# 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](https://docs.parallels.com/landing/pdfm-ug/v20-en-us/parallels-desktop-for-mac-20-users-guide/advanced-topics/working-with-virtual-machines/importing-and-running-x86_64-intel-virtual-machines-on-apple-silicon-macs/..#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](https://docs.parallels.com/landing/pdfm-ug/v20-en-us/parallels-desktop-for-mac-20-users-guide/advanced-topics/working-with-virtual-machines/importing-and-running-x86_64-intel-virtual-machines-on-apple-silicon-macs/..#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.<br>

      <figure><img src="https://4047593329-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNgaOYFJddKmopmi2cfn5%2Fuploads%2FvEJwE949lryOULdJ0AkZ%2FLinux_VM_EFI_settings.png?alt=media&#x26;token=ede87174-09f2-430b-abc8-4202813e2f25" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

      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](https://docs.parallels.com/landing/pdfm-ug/v20-en-us/parallels-desktop-for-mac-20-users-guide/advanced-topics/working-with-virtual-machines/about-virtual-machines/set-where-virtual-machines-are-stored), 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.<br>

   <figure><img src="https://4047593329-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNgaOYFJddKmopmi2cfn5%2Fuploads%2FJ99vsbAjj3i0lZ6cR35s%2FStart_Using_Emulator.png?alt=media&#x26;token=730e08ec-3f15-4233-9ace-4418c37180f8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

   After that, the virtual machine will be designated as an **Intel x86 system**.<br>

   <figure><img src="https://4047593329-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNgaOYFJddKmopmi2cfn5%2Fuploads%2FEoRF4i5n3G7eFJXlVvJA%2FIntel_x86_system_sign.png?alt=media&#x26;token=2b03ce6c-3a02-4eef-bfd1-d39152e99ba1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
8. Before using the newly imported x86\_64 machine on your Apple Silicon Mac, check [this list](https://docs.parallels.com/landing/pdfm-ug/v20-en-us/parallels-desktop-for-mac-20-users-guide/advanced-topics/working-with-virtual-machines/importing-and-running-x86_64-intel-virtual-machines-on-apple-silicon-macs/..#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](https://docs.parallels.com/landing/pdfm-ug/v20-en-us/parallels-desktop-for-mac-20-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) for more details.