Parallels Desktop 17, one of the best virtualization tools for Mac, adds support for Windows 11 and improves the performance and experience on Mac computers with an M1 chip.
Parallels Desktop 17 allows access to Windows 11 and all the functions of the Microsoft operating system, both on Apple computers with an Intel processor and on computers with an M1 chip. It also adds compatibility with macOS 12 Monterey. Users can create a virtual machine for both operating systems by simply running the program and without requiring a reboot.
To use Windows 11 in a virtual machine, Parallels Desktop 17 adapted its installation wizard and developed a virtual TPM chip. The ARM Insider Preview of Windows 10 can still be started on Macs with an Apple M1 chip.
The software also works faster than the previous version. According to the manufacturer, virtualization software is up to 38% faster to resume when using Windows, Linux, or macOS, while boot and disk performance on Windows 10 ARM is up to 33-20% faster.
Performance is also optimized for 2D graphics, which are up to 25% faster. On the other hand, the new version integrates a screen driver that improves the response and synchronization with video and games when using a virtual machine. Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac also supports USB 3.1, allowing the use of additional USB storage devices.
