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Running Windows 10 on a Mac M1 chip

Anonymous
2023-02-17T15:59:32+00:00

Hi, I've been running Windows 10 through parallels on an iMac for a few years and have now upgraded to a MacBook with M1 chip. I've installed Parallels toolbox on the new Mac, my iso file for windows 10 is not compatible with the M1 chip, is there a way to install this without having to pay for a windows 11 licence?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Licensing and activation

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-02-17T17:08:36+00:00

    Hi Dave

    Thanks for the reply, I already have a Parallels subscription and this has installed OK, it's beginning to look like I need a Windows 11 licence as I cannot find a way of installing my existing Windows 10 on the new Mac to be able to upgrade it to 11 for free.

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  2. DaveM121 871.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-02-17T17:25:57+00:00

    Hi Iain, okay, I hope that works for you, please use the activation troubleshooter a couple of times if it does not activate the first time.

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-02-17T17:23:09+00:00

    Hi Dave

    I originally installed Windows 11 when I downloaded parallels on the new Mac but it wouldn't recognise the product key, I'll give it another go and see how I get on.

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  4. DaveM121 871.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-02-17T17:13:26+00:00

    Hi Iain Manson,

    Microsoft abandoned Windows 10 for ARM when they brought out Windows 11, but you should be able to use your Windows 10 product key to activate Windows 11.

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  5. DaveM121 871.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-02-17T16:32:59+00:00

    Hi Iain Manson,

    I am Dave, I will help you with this.

    Windows 10/11 for ARM has not been released yet, it is still in Beta and currently the only way to install Windows on an M1 or M2 chip on a new Mac is to use Parallels, and that is not free.

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