How to activate evaluation copy of Windows 10 on M1 chip

[JasonW23]

Hello, I have just downloaded and installed Parallels 16 on my Mac M1 (Big Sur version 11) and installed windows 10 per the instructions. Everything is running fine but I'm confused with how to activate my copy of windows. If I'm not able to will it lock me out eventually?

 

[Ajith1]

Hello, I have just downloaded and installed Parallels 16 on my Mac M1 (Big Sur version 11) and installed windows 10 per the instructions. Everything is running fine but I'm confused with how to activate my copy of windows. If I'm not able to will it lock me out eventually?

As of now, you can only use Windows 10 ARM insider preview in Parallels Desktop. Windows 10 for Intel cannot be used with ARM processor.

 

[JasonW23]

So, if I can't activate it, will this preview copy of Windows lock me out eventually?

 

[Maria@Parallels]

So, if I can't activate it, will this preview copy of Windows lock me out eventually?

Hi, did you get any specific error message?

 

[LawrenceR4]

It can be activated, but not but normal means. The Preview ARM copy is not designed for retail use or activation and is not supported by Microsoft on the Mac M1 platform. It does not need to be activated to use until the time-out period is reached, Then some features may be disabled at that point. You can see when the preview expiration date is, by running Winver. Further, If you activate the preview, which unlocks desktop personalization, you will not be able to update the Insider Preview Copy to the next build with Windows Update. Build update will fail to install. You will have to start over with a fresh VM and a new build download. Also, You will not be able to run Office ProPlus 2019/2021 for Mac and Office Office ProPlus 2019/2021 for Windows at the same time. The first install will take command ie if you Install on the Mac side, then install in the VM on the Windows ARM side in the VM will fail to open even if the suite is activated. I am not sure if this includes 365 Crap and Online Office light versions of Apps do work albeit with fewer features than full versions. Unless someone else in the Forum, or the Parallels Development Team, is running retail Office suites (NOT 365) at the same time on both platforms (Mac Big Sur and Parallels / Win 10 Preview ARM) my comments above should be correct based on my testing!!