Can anyone tell me: Will M1 run Windows on Parallels or not?

[mortenjensen]

Hi all,
I find Parallels information on their newest iteration confusing. They seem to promise the whole monty - but I am right that:
- we are talking Windows ARM?
- there is nothing that suggests that they will be able to 'break the code' and deliver full support of Windows as on intel chips?
For those of you that have tried, how does the ARM compare?
- can you install any Windows program on ARM?
- what are the downsides?

Thanks!
Morten

 

[bobcomer]

Yes, you can run Windows on Arm in Parallels. It's a bit slow and not fully compatible, but most things should run. Some people even use it for gaming, though it's not fast enough for me.

As for downsides, the odd thing that doesn't work, and it depends on which M1 machine you might have and how much RAM.

Who knows if we'll get an x86 Windows running on an M1 with any speed at all. UTM can do it but there's networking problems and it's SLOW.

 

[mortenjensen]

thanks! Is it correctly understood that "Windows on arm" is a special version of Windows designed for ARM tables and laptops? Do you need to buy that separately or does the license from ny regular win10 cover this version?

 

[deanforwin]

Yes

thanks! Is it correctly understood that "Windows on arm" is a special version of Windows designed for ARM tables and laptops? Do you need to buy that separately or does the license from ny regular win10 cover this version?

It's free.

 

[bobcomer]

Yes

It's free.

It's free for now, but it's the Windows insider version and unlicensable so far. That's one of the big drawbacks. As well as having to update through the Windows Insider Dev ring, that means many many updates.

Hopefully Microsoft will sell us licenses for the full version some day...

 

[bobcomer]

thanks! Is it correctly understood that "Windows on arm" is a special version of Windows designed for ARM tables and laptops? Do you need to buy that separately or does the license from ny regular win10 cover this version?

Correct, it's a Windows to run on Arm PC's (usually tablets like you say, but not necessarily.) You would need to buy a license if Microsoft sold them, but for now, there's only the Windows Insider version.

 

[circatee]

Hmm, I was interested in said questions, too.

Since I have a Windows desktop, I am beginning to wonder if I should simply use the Mac as my daily, but, if something is needed on Windows, just switch to my Windows desktop, versus trying the whole Parallels thing. Plus, there is a subscription for it, too.

 

[TiggrToo]

Yes

It's free.

It’s not “free” - no version of Windows is.

To obtain Windows Arm vista the Insiders program first you must own a valid copy of Windows Desktop or Server and Second you agree to MS proving almost weekly updates and having ALL the telemetry turned on.