Audio not working via Apple Vision Pro headset when using Mac Virtual Display

Discussion in 'Parallels Desktop on a Mac with Apple silicon' started by Kody, Feb 10, 2025.

  1. Kody

    Kody Bit poster

    Messages:
    3
    When using Mac Virtual Display with an Apple Vision Pro, Windows 11 audio does not output via the headset. I have not found any other application that has issues with Mac Virtual Display audio.

    All Mac settings below are configured in Control Center. Audio was tested using Windows 11 Settings - System - Sound - All sound devices - Properties - test button and a YouTube video via Edge.
    1. Setting Mac Sound - Output to 'MacBook Pro Speakers' plays Windows 11 audio correctly through the MacBook speakers
    2. Setting audio output via Parallels settings to 'MacBook Pro Speakers' plays Windows 11 audio correctly through the MacBook speakers, regardless of Mac Sound - Output settings
    3. Setting Mac Sound - Output to 'Apple Vision Pro' plays no Windows 11 audio, but plays other app audio correctly
    4. Setting audio output via Parallels settings to 'Apple Vision Pro' plays no Windows 11 audio, regardless of Mac Sound - Output settings
    5. AirPods directly connected to the Apple Vision Pro (with Mac Sound - Output still set to Apple Vision Pro) also fail to play Windows 11 audio in these cases, while correctly playing audio from other apps
    6. AirPods directly connected to MacBook Pro play Windows 11 audio correctly with Mac Sound - Output set to AirPods
    7. Setting Mac - Screen Mirroring to 'Mirror Display' instead of 'Mac Virtual Display' DOES play audio correctly through Apple Vision Pro speakers
      1. Also while in 'Mirror Display' mode, with Mac Sound - Output set to MacBook Pro Speakers, setting Parallels audio output to 'Apple Vision Pro' DOES play Windows 11 audio through Apple Vision Pro speakers
      2. This is maybe a temporary solution, but it has many downsides compared to Mac Virtual Display
    What I have tried:
    - Reinstalling Parallels Tools
    - Disabling 'High Definition Audio Device', restarting, reenabling, restarting
    - Restarting Apple Vision Pro, MacBook Pro, Parallels VM, and Parallels Mac Application
    - Creating a new Windows 11 VM
    - Deleting com.parallels... plist files in /Library/Preferences and the Parallels directory, /Library/Caches/Parallels Software, killall cfprefsd
    - Using Pearcleaner to remove Parallels and associated folders, downloading the latest installer, and creating a new VM

    Any advice?
     
  2. Kody

    Kody Bit poster

    Messages:
    3
    Sorry, I should add:

    Parallels Desktop 20 for Mac Pro Edition: Version 20.2.0 (55872)
    Mac: MacBook Pro M3 Max @ Version 15.3.1 (24D70)
    Windows 11 Arm: Windows 11 Home @ Version 10.0.26100 Build 26100
    Apple Vision Pro: 2.3.1
     
  3. Kody

    Kody Bit poster

    Messages:
    3
    Message from Parallels Support:

    Thank you for contacting Parallels Support.
    The issue is handled by the Second line of Technical Support.

    Apple Vision Pro is not yet supported by Parallels Desktop.

    We have submitted a feature request to the Development Team.

    The product team will evaluate the feasibility of implementing this functionality, taking into account technical considerations and user demand. While we cannot provide any guarantee on implementation and the timeline, we can assure you that it will be thoroughly researched.

    Should you have any further inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us.​

    Unfortunate. Parallels is the only app I've encountered that seems to have issues with audio output when using Virtual Display. Will update if I hear more from support privately.
     

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