Power BI on Mac M1 and M2

If you’re a Mac user with an M1 machine and need to install Windows, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of installing Windows on your Mac M1 using Parallels. Parallels is a powerful virtualization software that allows you to run Windows seamlessly on your Mac. Let’s get started!

Differences between regular Mac and Macs wit M1 or M2 chips

Here are some key differences:

1. Performance: The M2 chip offers up to 25% higher graphics performance than the M1, thanks to its 10-core GPU. It also has a slightly higher transistor count.
2. Efficiency: Both chips are designed for efficiency, but the M2 takes it a step further with improved technology.
3. Machine Learning: The M1 chip brought up to 15x faster machine learning capabilities compared to Intel chips.
4. Design: Macs with M2 chips feature a modern design, improved display, and notable enhancements.

So, while both chips are impressive feats of engineering, the M2 chip is like the M1 chip after a few cups of virtual coffee – a bit more powerful and a lot more efficient. Just what you need for those late-night data crunching sessions! ☕🌙

What is the configuration of the Mac M1 and M2 for Power BI?

Apple has transitioned from using Intel processors to its own M series processors, starting with the M1 chip and continuing with the newer M2 chip. Both the M1 and M2 chips are powerful processors that can handle Power BI without any issues. Here are the specifications that you should look for when buying a Mac with an M1 or M2 chip for Power BI:

1. Processor: The M1 chip is an 8-core processor, while the newer M2 chip is expected to have 10 or 12 cores. Both processors are powerful and efficient, providing ample performance for Power BI.
2. RAM: Power BI requires at least 16GB of RAM for optimal performance. The M1 and M2 chips can support up to 16GB or 32GB of RAM, depending on the configuration you choose. For best results, you should choose a Mac with at least 16GB of RAM. If you’re using the Pro or Business editions of Parallels Desktop, you can assign up to a whopping 128 GB of RAM.
3. Storage: Power BI requires a minimum of 10GB of free disk space. The Macs with M1 and M2 chips come with 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage, depending on the configuration you choose. You should choose a configuration that provides enough storage for your needs.
4. Display: Macs with M1 and M2 chips come with Retina displays that have a resolution of 2560 x 1600 or higher. This is more than enough for displaying Power BI reports and dashboards.
5. Operating System: The M1 and M2 chips are designed to work with macOS Big Sur, which is the latest version of Apple’s operating system. It is fully compatible with Power BI.

Overall, both Macs with M1 and M2 chips are great choices for running Power BI. Their powerful processors, ample RAM, and large storage capacity make them great choices for data analysts and business professionals who need to use Power BI on the go.

What are the limitations of Power BI on Mac M1, M2?

1. Processing Speed Limitations: The processing speed may be limited compared to other processors, which can impact the efficiency and speed of data analysis.
2. Compatibility Limitations with Other Programs: There may be compatibility issues with other programs, which can affect the integration of different data sources and the efficiency of data analysis.

How to run Windows on Mac M1

To run Windows on a Mac with an M1 chip, you can use a virtualization software called Parallels Desktop. Here are the steps:

1. Download Parallels Desktop: Go to the Parallels website, purchase a license if you don’t already have one, and download the software.
2. Install Parallels Desktop: Open the downloaded file and follow the installation instructions.
3. Download Windows for ARM: Go to the Microsoft Windows Insider Program website, sign up or log in, and download the Windows for ARM Insider Preview.
4. Create a New Virtual Machine: Open Parallels Desktop, click on the “”+”” button to create a new virtual machine, and select “”Install Windows or another OS from a DVD or image file.”” Navigate to the location of your downloaded Windows for ARM image file.
5. Customize Settings (Optional): Before starting your virtual machine, you might want to customize its settings such as the amount of RAM and the number of CPU cores allocated to it.
6. Install Windows: Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows on your virtual machine. After the installation is complete, you can run Windows on your Mac M1.

