Parallels Desktop vs Boot Camp for M1 and M2: How to Install Windows 11 on Mac

What’s the difference between Parallels Desktop and Boot Camp?	Boot Camp	Parallels Desktop
Install Microsoft Windows on your Mac	Only Intel Mac (Mac models before 2021)
Install Microsoft Windows 11 on your Mac
Download and install Windows in one click
Run Windows without rebooting your Mac
Run Windows on your Apple M-series Mac
Run Windows applications side-by-side with Mac applications
Easily share files, devices, and other resources between Windows and Mac
Copy and paste images and text and drag and drop files between Mac and Windows applications
Swipe between OSes

Boot Camp
Install Microsoft Windows on your Mac
Install Microsoft Windows 11 on your Mac
Download and install Windows in one click
Run Windows without rebooting your Mac
Run Windows on your Apple M-series Mac
Run Windows applications side-by-side with Mac applications
Easily share files, devices, and other resources between Windows and Mac
Copy and paste images and text and drag and drop files between Mac and Windows applications
Swipe between OSes

Drag and drop files and images between Windows and Mac Apps

Choose your view

Make Windows invisible while still using its applications in Coherence mode or if you're new to Mac you can set Windows in full screen. (Mac and Windows apps open at the same time).

Drag and drop files and images between Windows and Mac apps

Transfer files between operating systems without the need for external devices or complicated steps, improving productivity and making it more convenient to work with both operating systems.

Open files on Finder with Windows

Directly access and open files stored on your Mac within the Windows environment, providing a seamless integration between the two platforms. Leverage the capabilities of Windows applications while conveniently accessing and manipulating files from your Mac's Finder.

Play many classic Windows-exclusive games on your Mac

Play many classic Windows-exclusive games on your Mac, including Roblox, League of Legends, Minecraft, Half-Life 2, Age of Empires series, Fortnite, Fall Guys, Rocket League and many more.^[1]

[1] – supports up to DirectX 11.

Experience hundreds of Windows-only games on a Mac with the same optimal performance as you would on a PC.

Trusted by well-known organizations.

BONUS!

Included with your Parallels Desktop subscription:
Parallels^® Toolbox

Bonus with Subscription!

Parallels Toolbox

More than 40 one-touch productivity tools—clean your drive, take screenshots, download a video, and more—all with one click.

Compare editions


Features	Standard Edition	Pro Edition	Business Edition	Enterprise
Basics: Run thousands of Windows applications such as Microsoft Office 365, accounting software, trading software, SAP, Matlab, and more.
Get major updates to support new versions of macOS, Windows, Linux, and new Mac models	Subscription only
Run professional graphics-intensive Windows applications and powerful virtual machines	8 GB vRAM, 4 vCPUs *	128 GB vRAM, 32 vCPUs	128 GB vRAM, 32 vCPUs	128 GB vRAM, 32 vCPUs
Develop, automate, test, and debug software in Windows, Linux and macOS
New Parallels AI package for developers and education		(Available for download until 12/31/25)
New Automate CI/CD workflows with Parallels DevOps
24/7 phone, chat, and email support	Subscription only
Premium support, Account manager, Onboarding with System Engineers
Single volume license, access to License Portal, ability to create sublicense keys, multiple administrators.
Business-friendly billing. Extra seats are prorated. Option to get PO, quote to Cart.
Provisioning with Mac Management tools or Parallels deployment package
IT-configured Windows "smart” declarative Image in Parallels Desktop Interface			**
New Management portal for deployment and control, policies, and monitoring and managing of users’ virtual machines
Per-user licensing option with SSO/SAML/SCIM integration
Access to security documentation and questionnaires
	From /yr	/yr	/yr
	Buy now Upgrade	Buy now Upgrade	Buy now Let's talk	Let's talk
		/yr
	Upgrade	Upgrade

* Maximum Virtual RAM and CPUs per virtual machine
** The functionality will remain in the Business Edition for some time but will be removed in the future. Please consider upgrading to the Enterprise Edition if this functionality is crucial for you. Contact your account manager for more details.

