Parallels Desktop is the easiest, fastest, and most tightly integrated app for running Windows apps or the Windows desktop in Apple OS X. If you have already installed Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, or Windows 7 on your Mac using Boot Camp, you can set Parallels Desktop to run Windows from the Boot Camp Partition or import Windows and your data from Boot Camp into Parallels Desktop as a new virtual machine.
Parallels Desktop is a Mac application that allows virtualizing the Windows OS on any Mac. Like the VirtualBox for Windows, the Parallels Desktop also is a virtualization software where you could install the Windows or its applications seamlessly. It supports almost any Windows applications to run on your Mac. You don’t have reboot the Mac or select a different partition to install the extra OS. The automated processes can help you to run Windows applications as running a Mac application. No hassles or problems will be there in the setup or the maintenance.
- Existing Parallels 12 and 13 users can upgrade to the new version for $50. New users can sign up for an $80 a year subscription or make a one-time purchase of Parallels 14 for $100.
- Parallels is mainly used on MacBooks; Parallels Desktop for Mac was deployed to Mac users who need Windows to run some applications but wanted a stable operating system to run on. Once deployed we were able to recoup PCs and redeploy them to other users.
- Parallels is mainly used on MacBooks; Parallels Desktop for Mac was deployed to Mac users who need Windows to run some applications but wanted a stable operating system to run on. Once deployed we were able to recoup PCs and redeploy them to other users. We also used Parallels Desktop for Mac in a classroom with 15 Macs.
So today, we decided to review the Parallels Desktop which will help thousands of people who are still in search of the perfect way to run Windows applications on Mac Osx. In this review, we will analyze the software top to bottom and will provide some of the most noticeable features alongside our final verdict. If you are one of those who wanted to run Windows applications on Mac, you should take a look at this review. So, let’s start.
What is Parallels Desktop?
As mentioned before Parallels Desktop is a Mac program that helps to run Windows applications on Mac. In other words, it is a virtual engine like many other softwares we already have seen on the market (like VMware.) It comes with very nice power management features to provide a better power consumption control throughout the usage. It reduces the resource usage of the virtual engine as much as possible resulting in the minimum power consumption. From our tests, there was only a slight difference in the power usage of the Mac even after running the Parallels Desktop software. This makes it possible to enjoy the virtual machine even on low battery or long journeys.
Parallels Desktop Interface
The Parallels Desktop interface is very easy to use where the necessary buttons and links are placed. There is also a wizard mode available on the software to make it even simpler to create and run virtual machines where any of the Windows or Linux programs running. The latest version of the software also includes many other platforms varies according to the edition. Even though, to create a virtual machine you have to sweat a little especially if you are a beginner. There are no exact documentations available with the software that describes the setup and maintenance process of the Windows or Linux virtual machines.
If you are familiar with such virtualization tools, the software will be quite easier to use, and you will never face an issue in any part of the software. Parallels Desktop is also coming with the support to add existing virtual machines in case you saved it earlier on any other storage medias. All in all, the interface and first look at the software will surely make you an impression.
Parallels Desktop Features
Here are some of the most noticeable features of the Parallels Desktop application. Having a look at them will help you in determining what you will get with it.
One-touch Tools
The One-touch tools in the Parallels desktop makes it easier to fulfill various tasks in the virtualized OS. To take a screenshot, cast your screen, access the internet, download videos, all you have to do is simply clicking some buttons. It is no more difficult to control your virtual machine.
Run Windows on your Mac without rebooting
You don’t have to reboot your Mac to run Windows on it. Simply open the Parallels software and create a virtual machine. Then start using it seamlessly until you get bored. At any point, the Windows needs to be restarted; you just restart the virtual machine instead of the Mac.
Use any Windows applications
It can run almost any windows application without any trouble. You can enjoy using any Windows applications on Mac like using a Mac program. No problems or bugs were found in our tests.
Optimized for Windows 10 and ready for MacOS Sierra
The Parallels Desktop is no more older. The software supports all the popular platforms including Windows 10 and the MacOS Sierra. So the compatibility will be no longer questioned.
