What versions of Windows can be run under Parallels on M3 iMac?

Discussion in 'Parallels Desktop on a Mac with Apple silicon' started by SWANDY, May 6, 2026 at 9:54 AM.

  1. SWANDY

    SWANDY Pro

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    Aside from Windows 11 ARM which I run on my M3 iMac using the current version of Parallels, what other earlier versions of Windows can I install/run?
    I have two older programs (Lotus Approach and Microsoft Links golf) which currently run on Windows 11ARM, but worried about the future as Microsoft upgrades Windows 11 and Parallels does the same thing.
    Thanks,
    Steve
     
    SWANDY, May 6, 2026 at 9:54 AM
    #1
  2. Avinash Bundhoo

    Avinash Bundhoo Staff Member

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    833
    Avinash Bundhoo, May 6, 2026 at 9:55 PM
    #2
  3. AyushK7

    AyushK7 Bit poster

    Messages:
    1
    On an M3 iMac (Apple Silicon), Parallels Desktop officially supports only ARM-based operating systems. The main Windows version you can reliably run is:

    • Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise editions -- officially supported by Microsoft and Parallels on M1/M2/M3 Macs


    • Windows 10 -- some older ARM builds can work, but Microsoft no longer distributes them normally, and support is inconsistent.
    • x86 versions of:
      • Windows 10
      • Windows 7
      These are not officially supported under standard Parallels virtualization on Apple Silicon because M3 Macs use ARM architecture, not Intel x86
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 10, 2026 at 11:12 PM
    AyushK7, May 10, 2026 at 10:32 PM
    #3

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