Standard Edition
Basics: Run thousands of Windows applications such as Microsoft Office 365, accounting software, trading software, SAP, Matlab, and more.
Get major updates to support new versions of macOS, Windows, Linux, and new Mac models	Subscription only
Run professional graphics-intensive Windows applications and powerful virtual machines	8 GB vRAM, 4 vCPUs *
24/7 phone, chat, and email support	Subscription only
Buy Upgrade
Upgrade

Pro Edition All the Standard Edition features PLUS:
Basics: Run thousands of Windows applications such as Microsoft Office 365, accounting software, trading software, SAP, Matlab, and more.
Get major updates to support new versions of macOS, Windows, Linux, and new Mac models
Run professional graphics-intensive Windows applications and powerful virtual machines	128 GB vRAM, 32 vCPUs
Develop, automate, test, and debug software in Windows, Linux and macOS
New Parallels AI package for developers and education	(Available for download until 12/31/25)
24/7 phone, chat, and email support
Buy now Upgrade
Upgrade

Business Edition All the Standard and Pro Edition features PLUS:
New Parallels AI package for developers and education
New Automate CI/CD workflows with Parallels DevOps
Single volume license, access to License Portal, ability to create sublicense keys, multiple administrators
Business-friendly billing. Extra seats are prorated. Option to get PO, quote to Cart
Provisioning with Mac Management tools or Parallels deployment package
IT-configured Windows "smart” declarative Image in Parallels Desktop Interface	**
Buy now Let's talk

Enterprise All the Standard, Pro and Business Edition features PLUS:
Premium support, Account manager, Onboarding with System Engineers
New Management portal for deployment and control, policies, and monitoring and managing of users’ virtual machines
Per-user licensing option with SSO/SAML/SCIM integration
Access to security documentation and questionnaires
Let's talk

Why buy from Parallels

30-day money back guarantee

Request a refund any time during your initial month if you aren’t completely satisfied.

Learn more

Live support

24/7 chat support for subscribers. Get in touch anytime, anywhere.

Authorized by Microsoft

The only solution authorized by Microsoft to run Windows 11 on Apple M-Series Macs.

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Extra value

Gain access to 50+ free productivity tools designed to simplify everyday tasks.

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Frequently asked questions

How does Parallels Desktop work?

Parallels Desktop enables you to add Windows, Linux, or another operating system to your Mac by creating a virtual machine (VM)—enabling your Mac to act as a hypervisor. You can then install Windows or another OS on the virtual machine, just as you would on a physical computer. Run multiple OSs at the same time, all on your Mac. It’s like having many computers in one!

What can I do with Parallels Desktop?

Open Windows applications side by side with macOS applications, without having to restart.
Copy and paste text or drag and drop objects between Mac and Windows.
Run Windows games and other 3D applications.
Transfer all your data from a PC and use it on a Mac.*
Easily share files, devices, and other resources between Windows and Mac.
Install multiple operating systems, such as different versions of Windows, Linux, copies of macOS*, and free virtual appliances—and use them together.
And much more…

How do I install Windows on my Mac?

Parallels Desktop makes it easy to get started within minutes. Just open the Installation Assistant and click “Install Windows.” — Parallels Desktop will download and install Windows 11 automatically.

You can provide your own Microsoft Windows license key, purchase a new Windows license from the Microsoft Store, or transfer an existing Boot Camp partition with Windows already installed.

The installation experience on a Mac.

What if I'm already using Boot Camp?

With Parallels Desktop, you can switch between Mac and Windows without ever needing to reboot your computer.

If you have already installed Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, or Windows 7 on your Mac using Boot Camp, you can set Parallels Desktop to run Windows from the Boot Camp Partition or import Windows and your data from Boot Camp into Parallels Desktop as a new virtual machine.

To use Windows from Boot Camp, install Parallels Desktop and use the Installation Assistant.

How do I play Windows games on Mac?

Play hundreds of Windows-exclusive games on a Mac using Parallels Desktop. Enable the Gaming profile to supply more RAM and CPU power to Windows for optimal performance and experience. Download a free 14-day trial of Parallels Desktop and find out if your desired game(s) are supported.

