If you've ever looked longingly at the sleek power of an Apple Silicon Mac and wondered if you could run your favorite x86 operating systems like Windows 11 or legacy Linux distributions on this hardware, buckle up—because it’s finally possible. Well, sort of. While it's not exactly the smooth-as-butter experience you might be used to, Parallels Desktop has taken a significant leap forward into uncharted territory, adding x86 emulation support for Apple Silicon Macs. This move has far-reaching implications for tech enthusiasts, developers, and regular users who need versatility from their hardware.
This is no small feat, considering Apple's shiny, efficient M1 and M2 processors are based on ARM architecture—leaving traditional x86 operating systems out in the cold. But before your inner geek throws a party, let’s break down what this exciting announcement means, its limitations, and whether it might actually be useful for you.
Why is this such a big deal? Prior to this release, Parallels only supported running ARM-based operating systems. While running Windows 11 on Apple Silicon has been possible since 2021, it was limited to Microsoft's ARM-based version, which often doesn't play well with legacy x86 software and apps. This new update bridges that gap, allowing users to explore the full range of x86 operating systems.
Still, the feature isn’t ready for mainstream adoption. Boot times are glacial, and usability hangs in a nebulous "proof-of-concept" territory. But make no mistake: this update cracks open the door for running legacy x86 software on modern Apple Silicon hardware—a previously thought-to-be-impossible task.
So, should you jump headfirst into this experimental version of Parallels Desktop? If you’re a curious tinkerer or a developer desperate for x86 compatibility, absolutely. For the everyday user looking for smooth performance? Best to keep an eye on future updates before diving in.
And who knows—this might just be the start of something great. Stay tuned, because the emulation game just got a whole lot more interesting.
Source: Tom's Hardware https://www.tomshardware.com/software/operating-systems/parallels-adds-x86-os-support-for-apple-silicon-you-can-now-run-x86-windows-and-linux-distros
This is no small feat, considering Apple's shiny, efficient M1 and M2 processors are based on ARM architecture—leaving traditional x86 operating systems out in the cold. But before your inner geek throws a party, let’s break down what this exciting announcement means, its limitations, and whether it might actually be useful for you.
The Headline: x86 Emulation Arrives on Apple Silicon
Parallels Desktop 20.2.0 introduces an innovative new feature: experimental support for x86_64 operating systems on Macs with Apple Silicon chips. Yes, that includes everything from Windows 10 and Windows 11 (x86 editions) to various Linux distributions. Users now have the option to install these x86 operating systems directly via the Parallels interface or through a more manual approach using its Command-Line Interface (CLI).Why is this such a big deal? Prior to this release, Parallels only supported running ARM-based operating systems. While running Windows 11 on Apple Silicon has been possible since 2021, it was limited to Microsoft's ARM-based version, which often doesn't play well with legacy x86 software and apps. This new update bridges that gap, allowing users to explore the full range of x86 operating systems.
How Does It Work? Magic? Science? Or Both?
To achieve x86 emulation, Parallels Desktop essentially acts as a translator between the ARM architecture of Mac processors and the x86 expectations of operating systems like Windows and Linux. This process involves dynamically converting x86 instructions into ARM-compatible instructions in real time.Key Technology: The Apple Hypervisor
- Instead of relying on custom virtualization solutions, Parallels leverages the Apple Hypervisor, a low-level functionality built into macOS. The Apple Hypervisor plays the essential role of managing system interactions and resource allocations between the virtual x86 operating system and the host Mac environment.
- By leaning on Apple's hypervisor, Parallels ensures a level of compatibility while reducing development overhead. However, this also imposes certain limitations, like an inability to use Parallels’ own hypervisor module, which has advanced virtualization features.
The Drawbacks: Is This Ready for Prime Time?
Before you start dusting off your old x86 Windows installer ISOs, there are some hefty disclaimers you’ll want to consider. Here’s a quick primer on the known limitations:1. Sluggish Performance
If you're expecting snappy performance, think again. Parallels has been clear that this feature is still in the technology preview stage, meaning it’s mostly intended for developers or curious experimenters. Running x86 Windows on an M1 or M2 is currently more akin to watching paint dry than anything resembling "normal" Windows use.2. No Support for Specific Hardware Features
- USB Devices: USB pass-through doesn’t work. This means any hardware-dependent features (like accessing external drives via USB) are out of the question.
- Audio Output: Your virtual machine will remain stubbornly silent. No sound support is baked in yet.
- Peripheral Recognition: Plug-and-play devices like printers or webcams are also no-go.
3. Limited OS Compatibility
While you can run 32-bit applications within an x86 operating system, 32-bit OS support isn’t available. This might be a dealbreaker for those clinging to 32-bit Linux distributions or legacy Windows versions.Why Should You Care? The Broader Implications
For Windows users, particularly developers and enterprise teams, this update is a significant step forward. Here are the critical takeaways:1. Opening Doors for Cross-Platform Development
If you’re a developer working on a Mac but need to test software on x86 Windows, you now have another path besides maintaining clunky, aging hardware or investing in cloud-based VM solutions. It’s a win, albeit a small one, given performance limitations.2. Breaking the Apple Silicon Isolation
Apple Silicon Macs have gained accolades for their performance and efficiency, but the lack of native x86 support has been a sticking point for many considering the switch. While Parallels' solution isn’t perfect, it demonstrates that x86 applications can live (if not thrive) in an Apple Silicon environment.3. A Preview of Things to Come?
Parallels itself has labeled the feature as experimental, providing a glimmer of hope that optimizations will improve. Consider this update a "proof of concept"—imperfect but full of potential. Who knows? In the coming years, as hardware and software improve, you may not even notice you’re running emulated x86 software on an ARM processor.How Do You Enable This Wizardry on Your Mac?
Ready to dive in? Keep your expectations managed, but here’s how to enable x86 emulation in Parallels Desktop 20.2.0:- Update to the Latest Version: Ensure you have Parallels Desktop 20.2.0 or later. You’ll need a valid subscription to access the latest features.
- Activate Experimental Mode: Right-click on a “not compatible” target virtual machine in the interface, and select Start using Emulator.
- Command-Line Geeks Rejoice: Alternatively, you can use the Parallels CLI tool to launch the feature manually.
The Verdict: Experimentation Over Practicality (For Now)
To say Parallels Desktop has pulled off an engineering marvel would not be overstating it. Porting x86 support to Apple Silicon isn't just a technical achievement—it’s a potential lifeline for users stuck between Windows x86 applications and the desire for Apple’s ARM-based hardware.Still, the feature isn’t ready for mainstream adoption. Boot times are glacial, and usability hangs in a nebulous "proof-of-concept" territory. But make no mistake: this update cracks open the door for running legacy x86 software on modern Apple Silicon hardware—a previously thought-to-be-impossible task.
So, should you jump headfirst into this experimental version of Parallels Desktop? If you’re a curious tinkerer or a developer desperate for x86 compatibility, absolutely. For the everyday user looking for smooth performance? Best to keep an eye on future updates before diving in.
And who knows—this might just be the start of something great. Stay tuned, because the emulation game just got a whole lot more interesting.
Source: Tom's Hardware https://www.tomshardware.com/software/operating-systems/parallels-adds-x86-os-support-for-apple-silicon-you-can-now-run-x86-windows-and-linux-distros
