Run Windows 11 on Apple Silicon with a Microsoft-Authorized Solution
Microsoft has authorized supported versions of Parallels Desktop to run Arm versions of Windows 11 Pro and Windows 11 Enterprise on Apple silicon Macs. Windows runs in a virtual machine alongside macOS, so you can use both operating systems without restarting your Mac.
Microsoft authorization means the configuration is recognized for running Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise on supported Apple silicon Macs. Customers must still activate Windows with an eligible license. Windows Update is available within the virtual machine, and Microsoft support may be available according to the customer’s license and Microsoft’s support policies.
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Why Microsoft Authorization Matters
Installing Windows and running it in a Microsoft-authorized configuration are separate considerations.
Apple silicon Macs run the Arm version of Windows 11. Microsoft has authorized Parallels Desktop for running Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise in a virtual machine on supported Apple silicon Macs. Customers still need an eligible Windows license, but the authorized configuration can use Windows Update and remains eligible for support under Microsoft’s applicable policies.
With Parallels Desktop, you can:
- Run Arm versions of Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise in a Microsoft-authorized virtual environment on a supported Apple silicon Mac.
- Install applicable Windows updates through Windows Update.
- Activate Windows with an eligible license and remain eligible for Microsoft support under applicable support policies.
- Receive Parallels Desktop updates that address supported Windows and macOS releases during the product’s supported lifecycle.
Occasional access to a Windows application may not require a full local Windows environment. For regular business, development, or organizational use, a Microsoft-authorized configuration provides a clearer path for licensing, updates, and support.
What Changed After Boot Camp
On Intel-based Macs, Boot Camp allowed Windows to run directly on the computer’s hardware. Apple silicon Macs use a different processor architecture and do not support Boot Camp.
Windows 11 now runs locally on these Macs through virtualization. That makes the virtualization platform an important part of the setup, including how Windows interacts with the Mac’s hardware, security features, updates, and licensing requirements.
Parallels Desktop runs the Arm version of Windows 11 in a virtual machine on supported Apple silicon Macs. Microsoft has authorized this configuration for Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise, giving users a supported alternative to Boot Camp rather than an unofficial workaround.
In practice, Windows can run alongside macOS without restarting the Mac. Users can install applicable updates through Windows Update and activate Windows with an eligible license.
The Simplest Way to Run Windows on Apple Silicon
Microsoft-authorized for Windows 11 on Apple silicon
Parallels Desktop is the only virtualization solution Microsoft has authorized for running Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise on Apple silicon Macs. That authorization covers the current generation of Apple silicon hardware, beginning with M1 and continuing through newer models as they're supported. Windows Update works normally, and eligible Windows licenses remain supported according to Microsoft's licensing policies.
Supports Windows 11 security requirements
Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 and uses Secure Boot as part of its security architecture. Parallels Desktop supports a virtual TPM and Secure Boot for compatible Windows virtual machines. These capabilities can help organizations apply security policies or run applications that require TPM functionality, but customers remain responsible for evaluating their own compliance requirements.
Optimized for Apple silicon Macs
Apple silicon Macs use the Arm architecture rather than the x86 architecture used by Intel Macs. Parallels Desktop runs Windows 11 on Arm in a virtual machine on supported Apple silicon hardware. Windows can run many x86 and x64 applications through Microsoft’s Prism translation technology, although application and hardware compatibility varies. Parallels releases updates for supported Mac hardware and operating-system versions during the product lifecycle.
Support from Microsoft and Parallels
Running Windows through an authorized solution means your Windows environment remains eligible for Microsoft support under Microsoft's policies. Questions about virtualization, installation, or virtual machine performance are handled by the Parallels support team, which provides technical support for Parallels Desktop around the clock.
Built for Apple silicon
Run Windows 11 on an Apple silicon Mac
Apple silicon Macs use Arm-based processors rather than the Intel processors found in earlier Macs. As a result, they run Windows 11 on Arm in a virtual machine instead of using the Intel version of Windows through Boot Camp.
Parallels tests supported Windows and macOS releases with current versions of Parallels Desktop and publishes compatibility updates when needed. Product updates also add support for selected Apple silicon hardware and platform changes. Compatibility depends on the Parallels Desktop version, Mac model, operating system, and Windows application.
These updates address known compatibility issues across supported versions of macOS, Windows, and Parallels Desktop.
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Pre-release compatibility testing
Microsoft and Apple make preview operating-system builds available before their public releases. Parallels uses available previews to test supported configurations, identify issues, and prepare product updates. New hardware is evaluated when suitable systems and technical information become available. This testing can help reduce the time needed to address compatibility issues after a platform release.
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Support for new Windows features
Parallels Desktop is updated to support selected changes in Windows 11 on Arm. Windows provides Prism for running many x86 and x64 applications, while Parallels Desktop supplies virtualization features such as Secure Boot and virtual TPM support. Application compatibility and feature availability depend on the Windows and Parallels Desktop versions in use.
