Only Insider Program version of Windows 11 on M1 Mac?

Discussion in 'Parallels Desktop on a Mac with Apple silicon' started by TimothyD4, Feb 2, 2022.

  1. TimothyD4

    TimothyD4 Bit poster

    Messages:
    5
    I installed Windows 11 on Parallels on an M1 Mac Mini.
    I did not select an Insider Program version of Windows (although I did sign up for the program).
    Instead, I just let Parallels install Windows 11 automatically.
    So, what version of Windows am I running? Windows says that it is the Home Edition and says nothing about an Insider Program verson.
    Somehow, I got the impression that ONLY the Insider Program version of Windows will run on an M1 Mac.
    So, if I purchase a license of Windows 11 directly from Microsoft, how will that apply to the copy that I have installed?
    I assume that a full Windows version will perform and have more features than the Insider version, but will the full version run on an M1 Mac?
     
    MatthewP28 likes this.
  2. SamS4

    SamS4 Hunter

    Messages:
    123
    You're running the Windows 11 Home Edition - ARM Insider Preview Edition. If you apply a license key for the Windows 11 Professional Edition, it will ask you to upgrade your features so you can take full advantage of the Windows 11 Professional feature set. If you purchase the Windows 11 Home Edition license then you'll have that feature set. Depending on where you buy your license the price of these two option may be very similar (e.g. $95 and $100).
     
  3. TimothyD4

    TimothyD4 Bit poster

    Messages:
    5
    Thanks for your reply.
    So let me get this straight -
    When I ran the Parallels installation program and did not select an Insider image, the installer automatically installed an Insider version of Windows Home Edition.
    But when I run Windows and display system information, it tells me that it is a Windows Home Edition and nowhere does it say that it is an Insider version.
    Shouldn't it tell me that it is an Insider version? It says:

    Edition Windows 11 Home
    Version 21H2
    Installed on ‎1/‎24/‎2022
    OS build 22000.318
    Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.22000.318.0

    Could it be that Parallels is no longer installing an Insider preview version?
    Thanks
     
  4. SamS4

    SamS4 Hunter

    Messages:
    123
    To my knowledge there is no retail version of windows available for the M1 ARM chip architecture. The only options available today are Insider Preview editions.
     
  5. TimothyD4

    TimothyD4 Bit poster

    Messages:
    5
    Thank you for your replies.
    Here is what it says that I am running:

    Edition Windows 11 Home
    Version 21H2
    Installed on ‎1/‎24/‎2022
    OS build 22000.318
    Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.22000.318.0

    Processor Apple Silicon 3.20 GHz (4 processors)
    Installed RAM 6.00 GB
    System type 64-bit operating system, ARM-based processor
    Pen and touch Pen support

    But if there is no retail version available for the M1 ARM chip, then I'm not sure how I could have a retail/OEM version.
    Sorry, but I really am confused about this and I don't want to purchase a copy of Windows from Microsoft for $$$ only to find that I'll still need to run an Insider Preview version that doesn't have all the features of a full retail version.
     
  6. TimothyD4

    TimothyD4 Bit poster

    Messages:
    5
    Thanks MichaelH63,
    Maybe Parallels is allowed to offer an ODM (non-Insider) version of Windows 11 now.
    Everywhere I look I keep getting referred to Parallels own instructions that explains how to Install Windows on a Mac with Apple M1 chip by registering for the Windows Insider Program and I haven't seen Parallels make any kind of statement that the Insider version isn't necessary any more, which seems odd if they can distribute a non-Insider version.
    I do think you must be right though because Windows is telling me that it is OS build 22000.318.
     
  7. SamS4

    SamS4 Hunter

    Messages:
    123
    I just built a new virtual machine using Parallels exclusively and downloaded Windows 11 at that time. It was a Windows Home Edition under the Insider Preview program.
     
  8. SamS4

    SamS4 Hunter

    Messages:
    123
    After starting Windows 11 check Settings > System > About (where you got the information above) and you will find information on the version you are running, the Insider Preview needs (you need to set up an account), and the need for a license key for Windows 11. As it happens, even when running an Insider Preview Edition of W11 you should provide a license key to Windows 11 (Home - $95, and Pro - $99 at my last check). Think of the license key as a portable entity and apply it to the W11 install under Parallels.
     

Share This Page