What are the system requirements for Parallels Desktop?

System requirements are available at https://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/resources/.

What if I need multiple licenses and license management for my team or organization?

Check out Parallels Desktop Business Edition.

Do you have educational pricing for students or faculty?

Parallels offers exclusive discounts for students currently enrolled in a qualified institution or professional educators who are currently employed at a qualified institution. Educational discounts can save users up to 50%. Start by verifying eligibility.

What is Parallels Desktop Pro Edition?

Parallels Desktop Pro Edition offers all the capabilities you already know and love, plus it is packed with extra features, including:

More Power — Parallels Desktop Pro Edition gives your virtual machines more processing power, up to 128 GB vRAM and 32 vCPUs per virtual machine on Intel-based Mac, and up to 62 GB vRAM and 18 vCPUs per virtual machine on Mac with Apple silicon.
VM Upload and Deployment — upload and deploy large VM files by converting a VM bundle into a single file.
Command Line Interface — Use Command Line Interface tools to control Parallels Desktop and manage VMs, including their settings and configuration. Command Line interface also enables additional integrations like Vagrant.
Visual Studio Plug-In — Develop software in one virtual machine and test in others, with just one click.
Nested Virtualization Support is available for the following:
- VMware ESXi virtual machines
- Xen and kernel-based virtual machines in versions of Linux that support Xen and KV
- Android emulator for Visual Studio in Windows
- iPhone emulator for Visual Studio in Windows
- Xamarin. Android in Windows
- Android Studio in Windows
- Embarcadero RAD Studio in Windows
- Docker for Windows

Learn more about Parallels Desktop Pro Edition.

How do I create a new virtual machine?

Download Parallels Desktop for Mac.
Open the downloaded file and double click "Install".
Follow the installation process.
Download and install Windows 11 via Installation Assistant, or skip to install other operating systems, such as Ubuntu, Fedora, or other Linux systems supported by Parallels Desktop. See all Guest Operating Systems.

What is your return policy?

Parallels offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all initial purchases made on parallels.com. If you purchased from another retailer, please check their return policy.

Where can I get more info?

User guides and resources can be found on our Technical Documentation and Resources page. Or visit Support.

Which editions of Windows has Microsoft confirmed will be officially compatible with Mac with Apple silicon?

Microsoft has confirmed that Parallels Desktop for Mac used with Arm versions of Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise editions is an officially compatible solution for customers on Apple silicon Mac computers.

Do Parallels Desktop users have to purchase new Windows license keys?

Users will be able to bring their own Windows 11 license keys if they have a key that can be used to activate Windows.

Are there limitations or known issues with Parallels Desktop used with Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise on Mac computers with Apple silicon?

To learn more about any limitations running Windows 11 on Parallels Desktop, please visit https://kb.parallels.com/129497

Is Parallels Desktop for Mac available in the App Store?

Yes, you can purchase the App Store Edition of Parallels Desktop in the Mac App Store.

Run most applications including Microsoft Office, accounting software, trading software, SAP, Matlab, and more.

Operating system

macOS Sequoia 15.0 or newer
macOS Sonoma 14.5 or newer
macOS Ventura 13.2 or newer
macOS Monterey 12.6 or newer
macOS Big Sur 11.7 or newer^[1]
macOS Catalina 10.15.7 or newer^[1]
macOS Mojave 10.14.6 or newer^[1]

Processor

Any Apple silicon chip

Intel Core i5, Core i7, Core i9, Intel Core M or Xeon processor

Memory

4 GB of RAM

Storage

600 MB for Parallels Desktop application installation

Additional disk space for the guest operating system (at least 16 GB is required for Windows OS)

Graphics

Any Apple silicon chip

Intel, AMD Radeon, or NVIDIA graphics cards

^[1] — an earlier product version is installed

For graphics-intensive applications, high loads, and running multiple virtual machines.