Please note that performance may vary and some Windows applications may not work as expected on ARM architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions about Power BI for MacBook M1

Power BI is a popular business intelligence tool that allows users to analyze and visualize data. With the advent of Mac M1 chips, users have been curious about its compatibility, performance, and various aspects of its installation and usage. We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to provide you with answers and insights into using Power BI on Mac M1.

Can I run Power BI directly on my M1 Mac without using any other tool?

No, while Power BI can run on M1 and M2 Macs, it’s not officially supported yet. Power BI Desktop does not run on Mac. You would need to install a Windows virtual machine (VM) to run Power BI.

Can I get Windows for free on M1 chip for longer than 14 days?

No, the free trial period for Windows on M1 chip is limited to 14 days.

Do I need the ARM version of Windows for Power BI on Mac?

Yes, the ARM version of Windows is required to run Power BI on Mac. It is available through the Windows Insider Program.

What are the limitations of Power BI on Mac M1?

– Processing Speed Limitations: The processing speed may be limited compared to other processors, which can impact the efficiency and speed of data analysis.
– Compatibility Limitations with Other Programs: There may be compatibility issues with other programs, which can affect the integration of different data sources and the efficiency of data analysis.

What are the performance considerations when running Power BI on an M1 chip Mac?

Power BI is a memory-intensive application. It is recommended to have at least 16GB of RAM to avoid lagging or slow performance. Having a higher RAM configuration, such as 32GB or 64GB, can further enhance the performance on an M1 chip Mac.

Is Power BI compatible with Parallels on an M1 chip Mac?

Yes, Power BI can be used with Parallels on an M1 chip Mac. Many users have reported good experiences using Parallels to run Power BI on their M1 chip Macs. It is recommended to have at least 16GB of RAM to ensure smooth performance.

How is the performance of Power BI on M1 Mac with Parallels? Is it laggy or smooth?

Users have reported great performance with Power BI on M1 Mac using Parallels, even better than on their previous Intel Macs.

Are there any limitations or issues when using Power BI with Parallels on an M1 chip Mac?

While many users have reported positive experiences, it’s important to note that Parallels may require sufficient resources to run Power BI smoothly. It is recommended to purchase the Pro license for Parallels to ensure adequate resource allocation. Additionally, it is advisable to stay updated with the latest versions of Parallels and Power BI to mitigate any potential compatibility issues.

Is my work saved after turning off Parallels?

Yes, your work on Power BI is saved even after turning off Parallels. Check out the following content to learn how to install Power BI on Mac using Parallels.

Can I run Power BI Desktop in VirtualBox on Mac M1?

Yes, it is possible to run Power BI Desktop in VirtualBox on Mac M1, M2. Users have reported that it works fine.

It’s crucial to note that individual experiences may vary, and staying informed about the latest updates, system requirements, and user feedback can help you make an informed decision when using Power BI on an M1 chip Mac.

Power BI Desktop Mac M1: Alternatives to Parallels Desktop

While Parallels Desktop is a popular choice for running Power BI on a Mac, it’s not the only game in town. Here are a few other options:

1. VMware Fusion: A powerful and secure virtualization software that lets you run Windows on a Mac without rebooting.
2. VirtualBox: A free and open-source virtualization software from Oracle. It’s a bit more technical, but it gets the job done.
3. Boot Camp: A built-in utility on Macs that lets you install Windows alongside macOS. It’s like having two computers in one! However, you can’t run both operating systems simultaneously.
4. Remote Desktop: If you have access to a PC running Power BI, you can remotely access it from your Mac.
5. Cloud-based BI tools: If you’re open to alternatives, cloud-based tools like Tableau or Looker Studio can be a good option.

Remember, each of these options has its pros and cons, so choose the one that best fits your needs. And don’t forget to keep a virtual cup of coffee handy for those late-night data crunching sessions! ☕🌙

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can successfully install Windows on your Mac M1 and enjoy the flexibility of running both macOS and Windows on the same machine. Remember to sign in with your Microsoft account to access various Windows features and applications. If you found this guide helpful, please like, share, comment, and subscribe to our channel for more informative content.