Running Windows 10 on Your MacBook Pro M1

Are you excited to run Windows 10 on your brand new MacBook Pro M1? With the latest technology from Apple Silicon and Microsoft's ARM-based Windows 10, this is now possible with Parallels Desktop 16. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of setting up and running Windows 10 for ARM on your M1 Mac.

Step 1: Download and Install Parallels Desktop 16

To get started, download and install Parallels Desktop 16 for M1 Mac Technical Preview from the official website. Once installed, you'll receive additional details about running arm-based VMs using its Technical Preview.

Step 2: Sign Up for the Windows Insider Program

Next, sign up for the Windows Insider Program to access the latest builds of Windows 10 for ARM. You'll need to download the Windows 10 Client ARM64 Insider Preview and follow the prompts to install it.

Step 3: Open Parallels and Install the Virtual Machine

Open Parallels and drag the downloaded Windows10_InsiderPreview_Client_ARM64_en-us file to the Installation Assistant. Click Create to create a new Windows 10 for ARM virtual machine instance.

Step 4: Configure and Activate Your Virtual Machine

Once logged in, click Beta Channel (Recommended) under Insider settings and select Dev Channel to gain access to the most recent updates. You'll need to log in with your Windows account and enable the dev channel. Parallels will provide an activation key below the download link.

Step 5: Configure Your Virtual Machine Settings

In the Go to Diagnostics & Feedback settings link, turn on optional diagnostic data. In the dropdown box next to Time Sync, select Do not sync, and close out of the configuration window.

Tips and Limitations

Keep in mind that this is a technical preview, so there may be bugs and limitations. For example, arm32 apps outright crash upon launch, and it's also not possible to suspend the VM. However, Parallels provides additional details about running arm-based VMs using its Technical Preview.

Running Windows 10 on your MacBook Pro M1 is now possible with Parallels Desktop 16. By following these steps, you can set up and run Windows 10 for ARM on your M1 Mac. While there may be some limitations, this technical preview offers a glimpse into the future of running Windows on Apple Silicon.

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In order to quit your session, you'll need to shut down Windows. For example, arm32 apps outright crash upon launch, and it's also not possible to suspend the VM. In other words, there are going to be bugs, and some things just won't work.

Macbook pro m1 run windows 10