Recommended Free Tools
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
On an Apple Silicon Mac, the most reliable way to run another operating system beside macOS is to create a virtual machine (VM) with an ARM64 guest image. ARM64 Linux distributions, supported macOS guests, and Windows 11 on Arm can run through virtualization; an Intel-only operating system instead requires emulation and is usually slower or unavailable in a given VM tool.
Choose the manager from the workload: Apple’s Virtualization framework is the low-level, documented route; UTM provides a configurable Mac application that can use Apple virtualization or QEMU; and Parallels Desktop provides a guided Windows 11 installation. The guest’s application, driver, graphics, and hardware requirements matter more than the brand of VM software.
What Apple Silicon changes
Apple Silicon Macs use ARM processors. A VM can virtualize an ARM64 guest because the host and guest use the same processor architecture. That is the normal, efficient path for an ARM64 Linux distribution, a supported macOS guest, or Windows 11 on Arm.
An Intel or x86-64 operating-system image is a different case. Apple’s documentation states that its Virtualization framework does not bootstrap or install Intel Linux distributions on Apple Silicon. Apple does document running x86_64 Linux binaries inside an ARM Linux VM with its Rosetta-related support, but that does not turn an Intel Linux installer into a native guest. UTM similarly describes x86/x64 emulation on Apple Silicon as lower performance than ARM virtualization.
#1 Best Overall
- Powerful Turbo Fan:CAGIWIRU Electric Air Duster have reached speed up to 130000RPM,Can efficient remove dust and debris.With LED light and Three Adjustable Speed to meet with different cleaning tasks.
- With Attached USB C Fasting Charging cable.Charing 3 hours,Enjoy up to 240 minutes of use on the lowest setting, For third speed can use for 25mins.with four charging options to meet with your needs.
- Wide Application:Upgraded attached 5 different nozzles,making it suitable for a variety of scenes, such as car,pet, pc, keyboards, and other electronic devices. It also serves for office and home clean duster.
- Handy Design & Portable:Cordless air duster electric nozzle is Light weight and small size, design and comfortable to hold and space saving, convenient to carry around. You can put it in your room or inside the car without taking up space.
- Warranty & Support: Our Electric air duster comes with 5 years warranty and 24/7 customer service. During this period, if you have any questions,pls kindly feel free to contact us.
| Guest you want | Best starting point | Architecture and qualification |
|---|---|---|
| ARM64 Linux | Apple Virtualization or UTM virtualization | Use the distribution’s ARM64, aarch64, or arm64 image. |
| macOS guest | Apple Virtualization framework or a manager that supports it | Use a guest version and installer supported by the tool and host macOS release. |
| Windows 11 on Arm | Parallels Desktop for a guided setup, or another manager with confirmed support | Parallels documents Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise on Arm; Windows licensing is separate from the VM product. |
| Intel Linux distribution | Only a tool that explicitly supports x86 emulation | Apple’s framework does not install Intel Linux distributions on Apple Silicon; emulation is slower and application compatibility must be tested. |
Choose the VM approach
Apple Virtualization framework
Apple’s Virtualization framework is a developer-facing API for creating and running VMs. It exposes the pieces a VM needs—CPU count, memory, virtual devices, storage, and a bootloader—so an application can build a machine configuration and start it. Apple’s Linux example uses EFI boot for the guest.
This route makes sense when you are building your own VM application, following Apple’s developer example, or need direct control over the virtual hardware. It is not a one-click desktop product: you or the application you use must supply the guest image, configuration, installation flow, and integration features.
UTM
UTM is a Mac application that presents a graphical interface while using Apple Virtualization for supported ARM guests or QEMU for emulation and other configurations. The UTM project says it is free and open source. Its App Store edition funds development and receives automatic updates.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
On Apple Silicon, select virtualization for an ARM64 guest whenever the option is available. Use emulation only when you have a specific reason to run an x86 or x64 guest and accept lower performance. UTM states that Windows GPU emulation or virtualization and 3D acceleration are not currently supported, so graphics-heavy Windows software is a poor fit unless the application’s requirements have been verified independently.
Parallels Desktop
Parallels provides a guided desktop workflow for Windows and supported operating-system images. Its current product material says it can download Windows 11 during setup and supports Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise on Arm. Parallels also states that it is currently authorized by Microsoft to run Windows 11 in a virtual environment on Apple Silicon Macs. That is a vendor claim whose status should be checked again when you install.
