I don't understand, Windows 11 Insider Preview running x86 software beautifully?

[FocusAndEarnIt]

Hi all,

Just wanted to start this discussion. Last night I decided for kicks and giggles to see if I could get some x86 software running on my Mac. To this point, I've kept around a 2015 15" MBP running Parallels for this task. I am running Parallels Desktop 16 (the latest is 17) on a 16" M1 Pro / 16 core GPU / 10 core CPU with 32 GB RAM.

I signed up for the insider preview access via Microsoft, a grand total of 2 minutes to sign up and begin the download. I downloaded the latest preview and had it installed fully on my Mac in what seemed like no more than 10-15 minutes. I then proceeded to install an uncommon piece of Windows-based x86 only software that I need to run occasionally. It installed without a hitch and is running very well, with minimal to no speed drops. Now, this software is not graphics intensive and albeit is not CPU intensive either. It is niche software though (it is used to program hearing aids).

Obviously, Windows 11 is emulating the x86. But it is doing it very quickly and may even be faster than Parallels Desktop 16 on my 2015 15" MBP 2.4 GHz Quad Intel i7 with upgraded 1TB SSD (2500mb/s) and 16 GB RAM.

Now, the biggest draw back that I can see is that I don't have a license to run Windows 11 Preview. The system has not yet started to bug me to activate Windows. But, my understanding is that when it does become time to activate, I won't be able to - and there will be some limitations. Those limitations being: you will be notified it is not activated AND, gasp, you will not be able to personalize your desktop/change your desktop background. My understanding is that I will be able to use the software indefinitely with these limitations, including getting security updates.

I'm really okay with that. With the emulation now being provided by Microsoft in Windows 11 Preview and the preview being so easily accessed/downloaded, the biggest drawback I hear people complain about on Apple Silicon seems to becoming weaker and weaker.

That being said, if you want high level graphics performance on an x86 only piece of software, I can't speak to that and that is likely a limitation. But otherwise... I don't miss you Intel! The finally worthy upgrade of my 2015 15" MBP is here - the 16" M1 Pro with unprecedented adaptability and battery life. I'm easily running macOS Monterey, Mac OS 9.2, and Windows 11 simultaneously without the fans on. For kicks, a screenshot of that happening attached.

 

[UBS28]

Parallels sucks ass. I removed it from my 16" M1 Max MBP.

I run Windows on other computers.

 

[BigBlur]

The insider preview builds do expire, to the point where they don't boot anymore. (This is separate from activation.) You would need to update the OS frequently to stay on the most recent insider build in order to push out the expiration date. Could be a pain to update all the time...or maybe not. I believe some builds have required a clean install in the past too, but not sure if they still do that anymore.

By the way, you don't need to use Windows 11 to run x86 (32-bit) software. That is nothing new. Windows 7 (EOL) or 10 would also work just fine for 32-bit apps.

Also to add...you should be able to activate Windows 11 with a Windows 7, 8/8.1, or 10 product key if you happen to have any of those.

 

[FocusAndEarnIt]

The insider preview builds do expire, to the point where they don't boot anymore. (This is separate from activation.) You would need to update the OS frequently to stay on the most recent insider build in order to push out the expiration date. Could be a pain to update all the time...or maybe not. I believe some builds have required a clean install in the past too, but not sure if they still do that anymore.

By the way, you don't need to use Windows 11 to run x86 (32-bit) software. That is nothing new. Windows 7 (EOL) or 10 would also work just fine for 32-bit apps.

Also to add...you should be able to activate Windows 11 with a Windows 7, 8/8.1, or 10 product key if you happen to have any of those.

But this is Windows 11 ARM. That’s the key here.

 

[KPOM]

But this is Windows 11 ARM. That’s the key here.

Yes, there is a whole thread here about it. It “works,“ but is not officially supported by Microsoft (they have stated that publicly), and if they want to, they can make it stop working. Microsoft doesn’t sell retail Windows ARM licenses, only OEM licenses. Maybe Microsoft will change their mind or at least enable Corel/Parallels to register as an “OEM,” but Apple Silicon Macs have been around for over a year.

 

[donawalt]

This article shows activation using an existing license or purchase of a new license, up to the user - it seems pretty legit no? It's hard to imagine Microsoft will "make it stop working". But I don't know anything, I just use it.

KB Parallels: Install Windows 11 on a Mac with Apple silicon

To install a new virtual machine on a Mac with Apple silicon, you need to use an with a .

kb.parallels.com

 

[loby]

I found that my older x86 programs run faster and better than the original Widows OS that it came out in. Not sure why..but give credit to Microsoft for it. Windows 11 runs great on the M1 architecture and hope Microsoft continues to let this happen. As someone said before, if you have a license for Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10 it should license. I used my Windows 10 license (like an upgrade) and seems like it is now a full version instead of a Preview.

 

[Modernape]

you will not be able to personalize your desktop/change your desktop background.

Yes you can - just find the image you want in Explorer, right click, 'set as desktop background'

 

[FocusAndEarnIt]

Yes you can - just find the image you want in Explorer, right click, 'set as desktop background'

This was saying when the grace period runs out on activating windows.