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A platform that keeps pace
Parallels updates supported versions of Parallels Desktop to address changes in Windows, macOS, and Apple silicon hardware. Customers should review the current system requirements and compatibility documentation before installing a major operating-system update or moving a virtual machine to a new Mac.
Installing Windows 11 on Your Mac
Parallels Desktop includes an installation assistant that can download and install Windows 11 on Arm from Microsoft. The exact steps may vary by the Parallels Desktop version and your organization’s configuration.
Step 1: Install Windows 11
Open Parallels Desktop and create a new virtual machine. The installation assistant can download Windows 11 on Arm from Microsoft and begin the installation. See the Windows installation guide for version-specific instructions.
Step 2: Review and accept the Microsoft license terms
Windows downloads and installs through the setup assistant. During setup, review and accept the Microsoft Software License Terms.
Step 3: Activate Windows
Parallels Desktop does not include a Windows license. Activate the virtual machine with an eligible Windows 11 Pro license or purchase a new license from Microsoft. Transfer rights depend on the license type, so review Microsoft’s terms before reusing a key from another device.
Microsoft requires a separate Windows 11 Pro license for each installation, whether Windows runs on physical hardware or in a virtual machine.
Windows 11 Pro licenses are issued by edition rather than sold as separate x64 and Arm products. Activation and transfer rights still depend on the specific license terms. Organizations deploying Windows 11 Enterprise should follow their Microsoft Commercial Licensing or Microsoft 365 entitlement. Consult Microsoft’s licensing guidance or your licensing provider before deployment.
Step 4: Start Using Windows
After setup, launch the virtual machine from Parallels Desktop and run Windows applications alongside macOS without restarting your Mac. Activate Windows with an eligible license and install available updates through Windows Update. You can then install applications and configure file sharing, devices, and other VM settings for your workflow.
When does a Microsoft-authorized Windows environment matter?
An occasional Windows application may require little more than basic access. Daily business and technical workflows place greater importance on licensing, updates, application compatibility, and support. The following groups are more likely to need an authorized Windows configuration.
Business and Enterprise Teams
Organizations may depend on Windows-only software or need to meet internal licensing and support requirements. Parallels Desktop lets employees run Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise on supported Apple silicon Macs in a Microsoft-authorized virtual environment. Application compatibility and organizational compliance should be evaluated separately.
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Software Developer
Developers can use separate Windows virtual machines for testing, debugging, and validating software without repartitioning a drive or using a second computer. Windows runs alongside macOS, allowing tools such as Xcode, Visual Studio, browsers, databases, and terminal sessions to remain available on the same Mac.
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Engineers, Architects, and Designers
Some engineering, design, and project-management tools are available only for Windows. Applications such as Microsoft Project or Visio may run in Windows 11 on Arm through native Arm support or Microsoft’s Prism translation layer. Compatibility for AutoCAD, Revit, SOLIDWORKS, plug-ins, drivers, and GPU-intensive workflows varies by product and version. Check the software vendor’s requirements and test critical workloads before deployment.
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Microsoft 365 and Office Users
Microsoft offers many Microsoft 365 applications for macOS, but Access remains Windows-only, and some Office add-ins or organizational tools may not have Mac versions. Parallels Desktop lets users install eligible Windows editions of those applications in a virtual machine alongside their Mac applications. Confirm that required add-ins and dependencies support Windows 11 on Arm.
See solutionsWindows Arm FAQ
New users must download and install the latest Parallels Desktop version to start running Arm versions of Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise.
Existing Parallels Desktop users can continue to use Windows without making changes to their current device setup. However, if you are not using one of the Windows supported editions, we recommend upgrading to Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise.
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.
All Parallels Desktop versions (Standard, Pro, Business) support the ability to run Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise with Apple silicon.
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.
Organizations can purchase Windows 11 through their normal Windows procurement process, and individuals can buy Windows 11 Pro through Microsoft.
Existing Parallels Desktop users can continue to use Windows without changing their current device setup. However, if you are not using one of the compatible editions, we recommend upgrading to Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise.
We recommend installing Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise.
End users can download and install Windows 11 Pro with Parallels Desktop for Mac in two simple steps.
IT administrators and organizations deploying Windows Enterprise will require a volume license agreement and can download Windows from Microsoft. You can download this from the Microsoft 365 admin center.
Some Windows 11 features may not be available or fully functional when running Windows 11 in a virtualized environment. Learn more about the limitations of running Windows 11 on Mac computers with Parallels Desktop.
Yes. Parallels Desktop is currently the only virtualization solution Microsoft has authorized to run Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise on Apple silicon Macs. In practice, that means your Windows environment is properly licensed, receives updates through Windows Update, and remains eligible for Microsoft support. Microsoft also offers Windows 365 Cloud PC as a cloud-based option, but Parallels Desktop is the only authorized solution for running Windows locally on a Mac through virtualization.
Yes. Parallels Desktop is authorized by Microsoft to run Windows 11 on all Apple silicon Macs, including M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, and MacBook Neo. Parallels Desktop is tested and optimized as each generation ships, so support keeps pace with Apple’s hardware roadmap.