Rank #2
- Screen Cleaner is Your Screen’s New Bestfriend! - EVEO is proud to present a screen cleaner that’s perfectly suited for your TV. Meet your new screen cleaner, computer screen cleaner, laptop cleaner, iPad cleaner, Macbook,tv cleaner or any other electronic device. Our screen cleaner spray and wipe along with the included plush microfiber cloth, easily removes dust, fingerprints & other smudges on the screen’s surface. Clean effectively for a streak-free screen
- Gentle on your Screens - Our screen cleaner spray and wipes is compatible to be used even for the most sensitive LCD, LED, CRT, and OLED screens in proper use. Be at ease knowing that this product is compatible with all the major brands: LG, SONY, Samsung, Sharp, iPad, iPhone, Android screens, Kindle, PC monitors - we’ve got you covered! Can be used as LCD screen cleaner, tv cleaner, smart tv screen cleaner, and more
- Premium Super Soft Plush Microfiber Cloth - Included in this efficient screen cleaning kit. This screen cleaner spray and wipe has our signature plush microfiber cloth specially designed to comply with screens and monitors and leave them streak-free. Has been shown to effectively absorbs stubborn stains, zero streaks, and no fiber shedding. Always use this together with our screen cleaner for the best results
- Easy-to-Use Screen Cleaner Kit + microfiber cleaning cloth - The EVEO Screen Cleaning Kit will easily be your new favorite tool when it comes to taking care of the things you love most, quick and easy solution for a streak-free screen. Simply screw on the sprayer gun on the screen cleaner bottle. Spray the cleaning liquid onto the microfiber cloth, then wipe the screen until desired cleanliness & shine is achieved.
- Quality Screen Care Kit Worth Purchasing - Enjoy a convenient Screen Cleaner anytime, anywhere you need it. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We stand behind the quality of our products and that’s why, you shouldn’t be worrying at all. We manufacture the Best Screen Cleaner. and can be used for laptop cleaning kit, laptop screen cleaner, tv screen cleaner for smart tv. MacBook screen cleaner, monitor cleaner or screen cleaner spray for electronic devices with microfiber cleaning cloth
A Parallels subscription or license does not automatically include a Windows license. Obtain and activate Windows according to Microsoft’s terms, and confirm that your edition is appropriate for the applications and organization policies you need.
| Decision factor | Apple Virtualization framework | UTM | Parallels Desktop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary audience | Developers and users needing programmatic control | Users wanting a configurable Mac app | Users wanting a guided desktop installation, especially for Windows 11 |
| ARM64 virtualization | Documented by Apple for supported Linux and macOS scenarios | Available through Apple Virtualization on Apple Silicon | Documented for Windows 11 on Arm and supported images |
| x86/x64 guests | Intel Linux installation is not supported | QEMU emulation is possible, with lower performance | Check the current product’s supported guest list; do not assume an Intel guest is equivalent to an ARM guest |
| Setup effort | Lowest-level; configuration and installation are your responsibility | Graphical configuration with virtualization and emulation choices | Guided Windows flow and image download |
| Graphics caveat | Depends on the virtual devices and guest support you implement | Windows 3D acceleration is not currently supported according to UTM | Parallels warns that some graphics and driver scenarios may not be supported |
| Cost and licensing | Framework availability depends on the application using it | Project says the software is free and open source; App Store edition funds development | Windows license is separate from the Parallels product license |
Check compatibility before creating a VM
Start with the exact operating system and the applications, development tools, or devices you intend to use. “The OS runs” is not the same as “the workflow runs.” A guest may boot while an application fails because it expects an x86 driver, a specific graphics API, USB access, nested virtualization, or a hardware accessory.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors- Find an ARM image. Look for the distribution’s ARM64, arm64, or aarch64 installer. Do not download an Intel ISO merely because its name matches the release you want.
- List non-negotiable applications. Record their CPU architecture, operating-system edition, graphics requirements, licensing method, and any required kernel or device drivers.
- List hardware dependencies. Note USB instruments, security keys, printers, cameras, storage devices, and network adapters. Confirm that the VM manager can pass through or otherwise support each device.
