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Last updated on December 13th, 2023 at 02:43 pm
Parallels Desktop stands out as the foremost and swiftest emulation software, supporting Windows, Linux, and older macOS versions on Intel-based Macs. For Apple Silicon machines, it remains the sole practical choice for running Windows.
Parallels Desktop stands out as the foremost and swiftest emulation software, supporting Windows, Linux, and older macOS versions on Intel-based Macs. For Apple Silicon machines, it remains the sole practical choice for running Windows.
Parallels Desktop stands out as the top choice for individual and small-business users seeking to run a complete Windows system on an Intel Mac. It’s currently the only viable option for running Windows on Apple Silicon machines. Known for its speed, seamless integrations between host and guest machines, and frequent updates ensuring compatibility with the latest Windows and macOS systems, Parallels Desktop has earned the PCMag Editors’ Choice for virtualization software.
While slightly less stable and enterprise-friendly than VMware Fusion, the latter performs at a slower pace and lacks official support for Apple Silicon hardware. VirtualBox, a freeware option, is incompatible with Apple Silicon Macs and tends to be too unreliable for regular use. The free experimental UTM app, based on open-source QEMU emulation software, can run Windows on Apple Silicon but proves challenging to set up and lacks the user-friendly features found in Parallels.
Advantages: Follows an annual update cycle. Offers the flexibility of choosing between a perpetual license or subscription. Streamlined installation of the ARM version of Windows 11 in Version 18. Includes Touch ID integration.
For numerous Mac users, the necessity to run Windows applications arises, whether due to employer-specific software, reliance on Windows-only technologies for certain websites, the desire to play Windows games, or the need to test applications across different operating systems. Installing macOS alongside Windows is exclusive to Macs, as Apple restricts macOS installation on other platforms.
When Apple transitioned to Intel CPUs in 2006, running Windows on a Mac became more accessible through Apple’s Boot Camp, enabling native operation of both Windows and macOS. However, with Apple’s shift to M-series chips and the abandonment of Boot Camp for M-series Macs, the landscape has changed. Macs still using Intel processors can continue using Boot Camp for dual-boot functionality between Windows and macOS.
The move to ARM-based M-series chips also means that modern Macs cannot run a non-ARM version of Windows, and acquiring the ARM version can be challenging. Fortunately, alternative options exist for running Windows and other guest operating systems on a Mac, with Parallels Desktop emerging as one of the top choices. Thanks to its regular annual updates, aligning with macOS updates, Parallels Desktop has dominated the Mac virtualization market in recent years.
What is Parallels Desktop
Parallels Desktop is virtualization software that empowers you to create a virtual machine (VM) on your Mac, seamlessly running Windows and other operating systems as if they were additional Mac applications. In contrast to Apple’s Boot Camp, which requires shutting down the Mac to reboot into Windows, Parallels enables simultaneous operation of Mac and Windows apps.
This flexibility allows you to display the Windows desktop within its dedicated window on the Mac desktop, expand Windows to occupy the entire screen, concealing the Mac desktop, or minimize Windows to a small preview in a corner of the Mac desktop for easy monitoring while working in other Mac apps.
Over time, Parallels Desktop has evolved with a plethora of features capitalizing on the ability to run multiple operating systems concurrently. The latest iteration, Version 19, was released in August 2023. In the following discussion, we will explore the new features introduced in this version and highlight some of the standout features that have been incorporated into Parallels Desktop over the years.
What’s new in Parallels Desktop 19?
Parallels maintains its tradition of yearly updates, consistently aligning their release with each new macOS version. As macOS Sonoma is slated for an October 2023 release, Parallels has recently introduced the notable Parallels Desktop 19. This update represents a substantial improvement, encompassing technical enhancements that might not be readily apparent to users of earlier versions, as they operate beneath the surface. Additionally, certain new features are exclusive to the Pro and Business editions of Parallels Desktop, with a particular focus on offerings tailored for developers.
One new feature that will stand out straight away, though, is the redesigned interface, with windows and dialogue boxes in Parallels Desktop 19 now adopting the curved lines and candy colors that Apple has been using in the macOS in recent years. The app even gets a new desktop icon.
More serious eye candy also arrives with support for 3D graphics in Windows using OpenGL 4.1, which provides improved compatibility and performance for a number of important graphics and design tools, such as ArcGIS Pro, VectorWorks and VariCAD.
