Parrot OS on M1/2/3 Mac - Workaround for 'preparing to configure parrot-core' freeze issue

So, I was trying to figure out how to install Parrot OS using Parallels on an M1/2/3 Mac. I ran into issue after issue. First, the Parrot OS arm64 images are UTM files. I got around this--as someone else identified as an option--by downloading the Architect build. However, then there's an issue where, whether using the GUI installer or terminal, when you get to 'scan installation media for additional...,' the installer freezes at 'preparing to configure parrot-core....' Someone else on here pointed out that you can select 'go back,' and then 'install grub bootloader.' That worked. However, then there is no internet connectivity.

Discussing the steps above in greater detail:

1. Download the Parrot OS Architect for arm64 ISO from the Parrot OS website. Begin a VM install with Parallels.

2. It doesn't matter whether you use the graphical installer or the terminal-based installer, the steps are the same. Set up your partition, setect your mirror, let it download the installer, create your username, set up or decline drive encryption, etc. It will proceed to install the base system.

3. Whenever you get to the point at which it says something similar to 'Scan installation media for additional....,' do not click 'continue.' INSTEAD, click go back. Click 'install grub bootloader.'

4. This will drop you into Parrot OS Architect, which does not have a desktop environment. However, you'll likely find that your internet does not work.

a. Type 'sudo nano /etc/NetworkManager/conf.d/90-dns-none.conf'. Where it says "dns=", the file is only two lines after all, just put whatever your favorite DNS service provider is... "DNS=9.9.9.9" for Quad9, for instance; or "DNS=1.1.1.1" for Cloudstrike; or "DNS=8.8.8.8" for Google.

b. Type 'sudo systemctl enable systemd-networkd' and then 'sudo systemctl restart systemd-networkd'.

Your internet should now be working.

5. Type 'sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y' and hit enter. When it's done uploading, reboot.

6. Once logged back in, type 'sudo apt install parrot-desktop-[mate/gnome/xfce/i3/stub/etc.]', replacing the part in brackets with your favorite desktop environment.

7. Type 'sudo reboot'

8. When it reboots, you'll have an operable version of Parrot OS on your system with Desktop Environment, internet, all the tools, etc.

This may be a 'duh' matter for some of you, but I could find no information whatsoever on how to gain internet access to install the desktop environment packages and other tools. This draws on other people's posts, but I wanted to collate it into one instruction.

Happy vm'ing!

 

P.S., you can optionally type 'sudo apt install parrot-tools-full' to get the tools intended for the security edition environment.