good news is that Parallels Desktop 18, the latest version of Parallels, supports M1 and M2 Macs with Windows 11. This means that users can now run Windows on M1 and M2 Macs using Parallels.
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Parallels For Mac VS Boot Camp, which is better?
Boot Camp is another piece of software that enables Mac users to run Windows. Boot Camp needs users to partition their hard drive and install Windows natively, which can be a lengthy procedure.
Parallels, on the other hand, enables users to run Windows within macOS without partitioning the hard disc. In addition, Parallels provides seamless integration between Windows and macOS, making it an ideal option for those who need access to both operating systems.
In addition, Apple does not include boot camp into the m1 and m2 macs, making it difficult to run alternative operating systems on Apple Silicon Macs. Now that Parallels For Mac is out, M1 and M2 Macbook owners can run Windows flawlessly on their macs.
Parallels VS VirtualBox, which is better?
Both Parallels For Mac and VirtualBox allow Apple Mac Users to run Windows, Linux and other operating systems virtually without having to do much configurations or complicated setups on their mac. However, when it comes to running virtual machines on a mac, Parallels is more preferred among Mac users. Find out why below.
Parallels For Mac VirtualBox Benefits Disadvantages Benefits Disadvantages - Easy To Use and user-friendly
- Attractive Graphical user interface
- Rapid, simple to install, and suitable for gaming and graphics
- Excellent for professionals
- No configuration needed
- Retina support
- There is a free trial version available. - Could improve the error messages
- Needs better handling of USB and network loss
- You’ll have to pay a license fee - Free To Use
- Easy to set up
- Simple yet comprehensive
- Runs in the background
- Effectively performs the task of running Windows - Less effective than comparable software or using the actual machine.
- Highly reliant on the host system
- Can be affected by the host system's deficiencies.
Steps to install Parallels on M1 and M2 Macs:
Installing Parallels on M1 and M2 Macs is a straightforward process. Here are the steps to follow:
- Go to Parallels Official Website
- Download and install Parallels Desktop 18 on your Mac.
- Open Parallels Desktop and select the option to install Windows 11.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 11.
Tips : You will be able to select the version of windows 11 you want to install too (Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 Enterprise)
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Common issues with Parallels on M1 and M2 Macs:
Parallels for mac is an outstanding virtual machine software, but users may encounter typical troubles while running Windows on M1 and M2 Macs. These concerns consist of:
- Performance concerns: Using Windows on a virtual machine can be resource-intensive, and users may encounter performance issues, particularly when running resource-intensive apps.
- Compatibility issues: not all Windows apps are compatible with M1 and M2 Macs, and users may encounter problems with some programmes. Currently, drivers for certain hardware components, including printers and scanners, may not be available for M1 and M2 Macbooks.
- Display difficulties: While running Windows on a virtual computer, certain users may suffer display troubles.
- Network issues: Users might face issues with network connectivity when running Windows on a virtual machine.
To avoid these concerns, it is crucial that your Mac meets the system requirements for running Windows 11 on Parallels. In addition, keeping Parallels and Windows up-to-date is essential for best performance.
Parallels Desktop’s compatibility with M1 and M2 Macs is fantastic news for users who need access to Windows apps on their Macs. Using the most recent version of Parallels Desktop for mac, users may effortlessly run Windows on M1 and M2 Macs. The idea of running Windows on M2 Macs is no longer a pipe dream for new M2 Mac users.
Parallels has a number of advantages over Boot Camp, but users may encounter frequent challenges while operating Windows on a virtual computer. But, you may avoid these issues and have a flawless experience by ensuring that your Mac satisfies the system requirements and by keeping Parallels and Windows updated.
In addition, it is vital to understand how Parallels operates and how to optimise its settings for your use case. This involves understanding how to distribute resources to Windows, modifying the virtual machine’s settings, and maximising performance with Parallels tools and features.
We hope that this post has provided you with helpful information on Parallels’ support for M1 and M2 Macs. If you have any queries or feedback, please do not hesitate to comment below and we will respond to your queries.
Common Asked Questions About Running Windows On M1 and M2 Mac
How To Run Windows On Mac M1 for Free
Running windows on M1 mac or M2 mac is only possible by using virtual machine softwares such as Parallels, VirtualMachine, etc as it does not have boot camp feature built into the M1 and M2 Processors, installing boot camp is not possible.
Can You Install Windows on M1 Mac or M2 Mac Without Parallels?
The answer is Yes. You can''t install Windows on a M1 and M2 Mac without Parallels because there are no built in boot camp feature. However, if you prefer to install windows on your M1 and M2 mac for free, you can use other alternative software such as VirtualBox.
What are the other alternatives besides Parallels?
Besides Parallels, there are also other software manufacturers that allows you to run Windows on M1 and M2 Mac such as VMWare Fusion, VirtualBox, UTM and UUByte ISO Editor. However, most of virtual machine software are paid to use software.
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