500 GB of online backup storage for 1 year
To sweeten the features, the Parallels offers 500GB of online storage for the users. This is available with any edition of the program. If you have any of your important files to store from the virtual machine and you have access to the internet, you are so lucky.
Also Run other operating systems
If you bored of running just the Windows OS on the Parallels, it could also run various other platforms including Linux and Google Chrome OS. The supported platforms are ranging as, OS X, Windows 10, 8.1 & 7, Linux, and Google Chrome OS.
Easily switch between the operating systems
It is very easy to switch between the operating systems. For example, if you want to copy something from your virtual machine or to the virtual machine, the setup assistant is always there for you.
Good performance
Parallels Desktop runs quite good when compared to other softwares to run Windows on Mac. It uses very low resources except in high usage conditions like gaming on the virtual machine.
Windows 10
Retina Support
The new versions of the software are coming with Retina support independent on the resolution or other display features.
![Parallels for mac free Parallels for mac free](https://greatsoftwarezone.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Download-VMware-Fusion-2018-2.png)
Non-Compromised Security
Even if you are using a virtual machine, the security of the OS will be non-compromised. You could set separate passwords for any of the virtual machines or folders to secure it from external access. This is a unique feature that we can’t see on other competitors.
Pros
- Run Windows and Linux Virtual Machines on Mac
- Improved integration between Mac and Windows programs
- Even some games are supported
- Very power efficient
- Supports macOS Sierra and Windows 10 Anniversary Update
- Not completely free
- Sometimes, uses high resources (Especially for gaming)
- No much guidance for the new users
Cons
Verdict
Parallels Desktop is an unquestioned Windows emulator for Mac. With its features and the ability in running almost any Windows programs, Parallels Desktop dominating the virtual machine industry on Mac. A new license of the software starts from $79.99 and varies according to the editions. If you would like to give a try to the software before going to buy it, you could do that from the following link. Thousands of people already using Parallels Desktop to run Windows on Mac, you also give it a try.
Parallels Desktop for Mac Review: Run Windows on Mac
Screenshots
Description
Parallels Desktop Lite allows users to easily run Window, Linux, and popular applications on your Mac.
Avoid rebooting your Mac to switch between operating systems or when switching between Mac, Windows, or Linux applications.
Note: Existing Parallels Desktop® for Mac users are not recommended to move to Parallels Desktop Lite.
Run Internet Explorer®, Quicken®, QuickBooks, and hundreds of other Windows and Linux applications side by side with macOS apps like Pages® and Keynote®.
Brought to you by the world-class developers of the #1-rated Mac virtualization software.
### Pricing:
Running virtual machines requires an in-app purchase of an auto-renewable subscription (1 year). You can cancel at any time.
There is a fully functional 14-day trial, so you can test Parallels Desktop Lite (including installation and use of Windows) before you commit.
Note: Microsoft Windows is not included and must be purchased separately.
With Parallels Desktop Lite, you can run the following operating systems in a virtual machine on your Mac:
• Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista®, and XP
• macOS Mojave 1014, macOS High Sierra 10.13, macOS Sierra 10.12, OS X El Capitan 10.11, OS X Yosemite 10.10, OS X Mavericks 10.9, OS X Mountain Lion 10.8, and OS X Lion 10.7.x
• Most Linux distributions
System Requirements:
• Late 2011 or newer Mac
• macOS High Sierra 10.13.2 or later
• 4 GB of memory (8 GB recommended)
• 450 MB of disk space on the boot volume (Macintosh HD) for Parallels Desktop installation
• SSD is recommended for best performance
• Additional disk space for virtual machines (varies on operating system installed)
Seamless integration features between Mac and Windows, including productivity boosters built in. These features include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Copy/paste formatted text between macOS, Windows, and Linux
• Drag and drop files between macOS, Windows, and Linux
• Share Mac folders with Windows—including Desktop, Documents, and Downloads—without duplication and saving precious disk space on your Mac
• Resize window to get desired Windows or Linux resolution
• 3D graphics acceleration up to DirectX® 10.1
• Use Mac printers in Windows
• Mouse synchronization enables the mouse to move seamlessly between the macOS, Windows, and Linux
We want you to be completely satisfied with Parallels Desktop Lite. If you have any feedback, problems or concerns, please contact us at https://www.parallels.com/products/lite/support/
--- LEGAL ---
Duration and price of each subscription are displayed in the Parallels’ storefront, updated at the time of purchase. Payment will be charged to iTunes account at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off no later than 24 hours before the end of the current period. Subscriptions and auto-renewal can be managed/turned off in the iTunes account settings.
