Introduction

In a groundbreaking update, Parallels has unveiled x86 emulation capabilities in Parallels Desktop 20.2, as announced by product manager Mikhail Ushakov in a recent blog post. This development is particularly significant for users of Apple’s M1 chip and later models, marking the first time Parallels has ventured into emulating Intel-based hardware since Apple made the ambitious leap to Arm architecture back in 2020. However, users are cautioned not to expect lightning-fast performance.

New Features

With this “early technology preview,” Parallels opens the doors for users to:

- Run existing x86_64 versions of Windows 10, Windows 11*, Windows Server 2019/2022, and select Linux distributions with UEFI BIOS through the Parallels Emulator.

- Create virtual machines for Windows 10 21H2 and Windows Server 2022.

Performance Considerations

Despite these exciting features, Ushakov emphasizes that performance will not be optimal. In fact, users may experience excruciatingly slow boot times of up to seven minutes! Additionally, several limitations accompany this functionality, including the lack of external USB device support, incompatibility with Windows 11 24H2, and the ability to only emulate 64-bit operating systems, although you might still run 32-bit applications.

Accessing the Feature

For those eager to experiment with the new feature, there’s a catch: the option to start virtual machines leveraging this x86 emulation is currently concealed. Ushakov points out that this is intentional—a move designed to manage user expectations for those who may not require this specific functionality.

Additional Improvements in Version 20.2

In version 20.2, Parallels has also made strides in other areas, adding features like automatic time and time zone syncing for macOS virtual machines running on Apple silicon. Moreover, it now integrates Apple’s AI-powered Writing Tools directly into the Windows right-click menu available in Word, PowerPoint, and the classic version of Outlook—removing the need for a keyboard shortcut or the macOS menu bar's Edit menu.

Conclusion

As technology continues to evolve, this early step by Parallels highlights the ongoing challenges and innovations that come with adapting legacy systems to meet the needs of modern hardware. Will the slow performance deter you from trying out these features, or will curiosity lead you to experiment with the x86 emulation? Stay tuned for future updates!