But, as mentioned, there are several under-the-bonnet features that may not be quite so eye-catching. Apple has changed the printing system used in Sonoma, so Parallels Desktop 19 introduces a new Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) that will continue to allow you to print documents from a virtual machine using your normal printer (and Parallels says that this actually provides improved compatibility for features such as two-sided printing on some printers).
A noticeable change in Parallels Desktop 19 is the redesigned interface, featuring curved lines and vibrant colors in windows and dialogue boxes, aligning with the aesthetics Apple has adopted in recent macOS versions. The application also receives a fresh desktop icon to complement the visual update.
On a more substantial note, enhanced visual appeal is coupled with support for 3D graphics in Windows using OpenGL 4.1. This upgrade boosts compatibility and performance for critical graphics and design tools like ArcGIS Pro, VectorWorks, and VariCAD.
While the redesign and graphics support catch the eye, there are equally important under-the-hood features. Notably, Sonoma’s altered printing system prompts the introduction of a new Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) in Parallels Desktop 19. This facilitates document printing from a virtual machine using the standard printer, with improved compatibility, including enhanced support for features like two-sided printing on select printers.
Additionally, Version 19 introduces Touch ID support for Windows virtual machines (VMs), adding an extra layer of security. This feature enables signing in to Windows VMs using both Touch ID and the personal Microsoft account. This proves especially crucial for business users safeguarding sensitive data within their Windows VMs. The Business edition of Parallels Desktop further extends compatibility with corporate management systems such as Hashicorp Packer and Microsoft’s InTune for larger organizations.
Parallels Desktop price
Upon the launch of Parallels Desktop 18 in 2022, the pricing witnessed its first increase in several years, with a raise of approximately $20/£20 per product. While acknowledging the broader trend of rising prices in the past year, this adjustment is somewhat disappointing.
Parallels Desktop is offered in three distinct editions: standard, pro, and business.
The standard edition is priced at $99.99/£89.99 annually, with discounts available for students and education users. This yearly subscription encompasses any forthcoming versions and updates. It marks an increase from the previous cost of $79.99/£69.99 per year before the introduction of version 18.
Running Windows
Starting from 2020, Apple transitioned all Macs to operate on its proprietary Apple Silicon chips, encompassing the M1 and M2 series. These chips, adhering to the ARM architecture, limit compatibility to Arm versions of Windows, rendering the X86 version incompatible with the ARM-based architecture.
The Arm version of Windows is typically not licensed to individual users, posing both technical and licensing challenges for M1 and M2 Mac owners seeking to run Windows on their Macs.
In 2022, Parallels Desktop synchronized its update with the launch of macOS Ventura, introducing significant compatibility with the Arm version of Windows 11 and streamlining the process for Mac users to obtain Windows on Arm.
With Parallels Desktop 18, users gained the capability to download and purchase the ARM version of Windows 11 directly within the Parallels interface. The process involves clicking the “Get Windows 11 From Microsoft” button, prompting Parallels to download the relevant Windows 11 version tailored to your Mac, specifically opting for the ARM version if your Mac features an ARM processor. Subsequently, you can utilize the Microsoft Store app within your Windows virtual machine to acquire a license, whether purchasing one or using an existing Windows 11 license. Parallels clarified that Microsoft does not distinguish between Windows on Intel and Windows on Arm, allowing the use of a Windows 11 license for either version. Further details are available on the Parallels website.
Windows 11 on M1 Mac with Parallels
Parallels has affirmed that Windows on ARM now enables the smooth running of most legacy software and applications originally designed for the Intel version of Windows. Consequently, compatibility issues are mitigated when operating virtual machines utilizing Windows on ARM.
For Intel Mac users, the capability to run various Windows versions extends back to Windows XP. However, challenges may arise when running Windows on older Macs. Notably, Windows 11 mandates a specialized security chip, TPM 2.0, which Macs lack. Parallels 17 ingeniously circumvented this hurdle by incorporating a virtual TPM chip, ensuring compatibility with Windows 11 and its BitLocker data encryption features.
For comprehensive details on running Windows on a Mac, refer to our comprehensive guide. Additionally, we have curated a roundup of the best options for running Windows on a Mac.
Notably, Parallels extends beyond Windows compatibility, supporting various operating systems, including free options such as BSD Unix, Ubuntu, Debian, and various Linux distributions. Over the years, Parallels has enhanced support for these operating systems and implemented behind-the-scenes improvements, facilitating the efficient management of multiple virtual machines.
