> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.parallels.com/landing/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.parallels.com/landing/pdfm-ug/parallels-desktop-for-mac-27-users-guide/advanced-topics/working-with-virtual-machines/importing-and-running-x86_64-intel-virtual-machines-on-apple-silicon-macs/launching-and-running-an-x86_64-virtual-machine-on-an-apple-silicon-mac.md).
# Launching and Running an x86\_64 Virtual Machine on an Apple Silicon Mac
To import and launch an x86\_64 virtual machine on an Apple Silicon Mac, follow these steps:
{% hint style="danger" %}
**Warning**: Before using the newly imported x86\_64 machine on your Apple Silicon Mac, check [this list](/landing/pdfm-ug/parallels-desktop-for-mac-27-users-guide/advanced-topics/working-with-virtual-machines/importing-and-running-x86_64-intel-virtual-machines-on-apple-silicon-macs.md#what-to-expect-when-running-an-x86_64-virtual-machine-on-an-apple-silicon-mac) of what to expect.
{% endhint %}
1. On your Intel Mac, choose a virtual machine that runs an operating system compatible with our emulator, as specified in [this list](/landing/pdfm-ug/parallels-desktop-for-mac-27-users-guide/advanced-topics/working-with-virtual-machines/importing-and-running-x86_64-intel-virtual-machines-on-apple-silicon-macs.md#what-x86_64-operating-systems-you-can-expect-to-launch-on-apple-silicon-macs).
2. Properly shut down the selected virtual machine. Transferring a virtual machine that's not been properly shut down may result in data loss.
3. Most Linux virtual machines created on Intel Macs will have a virtual bootloader that emulates legacy BIOS, which is not compatible with our emulation functionality. If you would like to transfer a Linux x86\_64 machine, you will have to create a new one on your Intel Mac first, following these steps:
1. Download an x86\_64 ISO file for the required Linux distro.
2. Start Parallels Desktop on your Intel Mac and select **File** > **New\...**
3. Click on **Install Windows, Linux, or macOS from an image file**, select the downloaded ISO file, and click **Continue**. Alternatively, choose one of the suggested options from the **Free Systems** section.
4. Click **Customize settings before the installation** and select **Continue**.
5. Once the configuration window opens, switch to the **Hardware** tab, and choose the **Boot Order** item from the left-side panel. Click on **Advanced** and select the `64-bit EFI` option.
Click **OK**.
6. Close the window and proceed with the installation.
4. On your Intel Mac, open the Parallels Desktop Control Center, select the required virtual machine, right-click on it, and click **Show in Finder**. This will show you the `.pvm` file of your x86\_64 virtual machine.
5. Transfer the `.pvm` file to your target Apple Silicon Mac, e.g., using an external USB drive.
6. Copy the required `.pvm` file to your Apple Silicon Mac's [folder with Parallels Desktop virtual machines](/landing/pdfm-ug/parallels-desktop-for-mac-27-users-guide/advanced-topics/working-with-virtual-machines/about-virtual-machines/set-where-virtual-machines-are-stored.md), right-click on it, and choose **Open With** > **Parallels Desktop**.
7. The imported virtual machine will initially be designated in the Control Center as **Not Compatible**. Right-click on it and choose the **Start using Emulator** option.
After that, the virtual machine will be designated as an **Intel x86 system**.
8. Before using the newly imported x86\_64 machine on your Apple Silicon Mac, check [this list](/landing/pdfm-ug/parallels-desktop-for-mac-27-users-guide/advanced-topics/working-with-virtual-machines/importing-and-running-x86_64-intel-virtual-machines-on-apple-silicon-macs.md#what-to-expect-when-running-an-x86_64-virtual-machine-on-an-apple-silicon-mac) of what to expect.
For the latest compatibility updates and troubleshooting information, refer to [this KB article](https://kb.parallels.com/130217).
Even if you don't have an Intel Mac on hand, you can still create and run an x86\_64 virtual machine on an Apple Silicon Mac, albeit with some limitations. Read [this subchapter](/landing/pdfm-ug/parallels-desktop-for-mac-27-users-guide/advanced-topics/working-with-virtual-machines/importing-and-running-x86_64-intel-virtual-machines-on-apple-silicon-macs/creating-a-new-x86_64-intel-virtual-machine-on-an-apple-silicon-mac.md) for more details.
---
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