Frequently asked questions about Windows 11

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New installation

How to install Windows 11 on a Mac with Apple M-series chips?

To create a new Windows 11 virtual machine follow the steps described in KB 125375.

How to install Windows 11 on a Mac with an Intel processor?

To create a new Windows 11 virtual machine, download a Windows 11 ISO from the Microsoft website, and follow the steps described in KB 128449.

What Parallels Desktop versions support Windows 11?

Windows 11 is fully supported in Parallels Desktop 17 version. Learn more here.

 

Upgrade from Windows 10

 

How to upgrade to Windows 11 on a Mac with Apple M-series chips?

On September, 16, 2021 Microsoft has announced the change that aligns the enforcement of the Windows 11 system requirements on Virtual Machines (VMs) to be the same as it is for physical PCs.

So, a virtual TPM chip is required for upgrading to Windows 11. Learn more in KB 122702.

According to Microsoft, "Upgrade rollout plan is being finalized and is scheduled to begin late in 2021 and continue into 2022. Specific timing will vary by device."

To upgrade your Windows 10 virtual machine to Windows 11 check this article - KB 122884.

How to upgrade to Windows 11 on a Mac with an Intel processor?

On September, 16, 2021 Microsoft has announced the change that aligns the enforcement of the Windows 11 system requirements on Virtual Machines (VMs) to be the same as it is for physical PCs.

So, a virtual TPM chip is required for upgrading to Windows 11. Learn more in KB 122702.

According to Microsoft, "Upgrade rollout plan is being finalized and is scheduled to begin late in 2021 and continue into 2022. Specific timing will vary by device."

To upgrade your Windows 10 virtual machine to Windows 11 check this article - KB 122884.

What are the requirements for upgrading to Windows 11?

Windows 11 system requirements can be found here.

Please note that a virtual machine must have EFI/UEFI BIOS and TPM in order to upgrade to Win11.

 

Downgrade

 

How to downgrade Windows 11 to Windows 10 on a Mac with Apple M-series chip?

Since the 'Windows 10 on Arm Insider Preview' VHDX installation image isn't available anymore, there is no option to downgrade Windows 11 to Windows 10. 

How to downgrade Windows 11 to Windows 10 on a Mac with an Intel processor?

Downgrading Windows 11 to Windows 10 works the same way as it works for other Windows builds. We advise you to contact Microsoft Support Team to get more detailed instructions. 

 

Licensing

 

Does Windows 11 need to be activated?

Yes, it does as well as on a real PC. You can provide your own Microsoft Windows license key, or purchase a new license via Microsoft Store. Windows Settings > System > Activation > Get a new license in the Microsoft Store app.

Do I need a Windows license to use Windows 11 on a Mac with Apple M-series chip?

According to the information provided at the beginning of October, you should have a software license for any software used under the Insider Program terms.

However, we advise you to contact Microsoft Support Team to get more detailed instructions.

What license do I need for activating Windows 11 - Pro/Home?

There are no unique licensing requirements for Windows 11 beyond what is required for Windows 10 devices.

Microsoft 365 licenses that include Windows 10 licenses will permit you to run Windows 11 on supported devices. If you have a volume license, it will equally cover Windows 11 and Windows 10 devices before and after the upgrade.

 

Third-party software

 

Will my app work in Windows 11 on a Mac with an Intel processor?

Windows 11 preserves the application compatibility promise made with Windows 10, so all your applications are supposed to run without any issues in Windows 11.

Will my app work in Windows 11 on a Mac with Apple M-series chips?

Windows on Arm can run most of the regular Windows x86 applications with the help of Microsoft built-in translation. So, we advise you to install the application you need and check if there are any issues. If it doesn't work, let us know at Parallels Forum.

However, the translation is in active development, so even if an app doesn’t run today, it may run tomorrow.

Feel free to download Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac 14-days trial and try the application you need.

If there are some issues with installing/running the application, please provide us with the details.

How to create a Windows 10 virtual machine on a Mac with Apple M-series chips?

Since the 'Windows 10 on Arm Insider Preview' VHDX installation image isn't available anymore, there is no option to downgrade Windows 11 to Windows 10. 

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