Microsoft has recently updated its page for downloading official Windows 11 evaluation virtual machines, also known as Windows Development Environment. However, due to ongoing technical issues, the virtual machines designed for Parallels (macOS) and VMware (multi-platform) will be temporarily unavailable starting July 15, 2024.
Temporary Unavailability and Technical Issues
Windows Development Environment virtual machines come in four variants: VMware, Hyper-V Gen 2, Parallels Desktop, and VirtualBox. Microsoft typically updates these virtual machines monthly after releasing Patch Tuesday updates. However, the latest virtual machines are currently stuck on version 2404, as Microsoft skipped the June release.
While users can still download the latest release for VMware and Parallels, version 2404 has a timebomb set to July 15, 2024. After this date, Windows 11 will prompt users for activation, which cannot be completed even with a genuine key for the Windows Development Environment. Users will need to wait for Microsoft to release a fixed version for VMware and Parallels or switch to another virtualization software temporarily.
Impact on ARM-Powered Macs
Microsoft recently confirmed an issue with Windows 11 running on ARM-powered Macs, where affected customers using Parallels or other software receive an installation error message. Users can download official Windows 11 virtual machines from Microsoft’s website, which include Windows 11 Enterprise and a full set of development tools for creating Windows apps.
This temporary removal is a significant inconvenience for developers who rely on these virtual machines for testing and development purposes. The Windows Development Environment is a crucial tool for many professionals who need to ensure their applications run smoothly on the latest versions of Windows.
Alternative Solutions
For those affected by this change, there are a few alternative solutions:
- Switch to Hyper-V Gen 2 or VirtualBox: These versions of the Windows Development Environment are still available and can be used as temporary substitutes.
- Use older versions: If you have previously downloaded older versions of the virtual machines, you can continue using them until Microsoft releases a new update.
- Wait for the fix: Microsoft is expected to address these issues promptly, so keeping an eye on their updates page is advisable.
The tech giant has not provided a specific timeline for when the fixed versions will be available, but given the importance of these tools to the developer community, it is likely that a resolution will be prioritized.
In the meantime, developers and IT professionals will need to adapt to these changes and explore alternative solutions to continue their work without interruption. The temporary removal of VMware and Parallels virtual machines underscores the importance of having multiple tools and strategies in place to handle unexpected technical challenges.
