- Microsoft brings official Windows 11 support for Mac users.
- The support includes virtualization using Parallel or Windows 365 subscription.
- This is for Apple computers using ARM-based M2 or M1 processors.
Microsoftdiscreetly declares that Windows 11 will be supported on Mac models M2 and M1. However, unlike Apple’s Boot Camp, this method does not allow a dual-boot system experience. Rather, the software behemoth is providing a cloud and virtualization option.
With the help of Parallel and Microsoft’s virtualization solution, you may use Desktop version 18 to build a virtual machine that will run Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise in addition to macOS on ARM-based processors (M1 and M2).
Although it has long been the default virtualization for running Windows on macOS, Parallel is now officially supported.
The company does clarify, though, that the ARM version of Windows 11 has restrictions when it comes to gaming and apps, particularly for those that depend on OpenGL 3.3 or DirectX 12. Additionally, you won’t be able to use other virtualization capabilities like Sandbox, Windows Subsystem for Linux, Subsystem for Android, and virtualization-based security (VBS) with this solution.
Furthermore, Macs with M1 and M2 CPUs cannot install Windows on those 32-bit software that are available via the Microsoft Store. Nevertheless, according to the business, 32-bit applications are likewise headed toward deprecation on Windows.
Applications in 64-bit ARM versions are always available for download and installation, and since Windows 11 allows for emulation, x64 and x86 versions can also be installed.
Parallel costs $100, and for $120 or $150, you can purchase the annual subscription that grants access to additional perks. Naturally, a Windows 11 Pro license, which typically costs $199, will also need to be purchased. (A Windows 10 product key can also be used to activate an installation.)
The second option is to sign up for Microsoft’s Windows 365 Cloud PC service, which uses the company’s Azure cloud infrastructure to provide on-demand virtual Windows 11 computers that you can access remotely.
You will need to pay for a subscription feed in order to access the operating system functions during the encounter. Microsoft is targeting business clients with this service.