Parallels Desktop gains "really slow" support for x86 OSes on Apple Silicon

Parallels Desktop Pro 20.2.0 now includes an 'early technology preview' that enables users to run x86 operating systems on Apple Silicon Macs, including limited support for Windows 10, 11, and select Linux distributions.

While the new emulation engine allows running existing virtual machines for Windows 11 and supported Linux distros, it doesn't support setting up new ones, which is crucial for users migrating from Intel Macs.

The technology preview currently lacks support for 32-bit operating systems and older Windows versions like Windows 7 or 8, limiting compatibility options for users needing legacy support.

Windows 11 24H2 and other versions of Linux may not be set up due to missing SSE4.2 support, highlighting ongoing limitations in Parallels' ability to fully emulate a complete Intel experience on Apple Silicon.

Read at Ars Technica