It's a bit bleeding edge as far as casual use goes as MS periodically releases new builds that as far as I can tell, can't be upgraded in place but instead have to be treated as new installs. Windows is not activated, but aside from the occasional nag dialog from the OS, it doesn't seem to care. I am running Win11 ARM in a VM under VMWare Fusion 13. I have personally licensed Office 365 to use with my Mac, and that same account gives me access to the Windows 11 ARM insider preview. The MS early access program is not all that special. If the program insists though I suppose I can use the other laptop.Īnyone have experience using Parallels on the M2 MBA yet? Is it worth paying for both the Parallels program and potentially a Windows 10 license? The main reason I really want to use a MacBook in general is while I have a Windows laptop I'd prefer the MBA because the camera (720p v 1080p) and audio are better for the inevitable video conferences/seminars and the MBA is a better overall. Is that uld I use un-activated Windows permanently? I work at the university where I will be studying and they provide licensed copies of MS Office to both students and employees, so that part isn't an issue. I've watched a few YouTube videos and at least one said paying the licensing fee isn't necessary. It also seemed like I'd need to pay nearly $200 for a Windows 10/11 license for activation if I wanted to do any customization or really use it. I tried out installing Parallels for desktop on my M1 iMac yesterday and it all seemed to work fine.except that it still didn't seem like the MS office I see in a native Windows environment (my computer at work). As part of the technology requirements they do highly suggest we install a windows emulator to use office in the windows environment if we have a MacBook computer. I mentioned in one of my previous posts on the Air forum that I've gotten the M2 Air as an everyday carry laptop for when I start an online program for graduate school in September. Crossposting this from the MacBook Air forum because it seems like it might be more appropriate here.

Macbook parallels windows 10