Parallels Desktop 16.5 for Mac downloads as a universal binary for either Intel or M1 Macs, and is a subscription product. You can, however, run four different versions of Linux: Debian, Ubuntu, Kali and Fedora. You also can’t use it to run virtual machines of macOS, though Parallels is developing a VM version of Big Sur that will come later. In addition, you cannot run any older versions of Windows as you can in the Intel version of Parallels Desktop. However, Windows Security will help keep you safe for the supported lifetime of your Windows 10 device. You won't be able to install some third-party antivirus software on a Windows 10 ARM-based PC. Some third-party antivirus software can’t be installed.

The organization that develops the app determines whether their app will work on a Windows 10 ARM-based PC. This includes some input method editors (IMEs), assistive technologies, and cloud storage apps. Check with your game publisher to see if a game will work.Īpps that customize the Windows experience might have problems. Games and apps won't work if they use a version of OpenGL greater than 1.1, or if they rely on 'anti-cheat' drivers that haven't been made for Windows 10 ARM-based PCs. You can usually find 32-bit (x86) versions of apps, but some app developers only offer 64-bit (圆4) apps.Ĭertain games won’t work. The Windows 10 for ARM64 virtual machine only works with a limited set of apps, and fewer games will run on it than on the Intel version.įrom Microsoft’s support document on ARM64 compatibility: 64-bit (圆4) apps won’t work. However, this brings us to the biggest drawback of all for Parallels Desktop 16.5 for Mac. Many popular Windows-based games aren’t available for the Mac, and while you can use the Intel-based version of Parallels to run many of them, it’s usually not the best experience. That last bullet point may get gamers’ hearts beating faster. DirectX 11 is 60% better on Windows 10 for ARM64 on an M1-based Mac, compared to an Intel-based MacBook Pro that has a Radeon Pro 555X graphics processor.Virtual machine performance is improved, up to 30 percent faster when a Windows 10 for ARM64 virtual machine is running on an M1-based Mac compared to Windows 10 running on a MacBook Air with an Intel Core i9 chip.This is great news for users of portable Macs, as running Windows historically has been a significant drain on battery life.

The greater efficiency of the M1 chip means Parallels Desktop for Mac users 2.5 times less energy than on a 2020 Intel MacBook Air.

The muscle and energy-stingy features of Apple’s M1 processor gives a boost to Parallels, according to the company: Sign up for my Release Notes newsletter, bringing you consumer tech insights, help and practical tips.

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