 

[Modernape]

This was saying when the grace period runs out on activating windows.

There is no 'grace period', you'll be able to use it unactivated indefinitely.

 

[wonderings]

I have been waiting to try a Windows 11 ARM preview when I get my new 14" M1 Max. At work I have a 5K iMac and need to run Windows for one specific and necessary app. Eventually my hope is to replace the iMac with the MacBook Pro, problem is the Windows element and not being able to load a regular version of Windows 11 (tested software on Windows 11 in Parallels and it works fine). Will Windows 11 ARM install anything with the x86 emulation? Any hoops to do this or simply run the installer like normal and the emulation happens automatically?

 

[FocusAndEarnIt]

I have been waiting to try a Windows 11 ARM preview when I get my new 14" M1 Max. At work I have a 5K iMac and need to run Windows for one specific and necessary app. Eventually my hope is to replace the iMac with the MacBook Pro, problem is the Windows element and not being able to load a regular version of Windows 11 (tested software on Windows 11 in Parallels and it works fine). Will Windows 11 ARM install anything with the x86 emulation? Any hoops to do this or simply run the installer like normal and the emulation happens automatically?

For me, it installed normally and emulation just happened. Just like Rosetta!

 

[bobcomer]

it seems pretty legit no?

Unfortunately no, but probably fine for home users. The EULA for Windows on Arm states that it can only be sold with accompanying hardware. For us corporate types that might get software audited, that's a *hard* no.

That may change in the future, and I certainly hope it does.

 

[bobcomer]

Will Windows 11 ARM install anything with the x86 emulation?

Not everything runs in Windows on Arm, but most do. I've only had one app that wouldn't, though anything Java could take some tweaking to get running.

 

[wonderings]

Not everything runs in Windows on Arm, but most do. I've only had one app that wouldn't, though anything Java could take some tweaking to get running.

Is that not what the emulation is for? Or are there limits to the x86 emulation?

 

[bobcomer]

Is that not what the emulation is for? Or are there limits to the x86 emulation?

What I said assumes emulation, so yes, it's limits with the emulation. It's gotten better, but it's not as good as rosetta II for Mac applications.

 

[wonderings]

Good to know it is at least working for some things, I will be testing it out when finally get the new MacBook Pro. I do like Windows 11, played around with it a bit as a VM. In many ways feels more like a Mac, just not as refined.

 

[bobcomer]

Good to know it is at least working for some things, I will be testing it out when finally get the new MacBook Pro. I do like Windows 11, played around with it a bit as a VM. In many ways feels more like a Mac, just not as refined.

Most things work.

I'm not really happy about Windows 11 myself, even on Windows PC's which is what i work with at work. The UI is less functional than Windows 10, but I expect Microsoft will put some of it back. Don't get me wrong, Windows 11 is okay and I use it every day, but if given a choice, I'd stay with Windows 10 for now.

 

[wonderings]

Most things work.

I'm not really happy about Windows 11 myself, even on Windows PC's which is what i work with at work. The UI is less functional than Windows 10, but I expect Microsoft will put some of it back. Don't get me wrong, Windows 11 is okay and I use it every day, but if given a choice, I'd stay with Windows 10 for now.

Have not used it enough to really have an idea on how I like the UI for actual work. I do like Windows 10, think it is the best OS they have made to date. Waiting on a TPM chip to install onto my motherboard at home so I can install Windows 11 there and see how it runs on my gaming PC.

 

[bobcomer]

Have not used it enough to really have an idea on how I like the UI for actual work. I do like Windows 10, think it is the best OS they have made to date. Waiting on a TPM chip to install onto my motherboard at home so I can install Windows 11 there and see how it runs on my gaming PC.

I bet it'll fly on your gaming PC! I really haven't noticed any performance problems, even on my 4 yr old work laptop.

I agree Windows 10 was the best, but I suspect 11 will end up being at least as good, but it might take awhile.

 

[wonderings]

I bet it'll fly on your gaming PC! I really haven't noticed any performance problems, even on my 4 yr old work laptop.

I agree Windows 10 was the best, but I suspect 11 will end up being at least as good, but it might take awhile.

will definitely be a slight learning curve for everyone who has used Windows for so many years. While visually I like the centred task bad, muscle memory always has me going to the bottom left corner. I am sure I won't be the only one!

 

[bobcomer]

will definitely be a slight learning curve for everyone who has used Windows for so many years. While visually I like the centred task bad, muscle memory always has me going to the bottom left corner. I am sure I won't be the only one!

Yeah, that bothered me too but I got used to it. You can move it to the left, it's in the taskbar settings...

 

[mi7chy]

11 UI is more streamlined for touch but if you're used to the 10 way you can revert back to uncentered task bar and previous windows explorer behavior. Those are the only two significant differences I've noticed otherwise 10 and 11 are very close.

 

[appleArticulate]

Well that's nice. I did the exact same thing, tried installing 1 niche program I might need, wouldn't even install. So, gave up on that idea.

 

[FocusAndEarnIt]

When? Windows 11 just gained significant x86 emulation ability around Nov 2021, though I may be wrong on that timing. My impression was that this was recent.