- Check nested virtualization. If you need to run another hypervisor, an emulator, containers that require virtualization extensions, or a security product using a hypervisor, verify support first. Parallels specifically warns that nested-virtualization requirements may not be supported.
- Plan host resources by workload. Configure CPU count, memory, storage, and virtual devices for the guest and the application rather than copying a universal recipe. The Apple example exposes these values, but the documentation does not prescribe one allocation for every Mac or workload.
Step-by-step: create an ARM64 VM
1. Define the guest and workload
Write down the guest OS version, the image architecture, and the applications you must run. If the workflow depends on a particular driver or graphics feature, treat that requirement as a compatibility test, not an assumption.
2. Obtain a compatible installer
Download the ARM64 or aarch64 image from the operating system’s official distribution channel. For Windows 11, use the guided download offered by a supported manager or an Arm installer source accepted by your license. Keep the image available locally so you can select it as boot media.
3. Select a manager
Use Apple’s framework through an application when you need low-level control. Choose UTM when you want one Mac interface for Apple virtualization and QEMU emulation. Choose Parallels when a guided Windows 11 setup and its documented Arm support match your needs.
Rank #3
- 【Large size】：Measuring 800 x 300 mm/ 31. 5×12 inches, which is wider and taller than others. Large mouse pad can perfectly fit your keyboard and mouse of any size, and there is also ample space for peripherals such as phones, tablets, etc.
- 【LED backlight mouse pad】：Blade Hawks RGB mouse pad provides 7 static modes and 7 dynamic modes will give you the options you are looking for. Power-off memory function remembers the last lighting mode you selected. The super glow fiber Chroma will give you a colorful gaming setup that you want.
- 【Anti-slip rubber base】：Made from Natural rubber, this gaming mousepad will firmly grip your desktop, allowing you to enjoy the ultimate precision in the games you are most passionate about. It also comes with a texture that enhances this ability even further.
- 【Smooth and waterproof surface】: Micro-textured cloth surface, for extremely precise mouse control and a smooth movement. When liquid splashes on the gaming mouse pad, it forms water droplets and slides down. Will not delay your work or gameplay.
- 【Plug and play】: This mouse and keyboard pad is powered by USB, plug and play, no driver required. One button control light modes. Press one time to change the lighting mode, press twice to change the brightness, press and hold about 3 seconds turn ON/OFF.
4. Create the virtual machine
- Open the manager’s new-VM workflow and select virtualization rather than emulation for an ARM64 guest.
- Choose the guest operating system family and attach the ARM64 installer image as boot media.
- Set the virtual CPU count and memory for the workload. Leave enough resources for macOS and other host applications; increase allocations only when an observed workload needs them.
- Create or select virtual storage with enough capacity for the guest, updates, applications, and working data. Keep important data outside the VM or back it up separately.
- Configure the virtual network, display, keyboard, pointing device, and any supported shared folders or device connections.
- For a Linux configuration built with Apple’s framework, use the EFI bootloader pattern shown in Apple’s example and provide the required virtual devices.
5. Install the operating system
Start the VM from the attached image and follow the guest installer. If it reports an architecture mismatch, stop and obtain the ARM64 image instead of forcing the installation. After the first boot, eject the installer image so the VM starts from its virtual disk.
6. Install integration components
Use the integration tools recommended by the manager or guest. They can provide display resizing, networking, shared folders, or clipboard support. Apple documents a SPICE agent that can share text and images on the clipboard between a Mac and a Linux guest when the host runs macOS 13 or later. Availability of other integrations depends on the manager and guest.
7. Validate the real workflow
Test the application, not only the desktop. Open representative files, compile or run the project, connect required devices, exercise network access, and check display behavior. Record which features work before moving production data into the VM.
Running Linux guests
ARM Linux is the most direct alternative-OS scenario on Apple Silicon. Choose an ARM64 distribution image and let Apple Virtualization or UTM virtualize it. Apple’s guidance covers ARM Linux guests and separately describes using Rosetta-related support for x86_64 Linux binaries inside ARM Linux.
That distinction matters for development. An ARM Linux VM may run a particular x86_64 command-line tool through the documented compatibility mechanism, while an installer that expects an entire Intel Linux distribution still cannot be bootstrapped through Apple’s framework. Test the exact packages, compilers, containers, and native extensions your project uses.