Operating system

macOS Sequoia 15.0 or newer
macOS Sonoma 14.0 or newer
macOS Ventura 13.2 or newer
macOS Monterey 12.6 or newer
macOS Big Sur 11.7 or newer^[1]
macOS Catalina 10.15.7 or newer^[1]
macOS Mojave 10.14.6 or newer^[1]

Processor

Any Apple silicon chip

Intel Core i5, Core i7, Core i9 or Xeon processor

Memory

16 GB of RAM or more

Storage

600 MB for Parallels Desktop application installation

Additional disk space for the guest operating system(s) (at least 16 GB is required for Windows OS)

Graphics

Any Apple silicon chip

AMD Radeon Pro graphics card

^[1] — an earlier product version is installed

Supported guest operating systems

Supported guest operating systems (Mac with Apple silicon):

Only Arm versions of operating systems are supported.

Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise editions (recommended)
Windows Server 2025 (when released)
Ubuntu Linux 24.04, 23.04, 22.04, 21.10, 21.04, 20.10, 20.04
Fedora Workstation 40, 39
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9
Debian GNU/Linux 12, 11
Kali Linux 2024.2, 2023.1, 2022.2, 2022.1, 2021.3
CentOS Stream 9
macOS Monterey 12 (in-app download)
macOS Ventura 13 (in-app download)
macOS Sonoma 14 (in-app download)
macOS Sequoia 15 (in-app download)

Supported guest operating systems (Mac with Intel processors):

Only x86 versions of operating systems are supported.

Windows 11 (recommended)
Windows 10^[1]
Windows Server 2025 (when released)
Windows Server 2022
Windows Server 2019
Windows Server 2016

Boot2Docker
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 9,8 and 7
CentOS Linux 9 Stream, 8, 7
Fedora Linux 40, 39
Ubuntu 24.04, 23.04, 22.04 LTS, 21.10, 21.04, 20.04 LTS, 18.04 LTS, 16.04 LTS
Debian GNU/Linux 12, 11
Suse Linux Enterprise 15
OpenSUSE Linux 15.5 and 15.4
Linux Mint 20
Kali 2024.2, 2023.1, 2022.2, 2022.1
Elementary OS 7
Manjaro 22 and 21
Mageia 8
Gentoo Linux^[2]
openBSD 6^[2]
FreeBSD 12 and 11^[2]
openVZ 7
eComStation 2 and 1.2^[2]
ReactOS 0.4^[2]
Android OS (in-app download only)
macOS Sequoia 15.0^[3]
macOS Sonoma 14.0^[3]
macOS Ventura 13.0^[3]
macOS Monterey 12.0^[3]
macOS Big Sur 11.0^[3]
macOS Catalina 10.15^[3]
macOS Mojave 10.14.x^[3]
macOS High Sierra 10.13.x^[3]
macOS Sierra 10.12.x^[3]
OS X El Capitan 10.11.x^[3]
OS X Yosemite 10.10.x^[3]
OS X Mavericks 10.9.x^[3]
and many more...
[1] — Only the 64-bit version is supported.
[2] — Parallels Tools are not available for this operating system.
[3] — Requires a Mac computer that supports the operating system as a host OS.
Hide all supported guest operating systems

See all supported guest operating systems

Note: Support for legacy Windows OS versions (2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8/8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2) is limited. Learn more at KB 129252.
Parallels Desktop for Mac emulates PC hardware, so operating systems that are not included in this list can work as well. You can download the Parallels Desktop trial and install an operating system of your choice. If that OS doesn’t work and you believe it should be supported, let us know in the Parallels Forum.
To learn more about the limitations of running Windows 11 in Parallels Desktop, please visit KB 129497.

For information about supported Linux kernel versions, please visit KB 129963.

How to Install Windows on Apple M-series Mac?

Easily switch between the most popular OSs.

Trusted by well-known organizations.

For home

For school

For work

For power users

Bonus with Subscription!

Parallels Toolbox

Compare editions

Why buy from Parallels

30-day money back guarantee

Live support

Authorized by Microsoft

Extra value

Frequently asked questions

System requirements

Operating system

Processor

Memory

Storage

Graphics

Operating system

Processor

Memory

Storage

Graphics

Supported guest operating systems (Mac with Apple silicon):

Supported guest operating systems (Mac with Intel processors):