Privacy Policy: https://www.parallels.com/about/legal/privacy/
Terms of Use: https://www.parallels.com/about/legal/terms/
Avoid rebooting your Mac to switch between operating systems or when switching between Mac, Windows, or Linux applications.
Note: Existing Parallels Desktop® for Mac users are not recommended to move to Parallels Desktop Lite.
Run Internet Explorer®, Quicken®, QuickBooks, and hundreds of other Windows and Linux applications side by side with macOS apps like Pages® and Keynote®.
Brought to you by the world-class developers of the #1-rated Mac virtualization software.
### Pricing:
Running virtual machines requires an in-app purchase of an auto-renewable subscription (1 year). You can cancel at any time.
There is a fully functional 14-day trial, so you can test Parallels Desktop Lite (including installation and use of Windows) before you commit.
Note: Microsoft Windows is not included and must be purchased separately.
With Parallels Desktop Lite, you can run the following operating systems in a virtual machine on your Mac:
• Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista®, and XP
• macOS Mojave 1014, macOS High Sierra 10.13, macOS Sierra 10.12, OS X El Capitan 10.11, OS X Yosemite 10.10, OS X Mavericks 10.9, OS X Mountain Lion 10.8, and OS X Lion 10.7.x
• Most Linux distributions
System Requirements:
• Late 2011 or newer Mac
• macOS High Sierra 10.13.2 or later
• 4 GB of memory (8 GB recommended)
• 450 MB of disk space on the boot volume (Macintosh HD) for Parallels Desktop installation
• SSD is recommended for best performance
• Additional disk space for virtual machines (varies on operating system installed)
Seamless integration features between Mac and Windows, including productivity boosters built in. These features include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Copy/paste formatted text between macOS, Windows, and Linux
• Drag and drop files between macOS, Windows, and Linux
• Share Mac folders with Windows—including Desktop, Documents, and Downloads—without duplication and saving precious disk space on your Mac
• Resize window to get desired Windows or Linux resolution
• 3D graphics acceleration up to DirectX® 10.1
• Use Mac printers in Windows
• Mouse synchronization enables the mouse to move seamlessly between the macOS, Windows, and Linux
We want you to be completely satisfied with Parallels Desktop Lite. If you have any feedback, problems or concerns, please contact us at https://www.parallels.com/products/lite/support/
--- LEGAL ---
Duration and price of each subscription are displayed in the Parallels’ storefront, updated at the time of purchase. Payment will be charged to iTunes account at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off no later than 24 hours before the end of the current period. Subscriptions and auto-renewal can be managed/turned off in the iTunes account settings.
Privacy Policy: https://www.parallels.com/about/legal/privacy/
Terms of Use: https://www.parallels.com/about/legal/terms/
Parallels For Mac Support
What’s New
This update for Parallels Desktop Lite 1.4.0 addresses overall stability and performance issues, and includes the following fixes and improvements:
Performance
• Up to 80 percent faster application launch.
• Up to 30 percent faster suspend operation on APFS partition.
• Up to 130 percent more frames per second in Shared Camera.
Linux support
• Install Ubuntu 18.04, Fedora 28, and Linux Mint 19 in virtual machines right from Parallels Desktop.
• Support for mmap() in Linux Shared Folders.
• New pre-configured virtual machines with Debian GNU/Linux 9 and CentOS 7.
• Resolves an issue with Parallels Tools not installing in openSUSE Leap 15 and Ubuntu Linux.
• Resolves an issue with Parallels Tools not working in Linux virtual machines with X Server 1.20.
