QUESTION :
So I’m very confused.
Parallels says they can run Windows on the recent Apple computers with M1 processor, but it seems only Windows ARM can be installed.
But it’s not clear if I can run regular x86 apps in Windows ARM. Actually, is this possible or not?
ANSWER :
The Windows 10 for ARM64 virtual machine only works with a limited set of apps.
From
Windows 10 ARM-based PCs FAQ:
Drivers for hardware, games and apps will only work if they’re designed for a Windows 10 ARM-based PC. For more info, check with
the hardware manufacturer or the organization that developed the
driver. Drivers are software programs that communicate with hardware
devices—they’re commonly used for antivirus and antimalware software,
printing or PDF software, assistive technologies, CD and DVD
utilities, and virtualization software. If a driver doesn’t work,
the app or hardware that relies on it won’t work either (at least not
fully). Peripherals and devices only work if the drivers they depend
on are built into Windows 10, or if the hardware developer has
released ARM64 drivers for the device.64-bit (x64) apps won’t work. You’ll need 64-bit (ARM64) apps, 32-bit (ARM32) apps, or 32-bit (x86) apps. You can usually find 32-bit
(x86) versions of apps, but some app developers only offer 64-bit
(x64) apps.Certain games won’t work. Games and apps won’t work if they use a version of OpenGL greater than 1.1, or if they rely on “anti-cheat”
drivers that haven’t been made for Windows 10 ARM-based PCs. Check
with your game publisher to see if a game will work.Apps that customize the Windows experience might have problems. This includes some input method editors (IMEs), assistive
technologies, and cloud storage apps. The organization that develops
the app determines whether their app will work on a Windows 10
ARM-based PC.Some third-party antivirus software can’t be installed. You won’t be able to install some third-party antivirus software on a
Windows 10 ARM-based PC. However, Windows Security will help keep you
safe for the supported lifetime of your Windows 10 device.Windows Fax and Scan isn’t available. This feature isn’t available on a Windows 10 ARM-based PC.