For the complete documentation index, see llms.txt. This page is also available as Markdown.
5.4 Installing FreeBSD on Apple M1 with Parallels Desktop
Under macOS 15.7.3 and Parallels Desktop 26.3.3 (57507), the graphical interface, keyboard, and mouse of FreeBSD 16.0 all work properly.
Warning
This section is based on Apple M1, so you should select the aarch64 architecture version of FreeBSD.
Configuring the Virtual Machine
After the environment is ready, install FreeBSD. The figure below shows the new virtual machine page. Select "Install Windows, Linux, or macOS from an image file", confirm and continue.
New
Click "Continue without source" at the bottom left, confirm and continue.
Continue Without Specifying Source
In the "Select your operating system" interface, select "Other".
Select Your Operating System
Preview the operating system type, confirm and continue.
Preview Operating System Type
On the "Name and Location" page, you can adjust various settings. Check "Customize settings before installation", confirm and continue.
Name and Location
After entering the configuration page, you can adjust various settings.
Name and Location
Select the "Hardware" tab at the top, select "CD/DVD" in the left sidebar, and choose the downloaded FreeBSD image in the "Source" on the right.
CD/DVD
Preview the virtual machine configuration and click Continue.
CD/DVD
Tip
Parallels Desktop's default settings are usually sufficient. It uses UEFI boot by default, so no hardware configuration adjustments are needed.
Installing FreeBSD
Begin installing the FreeBSD system.
Install FreeBSD System
Preview after installing the desktop environment:
Desktop Interface
After installing the desktop environment, the system runs normally, but the resolution cannot be adjusted.
CPU Usage Verification
After manually installing Port sysutils/htop, observation shows that CPU usage is normal and no additional adjustments are needed.
