Parallels Desktop 20.2 Adds x86 Emulation Support: A Deta...

Parallels, a renowned provider of virtualization software, has announced the addition of x86 emulation support in its latest product update, Parallels Desktop 20.2. The new feature, as described by product manager Mikhail Ushakov, allows users to emulate Intel-based hardware on M1-or-greater Macs, a first for the company since Apple's Arm transition in 2020. However, users should brace for slow performance, with boot times stretching up to seven minutes, and several limitations.

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Capabilities and Limitations of the New Feature

The new update allows users to run existing x86_64 Windows 10, Windows 11*, Windows Server 2019/2022, and some Linux distributives with UEFI BIOS via the Parallels Emulator. It also enables the creation of new Windows 10 21H2 and Windows Server 2022 virtual machines. However, there are several limitations, including lacking support for external USB devices, non-support for Windows 11 24H2, and the restriction to emulate only 64-bit operating systems. Despite these, Ushakov notes that users can run 32-bit apps.

Additional Updates in Version 20.2

Along with the x86 emulation support, version 20.2 brings other changes. It includes support for automatic time and time zone syncing in macOS virtual machines on Apple silicon. The update also integrates Apple's AI-powered Writing Tools into the Windows right-click menu in Word, Powerpoint, and the classic version of Outlook, an improvement from the previous requirement of using a keyboard shortcut or the macOS menu bar's Edit menu.

Implications and User Expectations

While the x86 emulation is a significant addition, Parallels has hidden the option to start one of these VMs to avoid false expectations from those who don't need x86 emulation. Furthermore, Parallels has a longer list of caveats in a separate article, indicating that users should be aware of the limitations before diving in.