How to Install Windows 11 on Your M1 Mac with Parallels Desktop

Are you curious about the latest version of Microsoft's operating system, Windows 11? If so, you're in luck because we've got a step-by-step guide on how to install it on your M1 Mac using Parallels Desktop. Unlike our previous experiment with UTM, there's no need to convert the VHDX file to a new format prior to creating the Parallels virtual machine.

After setting up and running a clean Windows 10 VM, shut it down. If you're not already signed up, use the link in the previous section to sign up for the Microsoft Insider program and download the VHDX file used for installation. You'll need to be a member of this program to access the necessary files.

I chose to keep my existing Windows 10 virtual machine instead of upgrading it to Windows 11. To do so, I created a new Parallels Windows 10 VM and renamed it to Windows 11.

What's Holding Back Windows 11 on M1 Macs?

Unfortunately, there's a workaround needed due to the limitations of the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, which is used for digital rights management, Windows Defender, and more. This issue has been reported by many users who attempted to install Windows 11 on their M1 Macs.

How to Get Around the TPM 2.0 Issue

Fortunately, Microsoft made a preview of Windows 11 available to those in the Windows Insider program. Many Mac users have successfully run the ARM64 version of Windows 11 under Parallels Desktop on their M1 Macs.

Is Windows 365 the Future of Virtual Machines?

While Windows 365 is initially targeting businesses starting August 2, 2021, it's expected that consumers may eventually be able to use this 'Cloud PC' service. This raises questions about the future of virtual machines like those used for compatibility testing and other purposes.

In conclusion, installing Windows 11 on your M1 Mac using Parallels Desktop is possible with a few workarounds. While Windows 365 may change the game in terms of how we use virtual machines, it's unlikely to make them obsolete just yet. For field workers who need to run Windows on their Macs, virtual machines will likely remain necessary.

M1 mac windows 11