All articles tagged with #virtualization
A patch series dubbed 'KVM Chainsaw' splits KVM's kvm_mmu 'god data structure' into three parts (kvm_pagewalk, kvm_mmu, kvm_page_format) to simplify guest/host MMU handling; the changes are in KVM's next branch and expected for the Linux 7.3 merge window, with potential guest_mmu renaming and SPTE support via new memory attributes.
ETA Prime shows Windows 11 ARM running in Parallels Desktop on the 8 GB MacBook Neo (with 5 GB RAM allocated for the VM) delivering surprisingly smooth results for certain Windows-only games. Dirt 3 hits ~75 FPS at 1200p, Portal 2 >100 FPS at Medium, and Skyrim ~60 FPS at 1200p; Marvel Cosmic Invasion hovers around 60 FPS at max, while GTA V isn’t consistently playable, though Crossover can help. This highlights strong virtualization performance on Apple silicon despite RAM constraints and the ARM-native Windows compatibility rather than x86 emulation in this setup.
Parallels Desktop can run Windows 11 on Apple’s MacBook Neo via virtualization, and it’s deemed suitable for lightweight tasks like document editing and basic apps. The Neo’s 8GB unified memory is the minimum practical configuration, and while single-core Windows performance is competitive, sustained multi-core workloads and RAM-heavy tasks (CAD/3D, heavy data tools) suffer. ARM-based Windows emulation adds overhead, making the Neo a poor fit for heavier workloads; overall, it’s viable for light productivity but not for demanding software.
Parallels says its Desktop software can run Windows apps on the MacBook Neo’s ARM-based A18 Pro chip, with early tests showing stable performance while the team continues evaluation. However, Neo’s 8GB of RAM and fanless cooling mean sustained Windows workloads will throttle performance, so it’s best for light Windows use. Parallels even recommends 16GB+ RAM Macs for heavier Windows tasks, while the Neo remains a budget option (~$600) for users who dabble with Windows on macOS.
QEMU 10.2 introduces the MSHV accelerator to run Hyper-V guest VMs without nested virtualization, showcased at FOSDEM 2026; Microsoft and Azure engineers plan broader CPU model support, device passthrough, live migration, and ARM expansion for Hyper-V capabilities in QEMU.
ZDNET compares Windows 11 Home and Pro, finding Home suits everyday users with automatic updates, built-in security, and a simple setup, while Pro adds advanced controls (Group Policy Editor), BitLocker, Full Remote Desktop, Azure AD/domain join, and virtualization features (Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox) for those who need them. Pro costs about $199 (roughly $100 to upgrade) versus Home, which can be free when upgrading from eligible Windows 10. Most users will be fine with Home, but power users and IT-conscious buyers may justify the Pro upgrade for tighter security, manageability, and testing environments.
Parallels Desktop 26 has been updated to support the latest macOS Tahoe and the Windows 11 2025 update, enhancing compatibility and features for users running virtual machines on Mac.
New M4-based Macs are unable to run virtual machines of macOS versions earlier than Ventura 13.4, as reported by users and developers. This issue, highlighted by security researcher Csaba Fitzl, affects popular virtualization software and results in a black screen during VM boot. The problem, occurring during early kernel boot processes, is not present in M1, M2, and M3 Macs. A fix would require Apple to release updated IPSW files for older macOS versions, which is unlikely. Supported macOS versions for virtualization on M4 Macs include Ventura 13.4 and later.
VMware has made its Workstation Pro and Fusion Pro desktop hypervisor software free for both personal and commercial use, eliminating the need for businesses and developers to purchase licenses. Despite being free, VMware plans to continue investing in the software's development, relying on revenue from its enterprise virtualization solutions. The software remains proprietary, unlike open-source alternatives like Qemu and VirtualBox. Users can download the Linux version by signing up for a Broadcom account.
VMware has made its Fusion and Workstation software free for all users, including commercial customers, as part of a strategy to simplify its product offerings following Broadcom's acquisition. The Pro versions are no longer available for purchase, and VMware is pushing customers towards subscription-based services. Some business customers have reported significant price increases post-acquisition, with VMware ending support ticketing for troubleshooting after current contracts expire.
VMware has announced that its desktop hypervisor products, VMware Fusion and VMware Workstation, are now free for all users, including commercial, educational, and personal users, effective November 11, 2024. This marks the end of the paid subscription model for these products, with all features from the previous paid versions included in the free versions. While existing support agreements will remain valid until expiration, future support will be limited to online resources and community forums. VMware plans to continue investing in these products, enhancing features and usability.
Google has acquired Cameyo, a company specializing in virtualization tools to run Windows apps on ChromeOS devices, enhancing ChromeOS by allowing users to access Windows apps without complex installations or updates. This acquisition aims to help businesses modernize their IT infrastructure while maintaining their existing software investments.
Google is acquiring Cameyo to integrate virtualized Windows app support into ChromeOS, enhancing the user experience and simplifying app deployment for IT admins. This move aims to attract more businesses to ChromeOS, especially as more applications shift to cloud and web-based technologies.
Google has acquired Cameyo to enhance enterprise adoption of ChromeOS by enabling seamless use of legacy Windows apps. Cameyo's Virtual App Delivery platform will help turn Windows applications into Progressive Web Apps with native file system integration and full clipboard support, streamable from the cloud or on-premises. This move aims to simplify application deployment, improve security, boost productivity, and reduce IT costs for enterprise customers.
VMware has released security updates to address critical sandbox escape vulnerabilities in its ESXi, Workstation, Fusion, and Cloud Foundation products, which could allow attackers to escape virtual machines and access the host operating system. The vulnerabilities, with severity ratings ranging from 7.1 to 9.3, include use-after free bugs in USB controllers, an out-of-bounds write flaw, and an information disclosure problem. System administrators are advised to apply the patches promptly and consider implementing workarounds to mitigate the risks. VMware has also provided guidance on response planning and workaround/fix implementation for specific products and configurations, emphasizing the importance of prompt patching.