Rank #4
- 【Softer and More Comfortable】Vaydeer wrist rest has unique diamond pattern, which is the combination of softness and aesthetics. The materials of wrist rest are improved into higher quality memory foam and covered with silky smooth lycra. The computer wrist rest makes you as comfortable and cushiony as like rest your wrists on clouds.
- 【Ergonomic Wrist Saver】The wrist rests for keyboard and mouse comes with a 17.32×3.15×0.83 inch keyboard wrist pad and a 5.94×3.15×0.83 inch mouse wrist support. Based on ergonomic design, the unique concave shape is the perfect fit for your wrist joints. The wrist rest pad fits most computer keyboards and laptops, improve hand and wrist posture, release your wrist and arm stress.
- 【Non-Slip Rubber Bottom】Featuring an anti-skid silicone base on the bottom, this wrist keyboard support stays firmly in place on your desk, preventing the padding from sliding around, ensuring stable and consistent wrist support during extended computer sessions.
- 【Better Experience & Pain Relief】Our keyboard arm rest is beneficial to alleviate the soreness caused by direct contact and friction between your arm and a hard desk surface, reducing the risk of wrist fatigue or carpal tunnel. The soft texture of memory foam can evenly distribute the pressure around your wrists and provide good support with just enough give.
- 【Helpful in Multiple Scenarios】Whether you're working, studying, writing, typing, gaming, this keyboard and mouse rest combo is an essential accessory to add comfort and support to your hands and wrists. It’s also a great gift for men, women, family, friend, coworker, gamer, teacher, etc.
Linux integration checks
- Confirm that the guest has a network interface and receives an address.
- Install the guest agent or drivers supplied by the manager when display, clipboard, or folder sharing is needed.
- Test clipboard text and images separately; Apple’s documented SPICE support covers both on macOS 13 and later.
- Check file ownership and permissions when using shared folders instead of copying files into the guest disk.
- Run the project’s real build and test commands, especially if dependencies include native code or x86_64 binaries.
Running a macOS guest
Apple documents its Virtualization framework as a route for supported macOS guests as well as Linux. The framework still requires a compatible guest installer and a valid configuration. Select the guest release deliberately, provide the bootloader and virtual devices required by that release, and verify Apple’s current host-versus-guest support before relying on it for development.
A macOS VM does not remove the need to test on physical hardware. Features that depend on the host’s GPU, cameras, specialized peripherals, or Apple services may behave differently or be unavailable in a virtual machine.
Running Windows 11 on Arm
Parallels’ guided workflow is the simplest documented path for many Windows 11 users on Apple Silicon. During setup, it can download Windows 11, and Parallels documents support for Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise on Arm. You must still supply or obtain the Windows license separately and activate the installed edition.
Windows on Arm can run many everyday applications, but the application’s own requirements decide whether your workflow is viable. Parallels cautions that some applications, hardware accessories, specific drivers, graphics features, and nested-virtualization scenarios may not be supported. An application that installs successfully can still fail when it requires an unavailable kernel driver or a particular GPU feature.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Windows validation checklist
- Install the application’s current Arm-compatible build when one exists.
- If only an x86 build is offered, test that exact build with your files and plug-ins.
- Install required drivers only from vendors that document Windows on Arm support.
- Connect each required accessory and verify discovery, throughput, sleep/wake behavior, and updates.
- Test graphics-intensive features before purchasing software or moving a team workflow.
- Check whether the application needs nested virtualization or another hypervisor.
Graphics, peripherals, and application limits
Virtualization is not a promise of identical hardware. The guest sees virtual devices selected by the manager, and the guest driver must support those devices. UTM states that Windows 3D acceleration is not currently supported. Parallels also identifies graphics, driver, and hardware-accessory limitations. These constraints can rule out a VM even when the operating system itself boots.
Best Value
- 【No Drill Mounted】Cable management tray can be assembled in as little as 3 minutes or less-simply. Side clips easily clampe the edge of desk, pass through the holes on the sides, and secure excess cables with baskets. Desk cable management supports inward or outward installation to meet your needs in different scenarios, and provides you with great convenience when collecting and organizing wires.
