Parallels Desktop has been officially authorized by Microsoft to run ARM versions of Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise on Macs equipped with M3 processors. The ARM version of Windows 11 has been authorized by Microsoft to run on Parallels Desktop for M1 and M2 Macs in 2023. However, Apple released the M3 processor series in October, so the license needs to be updated.
According to an updated support document from Microsoft, all third-generation M-series processors are now authorized to run ARM versions of Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise through Parallels Desktop 18 and 19. To be clear, this is not a full version of x86 Windows running on an Intel PC, nor can it run 32-bit ARM applications.
The Pro and Business editions can manage 4 virtual CPUs and 8GB vRAM, while the Pro and Business editions support up to 32 vCPUs and 128GB vRAM.
The $199.99 annual Professional version also includes a Visual Studio plug-in for remote debugging, virtual network tools, automation elements, integration with Docker and more, advanced phone support, and more.
The Business Edition costs $149.99 per year and includes all the features of the Professional Edition and allows employees to download a pre-configured version of Windows to their Macs, per-user licensing, centralized management and management tools, and a unified volume licensing key for large-scale deployments.
Each hardware and virtual machine requires its own unique Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise license.