• The 14.0.1 version of Parallels Desktop for Mac is available as a free download on our software library. You can run this program on Mac OS X 10.7.0 or later. You can run this program on Mac OS X 10.7.0 or later.
• Much to my surprise, running Windows 10 on Mac using Parallels Desktop 13 is a lot easier, and you will really like using it! For those unfamiliar, a virtual machine is basically a virtual simulation of a real machine, which allows you to run a full-fledged operating system on your computer without needing to partition the hard drive.

Install macOS in Parallels Desktop Lite. If you want a Mac inside your Mac, you’ll first need to head to the Mac App Store. Search for the macOS version you want to install, then click the “Download” button. A caveat: the Mac App Store will not download a version of the OS older than what you’re currently running.

Quick Summary

Parallels Desktop lets you run Windows apps on your Mac. That can be very handy if you rely on certain Windows apps for your business, or have switched to Mac and can’t find alternatives for everything you need.

Is it worth it? If you have Mac apps for everything you need you won’t need Parallels, and if you need just a few non-critical Windows apps a free alternative may meet your needs. But if you rely on Windows apps to get your work done, you’ll need the premium Windows performance that Parallels Desktop provides.

• Windows is very responsive
• Pauses when not in use to save resources
• Coherence mode lets you run Windows apps like Mac apps
• Also run Linux, Android and more

• My mouse became unresponsive once
• macOS and Linux are less responsive than Windows

Parallels Desktop for Mac

Quick Navigation

// Why Should You Trust Me?
// What Is Parallels Desktop for Mac?
// Parallels Desktop for Mac: What's in it For You?
// ​Reasons Behind My Reviews and Ratings
// ​Alternatives to Parallels Desktop
// Conclusion

Why Should You Trust Me?

My name is Adrian Try. After using Microsoft Windows for over a decade, I made a deliberate move away from the operating system in 2003. I enjoyed the change, but still needed certain Windows apps on a regular basis. So I found myself using a combination of dual boot, virtualization (using VMware and VirtualBox) and Wine. See the Alternatives section of this review.

I hadn’t tried Parallels Desktop before. I was provided a review license, and installed version 12 on my macOS Sierra-based iMac. For the last week I’ve been putting it through its paces, installing Windows 10 (purchased just for this review) and several other operating systems, and trying just about every feature in the program.

Version 13 was released last night, so I immediately upgraded. This review reflects my use of both Parallels Desktop 12 and 13, and all of the screenshots are from version 13. Third-party reviews that I reference are all of version 12.

In this review I’ll share what I like and dislike about Parallels Desktop. The content in the quick summary box above serves as a short version of my findings and conclusions. Read on for the details!

What Is Parallels Desktop for Mac?

Parallels Desktop allows you to run Windows apps on your Mac. It does this by allowing you to install Windows on a virtual machine — a computer emulated in software. Your virtual computer is assigned a portion of the RAM, processor and disk space of your real computer, so it will be slower and have less resources.

Other operating systems will also run on Parallels Desktop, including Linux, Android and macOS — even older versions of macOS and OS X (El Capitan or earlier).

What’s New in Parallels Desktop 13?

Parallels has added a number of new features to version 13. According to the release notes from Parallels, those include speed improvements, making GIFs, presentation mode, Picture-in-Picture, Retina display enhancements, etc. Watch this 3-minute video for more.

Is Parallels Desktop Safe?

Yes, it is. I ran and installed the app on my macOS Sierra based iMac and scanned it for viruses. Parallels Desktop 13 doesn’t contain any virus or malicious processes.

Be aware that when you install Windows in Parallels, you become vulnerable to Windows viruses (on the virtual machine and the files it can access), so make sure you protect yourself. A trial version of Kaspersky Internet Security is included, or install your security software of choice.

During my use of the app, my mouse froze once when switching between Windows and Mac. This required a reboot to fix. Your mileage may vary.

Is Parallels Desktop Free?

No, it isn’t freeware though a full-featured 14-day trial is available. There are three versions of the app to consider:

1. Parallels Desktop for Mac ($79.99 for students): Designed for home or student use.
2. Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro Edition ($99.99/year): Designed for developers and power users who need the best performance.
3. Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition ($99.99/year): Designed for IT departments, it includes centralized administration and volume licensing.
4. You’ll also have to pay for Microsoft Windows and your Windows applications if you don’t already own them.

