Parallels Desktop 17.1 is now available for Mac, bringing improved Windows 11 support for those looking to run Microsoft’s latest operating system on their Mac, whether it’s powered by an Intel or Apple Silicon chip.
The update introduces Virtual Trusted Platform Modules (vTPM) for all future and past Windows 11 virtual machines — complying with Windows 11’s system requirements that call for a vTPM chip.
Parallels Desktop now offers improved Windows 11 support
There are four key upgrades in Parallels Desktop version 17.1, including:
vTPMs for Windows 11 machines
All Parallels Desktop 17 users (Standard, Pro and Business) will be able to run Windows 11 virtual machines with added vTPMs. Windows 11 requires a TPM 2.0 chip for various things, including Secure Boot, which is enabled by default. vTPMs work on both Intel and Apple Silicon machines.
Improved macOS Monterey support
Those running macOS Monterey virtual machines can now install Parallels Tools, which allows you to copy and paste between your virtual machine and your primary macOS install. The update also doubles the default virtual machine disk size for macOS Monterey to 64GB.
Play more Windows games
Parallels version 17.1 improves graphics support for a number of popular Windows games, including, but not limited to: World of Warcraft, Age of Empires 2 Definitive Edition, Tomb Raider 3, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, World of Tanks and Raft.
Accelerated 3D graphics in Linux
Running a Linux virtual machine? You can now enjoy accelerated 3D graphics via VirGL. This allows for visual performance improvements, Parallels says — even without Parallels Tools bring installed.
Parallels 17.1 available now
Parallels Desktop 17.1 is available to download now. It’s a free upgrade for existing Parallels Desktop 17 customers. If you don’t already own the app, you can enjoy a 14-day free trial. New licenses start at $69.99 a year.
