Since Parallels 26 doesn't work on Mac ARM

Pat Anderson 20 Reputation points

Since Parallels 26 doesn't work on Mac air M5 silicon, what version do I need and how do I get it

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Lychee-Ng 21,920 Reputation points • Microsoft External Staff • Moderator

Hi Pat Anderson,

I totally understand that you’re looking for guidance on a good setup, but this is actually a bit outside the scope of this community. Mac is an Apple product, and Parallels Desktop is third-party software: Microsoft does not control which Parallels versions support specific Mac models.

Because this is primarily a Parallels compatibility issue (with Mac Air M5 silicon), your best support channel would be Support & Installation | Parallels Desktop for Mac. In addition, you may also find useful information in these resources:

Disclaimer: These are non-Microsoft websites. Watch out for ads on the sites, and thoroughly research any product advertised before you decide to download it. Microsoft makes no guarantees, implied or otherwise, about the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.

I wish I could provide a more direct answer here, but I'm not confident on my knowledge on non-Microsoft products, and would rather be truthful than giving you false information. Hopefully, the dedicated Parallels support channels will get you the clarity you need.

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1 additional answer

  1. AI answer

    Windows 11 can run on Mac computers with Apple silicon (including newer chips like M‑series) using Parallels Desktop for Mac, but specific Parallels version compatibility with a new chip such as “M5” is not covered in the provided information.

    From the available information:

    • Windows 11 Arm can be run in a virtual machine on Mac computers with Apple silicon using Parallels Desktop for Mac.
    • This setup runs Arm versions of Windows 11 in the VM.
    • Some Windows 11 features and security capabilities may not be fully available when using Parallels.

    To proceed in a supported way based on the context:

    1. Use Parallels Desktop for Mac that supports Apple silicon and Windows 11 Arm (the latest generally available Parallels Desktop version that explicitly supports M‑series Macs).
    2. Install Windows 11 Arm in the Parallels VM, as described in the Windows Arm-based PCs FAQ.
    3. If Parallels 26 specifically does not work on the Mac model in use, check Parallels’ own compatibility documentation and downloads for a version that explicitly supports that Mac model and chip, then install that version and create a Windows 11 Arm VM.
    4. As an alternative, consider Windows 365 Cloud PC, which allows running Windows 11 in the cloud from a Mac without relying on Parallels.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.
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