So, while you could theoretically get ARM versions of Windows to run in earlier Parallels versions, there was no way to properly license them.

Windows on ARM is not available for public download, and Microsoft licenses it directly to OEMs and partners. Parallels Desktop has offered support for Windows on Macs with Apple M1 SoC since version 16.5, but there was one major catch. Now, with Parallels Desktop 18, Mac users on Apple silicon will be able to download an official Windows 11 on ARM version and run it in a virtual machine (VM). Additionally, the Business Edition has security features including the ability to enforce USB thumb drive device regulations and prevent users from changing VM settings or adding new VMs.Ever since Apple transitioned to custom ARM-based silicon, Mac users who wanted to run Windows for the odd app or two were left in the lurch as the company dropped support for Boot Camp. Administrators can also connect Parallels Desktop for Mac to an update server to keep the guest OS current. IT administrators can streamline Windows VM delivery by using the centralized deployment and management features of Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition. A complete guest desktop is created via Full-Screen mode, and Modality allows users to resize and personalize virtual machine windows running on top of macOS. In coherence mode, Mac and guest apps run simultaneously in the same window.

Parallels Desktop for Mac is available in three modes. Users can choose which OS they want specific software for and switch between macOS and Windows without having to restart their laptops. Users can also move files, directories, and other items between the Finder and Windows File Explorer in a similar manner. Users can, for instance, utilize the Mac Finder utility to open a Windows application like Internet Explorer or Windows Media Player. Users have the option to use a full-featured guest virtual desktop or run Mac and guest apps simultaneously on the Mac OS. The program enables the guest OS to be seamlessly integrated into macOS, replicating native OS performance. Parallels Desktop for Mac is desktop virtualization software that lets you run Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Google Chrome operating systems and apps on an Apple Mac computer.

Parallels desktop mac m1