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Looking for a distro to run as a VM on an M1 Mac in parallels

Tags: Apple, Linux, Operating Systems

Hi everybody…

For decades I’ve had to use Windows (3.11 through to Win 11), but I also use MacOS (Sequoia). Windows is now relegated to a Parallels VM on the Mac. But I’d like to experiment with Linux so I’m looking for a version that will run in a VM on the Mac – i.e. an ARM version. I’ve heard that Ubuntu is a good choice but am open to ideas.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Topic

Any Linux distribution that has an ARM version is your best bet.

In reply to Looking for a distro to run as a VM on an M1 Mac in parallels

More at https://www.reddit.com/r/MacOS/comments/17dojlf/what_linux_distros_are_available_for_apple/

Reply To: Looking for a distro to run as a VM on an M1 Mac in parallels

In reply to Any Linux distribution that has an ARM version is your best bet.

Hi rproffitt
Thanks for the reply.
The problem I have, to be honest, since I know very little about the Linux world, is working out which of the many distros is actually for ARM. Asahi is, apparently, a bare metal version, so not what I’m looking for.
There are no end of links to sources but, once I get there, I’m stumped because the descriptions make no reference to ARM.

Ubuntu 20.04

In reply to Looking for a distro to run as a VM on an M1 Mac in parallels

Ubuntu 20.04: This is one of the most popular choices and generally works well with Parallels. However, some users have reported issues with newer kernels and 3D acceleration.

Linux Mint: Another user-friendly option that works reasonably well, though you might encounter some graphical glitches.

Debian: This distribution is known for its stability, but you might face some issues with graphics and resolution.

Asahi Linux: This is specifically designed for Apple Silicon, but it’s based on Arch Linux, which might be more challenging for beginners

Reply To: Looking for a distro to run as a VM on an M1 Mac in parallels

In reply to Ubuntu 20.04

Hello universaldestinations99

The comments I’ve just entered above apply here as well.

You have listed Ubuntu, Mint and Debian as good places to start – many thanks for that, but again, where can I actually download the ARM version to install?

One link I found mentioned ARM but then took me to a download of Ubuntu server for ARM, which is not what I want.

Most of the Linux download sites also make it difficult just to ask a simple question.

Frustrating, but I’m not the sort just to give up 🙂

[kees_b]

Reply To: Looking for a distro to run as a VM on an M1 Mac in parallels

In reply to Reply To: Looking for a distro to run as a VM on an M1 Mac in parallels

https://developer.apple.com/documentation/virtualization/creating-and-running-a-linux-virtual-machine tells what to do when you have found the ARM version you like.

But wouldn’t it be easier to buy some (refurbished) x86 laptop or desktop. No need at all for the hottest and latest, one from 2020 will be fine to experiment with Linux. Even a 32-bit CPU should work for any distro of Linux that has a 32-bit version).
Then just install Linux on it and start.

2025 is a good year to buy older PC’s or laptops. Many people will replace their device if it can’t run Windows 11 and nobody wants it. So they will be cheap. Only the few people that want it for Linux will buy it.

• This reply was modified 3 weeks, 3 days ago by kees_b.
• This reply was modified 3 weeks, 3 days ago by kees_b.

Reply To: Looking for a distro to run as a VM on an M1 Mac in parallels

In reply to Looking for a distro to run as a VM on an M1 Mac in parallels

OP, I suggest doing an internet search based on your thread topic, I got more than a few internet articles that address it. Best wishes.

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