You need to download the installation file for Apple M1 Macs from the official Parallels Desktop website. This will place you into the virtual machine.Installing Parallels on Mac M1 is a bit different than installing it on an Intel-based Mac. Once you see Installation Complete, click in the virtual machine window to continue.

The virtual machine will now be created.

Save the default Name and Location information by clicking Create.

When asked how you will primarily use Windows, select Design and click Continue.

If you do not see the Windows 11 installer, click on Choose Manually to search for it.

In the Select Installation Image window, make sure the Windows 11 VHDX file is highlighted and click Continue.

In the Create New window, make sure the Install Windows or another OS button is highlighted and click Continue.

Once you have Windows 11 downloaded, go back to the Install on Mac with Apple M1 Chip window and click Continue.

To do this, click on the How to download Windows 11 of ARM Insider Preview link and follow the instructions.

You now need to download a copy of Windows 11 on ARM.

When you see the Install on Mac with Apple M1 Chip window click Continue.

Enter your Mac's password when prompted.

Double-click on the Install Parallels Desktop link to start the installation.

The Parallels Desktop for Mac window will open.

Once you have finished downloading the Parallels installer, go to your Downloads folder and double-click on the Install Parallels Desktop.dmg file.

Parallels does offer a student discount, which you can inquire about at

Go to to purchase the latest version of Parallels Desktop.

Note: Parallels does use only half the RAM your machine has therefore minimum of 16gb RAM is recommended. This document includes instructions for installing Parallels. Parallels Desktop is a virtual desktop client that allows a user to install another Operating System onto their Mac as a virtual machine that runs inside MacOS.

Parallels macbook m1