How to Install Parallels Desktop for Mac

Here is an overview of the full process of getting the app up and running:

1. Download and install Parallels Desktop for Mac.
2. You’ll be asked to choose an operating for your new virtual machine. To install Windows, you have three choices: purchase it online, install it from a US stick, or transfer it from a PC. Enter the Windows product key when prompted.
3. Windows will be installed along with some Parallels tools. This will take some time.
4. Your new Windows desktop will be displayed. Install any Windows application software you need.

Parallels Desktop for Mac: What’s in it For You?

Since Parallels Desktop is all about running Windows apps (and more) on your Mac, I’m going to list all its features by putting them into the following five sections. In each subsection, I’ll first explore what the app offers and then share my personal take.

1. Turn Your Mac Into Several Computers with Virtualization

Parallels Desktop is virtualization software — it emulates a new computer in software. On that virtual computer you can run any operating system you like, including Windows, and any software that runs on that operating system. That’s very convenient if you need non-Mac software.

A virtual machine will run slower than your real computer, but Parallels has worked hard to optimize performance. Trusted Reviews ran some benchmark tests and were impressed: “Performance is excellent, with Windows feeling responsive and snappy. I ran GeekBench 3 on both Mac and the Windows virtual machine and got similar scores: Mac OS scored 5,833 in the multi-core test, and the Windows virtual machine scored 5,057.”

But why run a slower virtual machine when you can install Windows on your actual computer using Bootcamp? Because having to restart your machine to change operating systems is slow, inconvenient, and incredibly frustrating. Virtualization is an excellent alternative.

GeekWire’s Daniel Rasmus agrees. “Parallels virtual machines can run almost any operating system, even those that are no longer supported (as long as you have a CD and license key)… Parallels works closely with Apple, Microsoft and the open source community to ensure that Parallels Desktop will not only run their operating systems, but that they run relatively fast in a very stable environment.”

My personal take: Virtualization technology provides a convenient way of accessing non-Mac software while using macOS. If you need regular access to Windows apps, Parallel’s implementation is superb.

2. Run Windows on Your Mac Without Rebooting

You may need to run Windows on your Mac for a variety of reasons. Here are some examples:

• Developers can test their software on Windows and other operating systems
• Web developers can test their websites on a variety of Windows browsers
• Writers can create documentation and reviews about Windows software.

Parallels provides the virtual machine, you need to supply Microsoft Windows. There are three options:

1. Purchase it directly from Microsoft and download it.
2. Purchase it from a store and install from a USB stick.
3. Transfer Windows from your PC or Bootcamp.

Transferring a previously-installed version of Windows is the least-recommended option, as it can lead to

licensing issues or driver problems. David Ludlow from Trusted Reviews explains:

“But there are caveats. Foremost, is that Windows’ licensing prevents you from moving an OEM version of an OS to a new computer, even to a virtual machine. In other words, you can only transfer an old PC if you bought a retail version of Windows.”

“Secondly, Windows 10 doesn’t particularly like being moved, and Windows apps won’t necessarily run. I got a warning when trying to run some apps, such as Edge, telling me that they ‘can’t be opened using the Built-in Administrator account’.”

In my case, I purchased a shrink-wrapped version of Windows 10 Home (with USB an enclosed USB stick) from a store. The price was the same as downloading from Microsoft: $179 Aussie dollars.

I started up Parallels Desktop 13, inserted my USB stick, and Windows was installed without fuss.

Once installed, Windows feels snappy and responsive. Moving from Windows to Mac and back again is fast and seamless. I’ll explain how that’s done in the next section.

My personal take: For those needing access to Windows while using macOS, Parallels Desktop is a godsend. They have obviously worked hard to optimize their software for Windows, as it is incredibly responsive.

3. Switch Conveniently between Mac and Windows

How easy is switching between Mac and Windows using Parallels Desktop? You don’t even notice it. By default it runs inside a window like this.

When my mouse is outside of that window, it is the black Mac mouse cursor. Once it moves inside the window, it becomes the white Windows mouse cursor automatically and instantly.

For some uses that can feel a little cramped. Pressing the green Maximize button will make Windows run full screen. The screen resolution adjusts automatically. You can switch to and from Windows using a four-finger swipe.

Very fast, very easy, very intuitive. Switching between Mac and Windows couldn’t be easier. Here’s another bonus. For convenience, I found myself leaving Windows open even when I wasn’t using it. When not in use, Parallels pauses the virtual machine to reduce the load on your computer.

