Microsoft has enabled Windows 11 to run on Apple devices powered by M1 and M2 chips through virtualization with Parallels Desktop. This arrangement is discussed in technology update channels and user guides, highlighting practical ways to access Windows apps on Macs that rely on ARM hardware.
Users can access special editions of Windows 11 Pro and Windows 11 Enterprise that are designed for ARM-based systems. In the past, Microsoft licensed these ARM-focused editions primarily to laptop manufacturers who used ARM processors, but more recent collaborations have broadened the distribution to individual testers and developers who run Windows on nontraditional hardware via virtualization.
When Windows 11 for ARM runs inside a virtual machine on Apple Silicon, there are notable limitations. Applications that rely on DirectX 12 or OpenGL 3.3 may not function as expected, and the experience differs from native Windows installations. Additionally, the built-in Windows features that handle Android apps and Linux environments, such as the Windows Subsystem for Android and Windows Subsystem for Linux, may not be available or fully operational in this virtual setup on Mac hardware.
For those wanting to try Windows 11 virtualization on Apple devices, Parallels Desktop version 18 provides a practical path. The utility is designed to optimize performance within a virtualized Windows 11 environment on Macs running Apple Silicon, offering features aimed at developers, testers, and enthusiasts who need access to Windows software without switching devices.
There have been public statements in tech circles regarding how major tech players navigate cross‑platform ecosystems. Statements about corporate strategy and platform control usually reflect broader industry dynamics rather than a single company action. In the context of Windows on Mac hardware, the focus remains on compatibility, performance, and the evolving capabilities of virtualization technologies across ARM-based devices.