• Resolves an issue with Ubuntu 18.04 virtual machines periodically crashing or locking up.
• Resolves an issue with Ubuntu 18.10 virtual machines not installing.
• Resolves an issue with not being able to mount the same shared folder twice in a Linux virtual machine.
Graphics
• The new “Auto” mode for graphics allows Windows to use more than 2 GB of Mac system memory for graphics, while allowing Windows applications to use it when possible.
• Support for OpenGL 3.x in Windows virtual machines.
• Improved the way a virtual machine is displayed on 4K+ monitors:
• reduced the system and graphics memory consumption;
• increased performance when 3D acceleration is turned off.
• Improved the way a virtual machine is displayed on multiple monitors when the macOS “Displays have separate Spaces” option is turned off.
Ready for macOS 10.14 Mojave
• Parallels Desktop Lite supports Dark Mode.
• Use the virtual machine’s Edit menu to insert pictures from your iPhone or iPad into Windows applications.
• Quick Look in Windows has the same functionality as that in macOS.
• Parallels Desktop Lite uses the Mojave technology to take screenshots.
Integration with Mac
• Use your Mac’s camera that supports up to 4K resolutions in a virtual machine
• Use the Touch Bar to work with more Windows applications.
• The size of the virtual machine hard disk (.hdd file) is optimized by means of native Windows defragmentation.
Security
• Backing up a virtual machine with Time Machine has been simplified. Now if you want to add a virtual machine to the backup list or exclude it from this list, just do what you need in the Time Machine preferences.
• Backing up a virtual machine with Acronis True Image has been improved.
Usability
• Easier way to get help from Parallels - click Help > Support Center to access the webpage where you can find the most popular knowledgeable articles, links to the Parallels forums, social media and technical documentation, get personalized support and much more.
• The “Free Up Disk Space” dialog has been redesigned and simplified. Now you can use it to reduce the amount of disk space occupied by all your virtual machines.
• A paused virtual machine resumes automatically when you drag a file to its window.
• As most of Windows customers have switched from Windows 8 to Windows 10, the “Enable swipe from edges” option is disabled by default in order not to confuse users.
• Windows Maintenance feature has been improved.
• For new virtual machines, the SmartGuard backup functionality now keeps 3 snapshots by default (not to occupy additional disk space).
• The Resource Monitor has been redesigned. Use it to check how much CPU and memory is consumed by your Mac and all virtual machines.
• Monitor the virtual machine CPU usage in the virtual machine status bar.
• When you click a macOS notification that a technical data report has been sent, the report ID is automatically copied to the clipboard.
Support for keyboard layouts
• Improved support for the German keyboard layout.
• Improved support for the Japanese keyboard layout.
• Added support for the Brazilian Portuguese keyboard layout.
Performance
• Up to 80 percent faster application launch.
• Up to 30 percent faster suspend operation on APFS partition.
• Up to 130 percent more frames per second in Shared Camera.
Linux support
• Install Ubuntu 18.04, Fedora 28, and Linux Mint 19 in virtual machines right from Parallels Desktop.
• Support for mmap() in Linux Shared Folders.
• New pre-configured virtual machines with Debian GNU/Linux 9 and CentOS 7.
• Resolves an issue with Parallels Tools not installing in openSUSE Leap 15 and Ubuntu Linux.
• Resolves an issue with Parallels Tools not working in Linux virtual machines with X Server 1.20.
• Resolves an issue with Ubuntu 18.04 virtual machines periodically crashing or locking up.
• Resolves an issue with Ubuntu 18.10 virtual machines not installing.
• Resolves an issue with not being able to mount the same shared folder twice in a Linux virtual machine.
Graphics
• The new “Auto” mode for graphics allows Windows to use more than 2 GB of Mac system memory for graphics, while allowing Windows applications to use it when possible.
• Support for OpenGL 3.x in Windows virtual machines.
• Improved the way a virtual machine is displayed on 4K+ monitors:
• reduced the system and graphics memory consumption;
• increased performance when 3D acceleration is turned off.