Once your mouse enters the Windows environment again, Windows is up and running again within about three seconds.

My personal take: Whether running Windows full-screen or in a window, switching to it is simple and seamless. It’s no harder than switching to a native Mac app.

4. Use Windows Apps alongside Mac Apps

When I first moved away from Windows, I found myself still relying on a few key apps. You might be the same:

• You switched to Mac, but still have a number of Windows apps you rely on — perhaps the Windows versions of Word and Excel, the Xbox Streaming app, or a Windows-only game.
• You may still absolutely depend on a legacy app that no longer works on modern operating systems.

It’s surprising how reliant businesses can become on out-of-date software that is no longer updated or supported. Daniel Rasmus from GeekWire explains:

“People working outside of large corporations may be surprised by how much of the world continues to run on old software — some supported, some not. If a financial application relies on an old Windows NT or other legacy framework that doesn’t run on Windows 10, let alone on macOS, the choice comes down to investing in new software and the associated implementation costs, or keeping old hardware in play, or using a virtualization solution.”

Parallels Desktop provides a Coherence Mode which lets you work with Windows apps without dealing with the Windows interface. David Ludlow sums it up: “Coherence turns your Windows apps into Mac ones.”

Coherence Mode hides the Windows interface altogether. You launch the Start Menu by clicking the Windows 10 icon on your dock.

You can search for and run the Windows Paint program from Spotlight.

Paint runs right on your Mac desktop, no Windows in sight.

And the Mac’s right-click Open With menu even lists Windows apps.

My personal take: Parallels Desktop allows you to use Windows apps almost as if they were Mac apps. You can start the from your Mac’s Dock, Spotlight, or a context menu.

5. Run Other Operating Systems on Your Mac

The convenience of Parallels Desktop doesn’t stop with Windows. You can run a variety of operating systems, including Linux, Android and macOS. Why would someone want to do that? Here are some examples:

• A developer working on an app that runs on multiple platforms can use virtual computers to run Windows, Linux and Android to test the software on.
• Mac developers can run older versions of macOS and OS X to test compatibility.
• A Linux enthusiast can run and compare multiple distros at once.

You can install macOS from your recovery partition or a disk image. You can also install older versions of OS X if you still have the installation DVDs or disk images. I chose to install macOS from my recovery partition.

I found macOS significantly less responsive than Windows — I assume Parallel’s main priority is Windows performance. It was definitely usable, though.

Installing Linux is similar. You can either choose to have Parallels Desktop download a number of Linux distros (including Ubuntu, Fedora, CentOS, Debian and Linux Mint), or install from a disk image.

Like macOS, Linux seems less responsive than Windows. Once you have a few operating systems installed, the Parallels Desktop Control Panel is a handy way to start and stop them.

My personal take: Parallels Desktop can run macOS or Linux on a virtual machine, though not with the same speed as Windows, or with as many integration features. But the software is stable and usable all the same.

Reasons Behind My Reviews and Ratings

Effectiveness: 5/5

Parallels Desktop does exactly what it promises: it runs Windows apps alongside my Mac apps. Running Windows in a virtual machine was convenient and responsive, and allowed me to access Windows apps that I rely on. Windows paused when not in use, so unnecessary resources were not being wasted.

Price: 4.5/5

Although there are free virtualization options, $79.95 is a reasonable price to pay for the amount of work Parallels have put into optimizing performance and integration. The $39.95 option should be affordable to most students.

Ease of Use: 5/5

I found launching Windows and switching between Mac and Windows absolutely intuitive. The integrated approach of displaying Windows software in Spotlight searches, context menus and the Dock is brilliant.

Support: 4.5/5

Free support is available via Twitter, chat, Skype, phone (Click-to-Call) and email for the first 30 days after registering. Email support is available for up to two years from the product release date, though you can purchase phone support when required for $19.95. A comprehensive knowledge base, FAQ, Getting Started guide and User’s Guide are available.

Alternatives to Parallels Desktop

VMware Fusion 8.5: VMware Fusion ($79.99) is Parallel Desktop’s closest competitor, and is a little slower and more technical. A major upgrade is about to be released.

Veertu Desktop: Veertu (free, $39.95 for premium) is a lightweight alternative. It’s almost as quick as Parallels, but has fewer features.

VirtualBox: VirtualBox is Oracle’s free and open source alternative. Not as polished or responsive as Parallels Desktop, it’s a good alternative when performance is not at a premium.

