Running Parallels 17 on M1 Mac: What You Need to Know

If you're having trouble getting Parallels 17 to work on your new M1 Mac, you're not alone. The transition from Intel-based processors to Apple's ARM architecture can be challenging, and it seems that Parallels Desktop 16 for Mac is not compatible with the M1 chip.

I checked the Bluetooth drivers and all other devices, but ultimately, it appears that the real solution lies in developers properly supporting the Windows on ARM platform or releasing a MAC version. If you're experiencing issues with an app or game on your ARM system, I recommend reaching out to support and bug them until they resolve the problem.

Parallels will provide an activation key below the download link, so be sure to grab it before installing. Interestingly, Parallels dedicated a whopping 17 seconds of their WWDC 2020 keynote to 'new virtualization technologies' on the Mac.

One of the primary benefits of ARM chips is their simplified construction, which can lead to improved performance and efficiency. To check your processor model, simply look below the operating system version and computer model name.

If you're looking for a solution to run Windows 10 on your Apple Silicon device, Parallels may be the way to go. However, keep in mind that this will not provide native support for Intel-based operating systems.

To create a compatible virtual machine, use an ISO or VHDX image file with an ARM-based operating system. If you're experiencing issues with your virtual machine, refer to the command and stderr output below for more information on using Vagrant.

Overall, while Parallels 17 may not be compatible with M1 Macs out of the box, there are still ways to make it work with a little creativity and troubleshooting. By understanding the differences between Intel's x86 and ARM architecture, you can better navigate the challenges of running Windows on your new Apple device.

The Bottom Line

If you're looking for an easy solution to run Windows 10 on your M1 Mac, Parallels may be worth considering. However, be prepared to do some troubleshooting and potentially bug developers to get it working correctly. With a little patience and persistence, you can successfully install and run Parallels 17 on your new Apple Silicon device.

Parallels 17 m1 mac