I’m running very well with an M1 Pro and Windows 11 for ARM. Developing and compiling in Delphi (x86) and C-based IDEs (x86), no hassle. Of course my old VMWare VMs don’t run, but I’m quite happy with my Parallels VM setup. Probably the single biggest niggle is running SQL Server in Docker on the Mac – Windows dev is therefore a 2-step process. The alternative is a network dev SQL Server, which I also use. The experience is nevertheless great. Running this M1 Mac (14”, Pro, 32GB, 1TB) on battery is stupidly good, even with W11 running (I do pass the battery status to the VM, and W11 may also be running more efficiently). It just lasts and lasts and lasts…fantastic! Also, when I go home at night and I put it to sleep, it sleeps! I start in the morning with a full battery, which cannot be said for the 2018 below.
Starting my old 2018 15” is always fun as I’m welcomed by my old friends the fans, particularly with a W10 VM running. I’m keeping it around in case I need to run an old VM. Overall: despite the little SQL niggle, it has proven to be a great move to M1. And this is now. In time, other tools will become ARM native too, so it’ll just get better and better.
Long story short is that a lot of x86 apps run just fine on an M1…