Boot Camp: Boot Camp comes installed with macOS, and allows you to run Windows alongside macOS in a dual-boot setup — to switch you need to restart your computer. That’s less convenient, but has performance benefits.

Wine: Wine is a way of running Windows apps on your Mac without needing Windows at all. It can’t run all Windows apps, and many require significant configuration. It’s a free (open source) solution that just might work for you.

CrossOver Mac: CodeWeavers CrossOver ($59.95) is a commercial version of Wine that is easier to use and configure.

Conclusion

Parallels Desktop runs Windows and other operating systems in a virtual machine alongside your Mac apps. It’s a good option for those who still rely on certain Windows apps for their business, or gamers who can’t live without a favorite Windows game. It’s also a great solution for developers who need to test their apps or websites on other platforms.

If you’ve found native Mac apps that meet all of your needs, you don’t need Parallels Desktop. If you need to run just a handful of non-critical Windows apps, one of the free virtualization alternatives may be all you need. But if you’re looking for best performance, Parallels Desktop is your best option. I highly recommend it.

A virtual remote server can help you to run Windows on Mac. Parallels, the remote application server that gives access to Windows on a Mac system. So today I am reviewing this awesome application called Parallels Desktop and tell you how it helps you access Windows on your Mac PC.

What is Parallels Desktop?

Parallels Desktop is the best way to get virtual Windows applications, desktop and data on your Mac system without losing any Mac data and rebooting it. Parallels give you a seamless Windows experience with its remote desktop services and bring the entire Windows environment without letting you feel that you’re using a different OS. You can easily switch between your Mac and Windows and use Mac features inside the Windows and vice-versa. Parallels Desktop works powerfully to integrate “windows for mac” and it automatically tunes to the most used applications, games, and development.

Features of Parallels

• Use all Windows applications in Mac, for e.g. Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Visual Studio, Access, AutoCAD, QuickBooks, etc.)
• Easily and instantly switch between Windows and Mac
• Use Windows applications and features inside Mac and vice-versa
• Powerfully and seamlessly run all Windows apps, and automatically tune to the most used apps and games
• Supports Windows 10 with its virtual voice assistant, Cortana
• Works with Boot Camp and lets you reuse your existing Boot Camp installation
• Drag and Drop files between Windows and Mac
• Copy/paste files between Windows and Mac
• Provides single cloud storage space between Windows and Mac
• Supports Retina Display for Windows
• Runs Windows in full-screen mode
• Let you apply Mac OS parental controls to Windows
• Share Bluetooth between Mac and Windows
• Optimize real-time virtual disk
• Get Windows apps in Launchpad
• Get a Windows alert on Mac notification center
• Provides advanced networking tools
• Use any Windows version, including Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8/ 8.1 and Windows 10
• Supports all Mac OS versions, including Mac OS X 10.0 (Cheetah), Mac OS X 10.1 (Puma), Mac OS X 10.2 (Jaguar), Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther), Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger), Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard), Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard), Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion), Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion), Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks), Mac OS X 10.10 (Yosemite), Mac OS X 10.11 (El Capitan)

How to install Windows on Mac using Parallels?

To install Windows virtually on Mac with Parallels, you’ll need to download the trail version of the software. To download the trial version of Parallels, please follow these steps:

How to install Windows on Mac?

1. Go to Parallels Desktop. Click on try now.
2. Enter your email address and click proceed to download
3. You will be taken to the next page with a download link
4. Click on Download Now
5. After the download is completed, double-click on the setup .dmg file and install the software on your Mac

How to run Windows on Mac using Parallels?

After the installation is completed, now it’s time to install and run Windows on your Mac machine using Parallels. So here I will give you the step by step instructions on the installation of Windows and how to run Windows on Mac using Parallels Desktop.

1. Keep your version of Windows ready in a DVD or image file
2. Launch Parallels Desktop
3. Go to File > New
4. Click ‘Install Windows or other OS from DVD or image file’
5. Click Continue
6. Select the installation media. You can select Windows from a DVD or .iso image file or from a bootable USB or media manually or let Parallels Desktop choose the installation media automatically
7. Enter your Windows product key
8. Click Continue and keep Express Installation selected in the Windows Product Key window
9. Click Continue when you are ready
10. Now select how you would want to install Windows from the following options:
11. Productivity
12. Games only
13. And from the Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro and Business Edition, choose one of the following options:
14. Software development
15. Software testing
16. Design
17. Specify a name and location of your virtual machine and the default location, for e.g. /Users/username/Documents/Parallels
18. Click on Continue and the Windows installation will begin
19. The process will take a few minutes
20. Once Windows is successfully installed, launch it by opening a Windows application or by clicking the Power button in the Parallels Virtual Machines list
21. At first time launch, the Parallels Tools will be installed to enable smooth operations in the virtual Windows OS, so it is recommended not to stop or interrupt the installation process to avail seamless performance

How To Get Free Parallels Activation

Buy Parallels Desktop

Why running Windows on Mac is necessary?

