Have your say on all things Apple!
WINDOWS ON M1
I have been using MacBooks since 2012 but still use Windows for certain apps. I have a MacBook Pro 16in (Intel) and I was running Windows 10 Pro under Parallels on a 2012 Mac mini (also Intel). When my computer died, I bought a new M1 Mac mini.
I had the original hard disk, except for the OS, copied to the new drives, so it had on it the original Parallels and Windows 10 Pro. I also have a subscription to Parallels, so I knew it would be the latest (ARM-compatible) version, but Windows 10 was not, and I got a warning when I tried to run it.
I bit the bullet and erased Windows 10 from my new Mac. Then Parallels invited me to download Windows 11 Home (ARM version), which I did and it worked perfectly. I would have been happy with that, but I had occasion to register Windows. I was out of my depth at this point, because I had got this free and my original purchase was a disc of Windows 7 Pro, which I had updated free to Windows 10 Pro. After a call to Microsoft, I went ahead and put in the original Windows 7 Pro serial number. It was recognised as a Pro version and I was invited to download Windows 11 Pro (ARM version). I now have a registered copy of Windows 11 Pro.
So go for an M1 device. It’s more futureproof and faster. But if you can’t do without Windows, use a virtual machine (VM) as the M1 does not support Bootcamp.
I’m not sure of the conditions for Parallels to offer Windows 11 Home, and I don’t know if other VMs (eg VMWare) do the same, but I suggest you install a VM and your current Windows on your current (Intel) Mac. Back up the entire drive and copy all except the OS to your new M1 Mac. Erase Windows. You should then go through the same process as me.
Be warned: some Windows software does not work on ARM. For example, I have Bitdefender Antivirus and the Windows version does not work. Some Stardock software does not either. I also have Iolo System Mechanic. Here, the malware scan goes round in circles and does nothing.
BY MICHAEL GOUGH
ROB SAYS…
Excellent advice! As you say, you’ll need to run the ARM version of Windows on your M1 Mac, and take into account any caveats that apply, like the lack of official Apple support.
PRINT TO PDF ON iPHONE
In the May 2022 issue, your article on printing was very informative, but misses one vital element in printing from iOS.
You mentioned how to print to PDF from a Mac but not from an iPad or iPhone. The method to use is to proceed exactly as if you are going to print and then from the Print dialog where the preview is showing, use the ‘pinch’ technique and spread the preview page. This then fills the screen with the preview document, then using the Share sheet you are presented with all of the usual options to send the file to. If, for example, you choose Save to Files, you can choose your location and save, and the PDF is created and saved. Whichever option you choose from the Share sheet, the resultant file will be a PDF.
BY ANTHONY BUNCHER
ROB SAYS…
We’re pleased you enjoyed the article – and thanks for sharing! Saving to PDF is even simpler than that though. In any app where the Share sheet is available, you can also simply select the Print option, then in the Print Options sheet that opens, perform a long-press on the Print button in the topright corner, then tap Save to Files. You can also use the Print Options preview there to select individual pages for saving or printing.
> Metric tons of carbon Apple is aiming to remove per year through the use of nature-based solutions, such as the 27,000-acre mangrove forest it’s helping to restore in Colombia in partnership with Conservation International.