It’s finally possible to run Windows and Linux on a Mac with Apple Silicon, but with a lot of restrictions

Parallels has released Desktop 20.2.0 virtualization update, bringing x86 operating systems to Macs with Apple M-series processors for the first time. Mac users will be able to create x86_64 virtual machines and install Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2019/2022, as well as some Linux distributions with UEFI/BIOS.

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However, the new feature is still in the preliminary testing stage and, as the company says, x86 support in Desktop 20.2.0 has many limitations, the main one being low performance. “Windows takes anywhere from 2 to 7 minutes to load depending on your device, and the overall responsiveness of the operating system leaves much to be desired,” the developers warn, advising patience for those who want to test the new feature.

It is also noted that x86 emulation does not support 32-bit operating systems, so installing 32-bit versions of Windows 10 or Linux is not possible. Other limitations include the lack of support for USB devices, the inability to recognize connected gadgets, and the lack of sound. Also, the virtual machine must boot using the Apple hypervisor, since launching through the Parallels hypervisor (Intel VT-x hypervisor) is not available.

Since x86_64 support on Macs with Apple Silicon is in testing, access to the feature is directly limited. It is hidden in the normal user interface. To activate it, you need to right-click on the virtual machine marked “Not Compatible” and select “Start using Emulator”. You can also run the function using the Parallel Command-Line Interface utility.