Windows on Mac is used for various purposes. It can be used by developers to build native Windows apps, by gamers who love to enjoy Windows games virtually on their Mac or for any other uses depending on the requirements of the user. Concisely speaking, Parallels Desktop brings the entire Windows environment and those features can be accessed from your Mac system.

Who run Windows programs on Mac with Parallels Desktop?

(1) Web Developers

Parallels Desktop brings the entire Windows development programs on your Mac that helps web developers designing and developing the functional apps. They can use the Windows development platforms and use the markup languages and codes to build their apps. Even they can test their apps on multiple Windows browsers, suggestively Google Chrome, without logging in or out of the system or switching it.

(2) Gamers

People who love gaming on Windows and have been missing the OS on their Mac can get it back without any fail with Parallels Desktop. You can enjoy seamless Windows games through the software and enjoy full screen and high-resolution games without going through the feeling of using a Windows VM on Mac. Parallels Desktop never keeps any limitations in gaming and you can get access to the core functionalities of the games like you do on Windows.

(3) Designers

Web designers can implement any designs on the Windows designing software like AutoCAD and 3D Studio Max for 3D modeling and rendering. Since most designers prefer Windows as a user-friendly OS, which is easily accessible, they can use Parallels Desktop to design any Windows theme or graphics that cannot be easily done on Mac.

(4) The normal user

The general user who loves operating the Microsoft Office for Windows and would not like to pay for the Mac version of Office prefer using Parallel Desktop as their media. Even if you love using Outlook email and prefer it as your primary email client, then Parallels Desktop can seamlessly let you use it over Windows OS. In case you purchased Mac and not liking it, then Parallels Desktop will help you get your Windows OS back to any version of the operating system you’d love to use.

Apart from above type of users, there are many other types of users who might want to run Windows on MAC.

Free Parallels For Mac Download

Why would anyone prefer Windows for Mac?

As everyone knows, Windows and Mac are completely different from each other, Windows is globally used because of its user-friendliness and simple operations and Mac is a stylish operating system by Apple with all the exclusive and dynamic features. As most schools and governmental organizations use Windows as their media of communication, they also teach children and recommend customers use the same OS. Windows offer most of the utility programs like MS Office, Outlook, Visual Studio, Windows Media Player, etc. for free, whereas the same is not with Mac. Mac provides its own paid versions of the Windows software or most of the freeware show incompatibility with them. This is why Mac users, who cannot switch to a separate PC, use Parallels Desktop as their media to communicate with Windows OS and get access to all Windows programs from their Mac.

Secondly, there are many people who switch to Mac because of its stylish nature but end up disliking it or not finding it manageable. Hence, they desire for the old Windows interface because they find it easier than Mac. So Parallels Desktop brings them their old Windows environment and virtualizes it within the Mac interface.

How and from where to get Parallels Desktop?

Parallels Desktop comes in three major editions:

• Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac (for Home and Student use) – $79.99/year
• Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro Edition (for Developers, Testers and Power Users) – $99.99/year
• Parallels Desktop Business Edition (for Use in Work Settings) – $99.99/year

Using Parallels On Mac

The software can be purchased from Parallels Desktop Website with per year subscription charges or one-time purchase. Please check the terms of purchase from this link.

Parallels Switch Back To Mac

If you are a basic Windows user then the Parallel Desktop 11 would be the perfect choice for you to operate all Windows programs and games. For developing, testing and rendering codes, the Pro Edition would be the ultimate selection for you.

Conclusion

If you want to emulate Windows with a lightning fast interface on your Mac, then Parallels Desktop will deliver you want you are seeking for. The application gives your system an improved battery life while it is missing from the power source. You can use Cortana with the virtual machine and access it on your Mac. What can be much better if you get access to both the major operating systems- Windows and Mac on the same PC, that too at the same time?