Developer designs workaround to run ARM Windows on M1 Mac



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Using custom fixes for the popular QEMU virtualization tool, a developer managed to run Windows for ARM processors on a Mac M1 with decent results.

The ability to run Windows for ARM processors has been in question since Apple revealed its Macs running custom Apple Silicon. The closest to confirmation to date was Craig Federighi stating that this is “a decision Microsoft must make”.

Users tinkered with custom software and emulation tools to try and get Windows to work, and one developer ultimately succeeded. The developer in question has used QEMU and custom patches to make the operating system work and claims that it works quite well, and can even run some x86 apps.

The details of this workaround have been covered by 8 bits, with the report that the developer was able to run the preview version of ARM Windows using Hypervisor.framework. This framework allows users to virtualize software without having to manage kernel extensions.

Graf claims to have achieved “near native” performance although it is still in its infancy. Other users trying to perform the same operation report slow startup times and late applications when they are running normally. When QEMU is running ARM Windows, the battery life is reduced by half.

Microsoft may release an official version of ARM Windows for consumers to purchase and run on M1-based Macs, but the timing is unclear. Microsoft has not made any official statement regarding even working on such compatibility.

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