• Improved the way a virtual machine is displayed on multiple monitors when the macOS “Displays have separate Spaces” option is turned off.
Ready for macOS 10.14 Mojave
• Parallels Desktop Lite supports Dark Mode.
• Use the virtual machine’s Edit menu to insert pictures from your iPhone or iPad into Windows applications.
• Quick Look in Windows has the same functionality as that in macOS.
• Parallels Desktop Lite uses the Mojave technology to take screenshots.
Integration with Mac
• Use your Mac’s camera that supports up to 4K resolutions in a virtual machine
• Use the Touch Bar to work with more Windows applications.
• The size of the virtual machine hard disk (.hdd file) is optimized by means of native Windows defragmentation.
Security
• Backing up a virtual machine with Time Machine has been simplified. Now if you want to add a virtual machine to the backup list or exclude it from this list, just do what you need in the Time Machine preferences.
• Backing up a virtual machine with Acronis True Image has been improved.
Usability
• Easier way to get help from Parallels - click Help > Support Center to access the webpage where you can find the most popular knowledgeable articles, links to the Parallels forums, social media and technical documentation, get personalized support and much more.
• The “Free Up Disk Space” dialog has been redesigned and simplified. Now you can use it to reduce the amount of disk space occupied by all your virtual machines.
• A paused virtual machine resumes automatically when you drag a file to its window.
• As most of Windows customers have switched from Windows 8 to Windows 10, the “Enable swipe from edges” option is disabled by default in order not to confuse users.
• Windows Maintenance feature has been improved.
• For new virtual machines, the SmartGuard backup functionality now keeps 3 snapshots by default (not to occupy additional disk space).
• The Resource Monitor has been redesigned. Use it to check how much CPU and memory is consumed by your Mac and all virtual machines.
• Monitor the virtual machine CPU usage in the virtual machine status bar.
• When you click a macOS notification that a technical data report has been sent, the report ID is automatically copied to the clipboard.
Support for keyboard layouts
• Improved support for the German keyboard layout.
• Improved support for the Japanese keyboard layout.
• Added support for the Brazilian Portuguese keyboard layout.
101 Ratings
Best option for Mac OS X (when it was free)
I'm only interested in running Linux occasionally in a guest on my Mac and it seems to be significantly faster than VirtualBox (at least when it comes to handling the retina display). Taking a star off as the lastest update requires a yearly subscription, although I've been given 1 year trial as an existing user (thanks!). I have a year to think about, try other options, but it looks like buying Parallels Desktop directly (one-off payment, possibly with the occasional upgrade) is still cheaper than the Parallels Desktop *Lite* subscription (from which Apple probably grabs a bing chunk).
Shame it now requires a subscription
I've been playing around with Ubuntu a bit, mostly for fun. Parallels Lite was decent for that when it was free, but, unless I fine a killer use for it before my year's free subscription is over, it's highly unlikely I'll want to pay a £74 per year subscription after that.
Unable to upgrade via Lite
I used the 14 day trial to test this out, and was pretty impressed. It allows you to work seemlessly between mac and windows applications. I was impressed enough to upgrade to the annual subscription. This has not worked for me, and it appears that the only option is to purchase the full desktop package from the website, outside the app store. This is a more expensive product than quoted in the app, and means I need to manage the subscription separately.
Not very impressed, and still deciding whether I want the hassle.
I’m very supprised that I can not follow the upgrade model offered in the app, but from speaking to your online support there seems to be no way to resolve this issue.
Not very impressed, and still deciding whether I want the hassle.
I’m very supprised that I can not follow the upgrade model offered in the app, but from speaking to your online support there seems to be no way to resolve this issue.
Developer Response,
Dear RichardGWood, Thank you very much for the review and please accept our apologies for the inconvenience you have had. Please drop us an email at [email protected] and our support will look into this for you. Thanks, Parallels Team
Information
macOS 10.13.2 or later, 64-bit processor
Parallels For Mac Torrent
English, Czech, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Traditional Chinese
Parallels For Mac Reviews
Supports
Family Sharing
Up to six family members will be able to use this app with Family Sharing enabled.