Is VM files created on Intel Mac workable on a new Mac with M chip?

Discussion in 'Parallels Desktop on a Mac with Apple silicon' started by ZhiyongS, Jul 22, 2023.

  1. ZhiyongS

    ZhiyongS Bit poster

    Messages:
    1
    Hello, I have created and used a few VMs on previous versions of PD on an 2012 iMac 27 (you could say that I am trying to squeeze the most out my Mac purchase:), they are win7, win10 VMs of various configurations and software installations.

    Now I no longer have my Intel Mac, but I still have all the VMs I've created and used. I am considering a new Mac, which of course have to be one with M chip.

    Will the newest version of PD on the M chip Mac recognize all my previous VMs from Intel Mac? What should I pay attention, or plan, for such a purchase? Thank you very much for your kind help here!!
     
    ZhiyongS, Jul 22, 2023
    #1
  2. Trishna Oobeyram

    Trishna Oobeyram Staff Member

    Messages:
    352
    Best Answer
    Hello @ZhiyongS
    An Intel-based virtual machine (VM) cannot be started on a new Mac with Apple M-Series chips because it is not compatible with Mac computers equipped with the Apple M-Series chip.
    However, you can transfer your data from an Intel-based VM to an Arm-based VM.
    Please follow these steps to transfer your data:
    1. Click the Parallels icon (||) on the top menu bar > Control Center.
    2. Right-click the virtual machine > select Show Hard Disk Contents...
    3. A new Finder window will be opened with contents stored on the virtual hard drive:
    4. Select the required disk where your data is stored.
    5. Copy the data and paste it to a folder on a Mac (you can share it with the ARM-based virtual machine later) or to an external drive.
    6. Once you finish copying the data, eject the disks from Finder:
    Screenshot 2021-03-18 at 10.43.21.png
    You can find more information here.
    Regards,
     
    Trishna Oobeyram, Jul 23, 2023
    #3
  3. Aries@PF

    Aries@PF Hunter

    Messages:
    140
    You'll have to manually connect any of the old vHDD files to a new VM in order to retrieve the files inside. You won't be able to load the existing VM on the new Mac.
     
    Aries@PF, Jul 22, 2023
    #2
  4. Trishna Oobeyram

    Trishna Oobeyram Staff Member

    Messages:
    352
    Best Answer
    Hello @ZhiyongS
    An Intel-based virtual machine (VM) cannot be started on a new Mac with Apple M-Series chips because it is not compatible with Mac computers equipped with the Apple M-Series chip.
    However, you can transfer your data from an Intel-based VM to an Arm-based VM.
    Please follow these steps to transfer your data:
    1. Click the Parallels icon (||) on the top menu bar > Control Center.
    2. Right-click the virtual machine > select Show Hard Disk Contents...
    3. A new Finder window will be opened with contents stored on the virtual hard drive:
    4. Select the required disk where your data is stored.
    5. Copy the data and paste it to a folder on a Mac (you can share it with the ARM-based virtual machine later) or to an external drive.
    6. Once you finish copying the data, eject the disks from Finder:
    Screenshot 2021-03-18 at 10.43.21.png
    You can find more information here.
    Regards,
     
    Trishna Oobeyram, Jul 23, 2023
    #3

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