These were the steps to install Windows 11 on M1 Mac using the Parallels Desktop 17. Apple’s unified memory architecture is particularly important since it allows all of the M1’s technologies to access the same data without having to switch between several memory pools. Macs had numerous chips for CPU, I/O, and security before Apple silicon, but Apple’s work to consolidate these chips is why the M1 is so much quicker and more efficient than previous Intel CPUs. The M1 is a “System on a Chip,” which combines several components to power Mac’s various features, including the CPU, GPU, unified memory architecture (RAM), Neural Engine, Secure Enclave, SSD controller, image signal processor, encode/decode engines, Thunderbolt controller with USB 4 support, and more. It was Apple’s first step away from Intel CPUs, which the Cupertino corporation had been using in Macs since 2006. The M1 was the first System on a Chip (SoC) built by Apple specifically for use in Macs. To operate properly, allow Parallels Desktop to access your Mac’s Desktop, Documents, and Downloads folders throughout the installation process. So, here are the steps to install Windows 11 on an M1 Mac:Ī) To begin, download and install Parallels 17 or above on your Mac. Parallels, as opposed to Boot Camp, make switching between Windows and Mac more flexible and smooth. After selecting the ISO file, it will ask you to create a partition. It will now ask to search for the Windows 11 ISO file. Open up Boot Camp Assistant by heading over to Applications > Utilities. With Boot Camp, you can only use one operating system at a time-Mac or PC, not both-and moving between the two needs a reboot. Install Windows 11 on Intel Mac Create a Windows partition with Boot camp Assistant. In contrast, Boot Camp needs you to install Windows on a separate partition on your Mac’s SSD or hard drive.

Parallels allow you to run Windows programs alongside Mac software in a mode called Coherence, or you may quickly launch a Windows desktop to work with Mac files in Windows apps. Parallels is a virtual machine application, which means it runs a distinct operating system on your Mac in the form of a simulated computer (called a virtual machine).

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