- 【Rubber Pad Protects Desk】Wire organizer under desk built-in soft rubber pads on the clamp protect your desk from scratches, so you will not damage your furniture or office.
- 【Sturdy and Beautiful】Cord management under desk is made of high-quality carbon steel and holds about 15 lbs. The wire basket has 2 holes on each side of the tray to enable your cables to pass freely. Cable baskets are suitable for desk thickness use from 0.4" to 2.4".
- 【Space Saving & Keep Organized】Desk cable management tray holds all your power cords, outlet strips, USB hubs and computer transformers hidden from your feet, and the data cables will not enter the vacuum cleaner to keep your desk clean and tidy. Desk wire organizer is also suitable for use in the kitchen and outdoors.
- 【Reduce Safety Risks】Cable tray under desk keeps all plugs away from your kids, no more worry about tripping. Using 2 holes wire tray saves extra space, helps you easily cabling and wire protection. The mesh design is not easy to accumulate dust, but avoids safety accidents caused by messy wires.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Installer refuses to boot or reports the wrong architecture | Intel image selected for an ARM VM, or unsupported guest | Download the guest’s ARM64/aarch64 image; if none exists, check whether your manager supports emulation and whether the performance is acceptable. |
| Desktop starts but a 3D application fails | Missing or limited virtual GPU acceleration | Check the manager’s graphics support. UTM currently does not support Windows 3D acceleration; consider a native Mac application or physical Windows hardware for that workload. |
| USB device is not visible | Unsupported pass-through, missing guest driver, or host claim of the device | Verify manager support, attach the device to the guest, and install an Arm-compatible driver if the vendor provides one. |
| Application installs but will not run | Unsupported CPU architecture, driver, graphics API, or nested virtualization | Check the application vendor’s requirements and test an Arm build or a different execution environment. |
| Clipboard or shared folders do not work | Guest integration component is absent or unsupported | Install the manager’s guest tools and confirm the feature is supported by that guest and host version. |
| VM is usable but host macOS becomes unresponsive | Guest allocation is too aggressive for the workload | Reduce virtual CPU or memory allocation, close other host applications, and increase resources only after measuring the guest’s actual need. |
Emulation: when it is justified
Use x86 or x64 emulation only when the software or operating system cannot be replaced with an ARM build and the workload tolerates lower performance. Emulation translates a different CPU architecture rather than executing the guest instructions natively, so startup time, compilation, graphics, and device-heavy work may be substantially less responsive.
UTM’s QEMU option is useful for experimentation with architectures that Apple virtualization does not support, but its documentation characterizes x86/x64 emulation on Apple Silicon as lower performance. Do not use a short boot test as proof that an emulated VM can handle a production workload.
Licensing, updates, and data safety
The VM application and the guest operating system are separate products. UTM says its project is free and open source, while its App Store edition funds development and receives automatic updates. Parallels states that Windows licensing is separate from its product. Confirm the license terms for every guest, application, and development tool before deployment.
Keep the guest, integration tools, and VM manager updated through their supported channels. Before a major host or guest update, copy important files out of the VM or create a backup using a method appropriate for your data. A VM disk is still a single file or set of files that can be corrupted, deleted, or rendered unusable by storage failure.
Quick Recap
How to decide quickly
- Need ARM Linux or a documented macOS guest: start with Apple Virtualization or UTM in virtualization mode.
- Need a configurable free/open-source Mac application: use UTM, while accepting its current Windows 3D-acceleration limitation.
- Need Windows 11 with minimal setup work: evaluate Parallels’ guided Arm workflow, purchase Windows separately, and test your required applications and devices.
- Need an Intel-only OS: first look for an ARM build or an ARM-compatible application. Use emulation only after confirming that the performance and hardware support meet your requirements.
- Need high-end graphics, specialized drivers, or nested virtualization: verify those requirements before committing; a physical system may be more appropriate.
Final verification before relying on the VM
- Boot the guest repeatedly, including after a host restart.
- Confirm networking, time synchronization, display resolution, keyboard input, clipboard, and shared folders.
- Run the application’s normal workload with representative files.
- Connect every required accessory and test its driver and software.
- Check licensing and activation after restoring a VM backup or changing its virtual hardware.
- Document the guest image architecture, manager version, host macOS version, and known limitations so the setup can be reproduced.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
