Parallels Desktop for Mac Build 5608 added support for guest Parallels Tools for Linux in the latest Linux distributions (including Ubuntu 8). It also added support for running 3D graphics in Windows virtual machines on Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.3.
- Parallels For Mac Support
- Parallels For Mac Review
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- Parallels For Mac Windows Install
- Now, double-click on Install in the Parallels Desktop window. Click Open to confirm that you want to install Parallels Desktop. Next, you need to accept the License Agreement. Next up, enter Administrator Name and Password for your Mac.
- Parallels Desktop 14 Crack the near-effortless installation of Windows from OS X. Enables you to start Windows files from Mac programs or Mac documents in Windows programs. Integration choices give accessibility to OS X folders to Windows programs.
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?
- Go to Parallels Desktop. Click on try now.
- Enter your email address and click proceed to download
- You will be taken to the next page with a download link
- Click on Download Now
- 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.
- Keep your version of Windows ready in a DVD or image file
- Launch Parallels Desktop
- Go to File > New
- Click ‘Install Windows or other OS from DVD or image file’
- Click Continue
- 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
- Enter your Windows product key
- Click Continue and keep Express Installation selected in the Windows Product Key window
- Click Continue when you are ready
- Now select how you would want to install Windows from the following options:
- Productivity
- Games only
- And from the Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro and Business Edition, choose one of the following options:
- Software development
- Software testing
- Design
- Specify a name and location of your virtual machine and the default location, for e.g. /Users/username/Documents/Parallels
- Click on Continue and the Windows installation will begin
- The process will take a few minutes
- Once Windows is successfully installed, launch it by opening a Windows application or by clicking the Power button in the Parallels Virtual Machines list
- 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
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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.
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
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.
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?
Sometimes, Mac users need to run Windows software. Maybe there’s a program you need for work that doesn’t offer a Mac version, or maybe you occasionally need to test websites in Internet Explorer. Whatever you need Windows for, Parallels is the best tool for the job.
Why Use Parallels Instead of Boot Camp or VirtualBox?
Parallels For Mac Support
RELATED:How to Install Windows on a Mac With Boot Camp
Sure, you could set up your Mac to run Windows with Boot Camp, but that means restarting your computer every time you need to use Windows. Parallels runs Windows within macOS, using what’s called a Virtual Machine. This allows you to quickly switch between the Mac and Windows desktops. You can even combine the two desktops, if you want, and run Windows software right on your Mac desktop from your Mac’s dock.
Virtual machines are complicated, but Parallels makes it reasonably simple to set one up and use it. There are other virtual machine options available to Mac users, including the open source VirtualBox, but Parallels is different in that it’s designed exclusively with Mac users in mind. Parallels costs more (since VirtualBox is free and Parallels is not), but there are hundreds of little design touches that help make running Windows within macOS as painless as possible, and that make setting everything up quick and easy. it’s well worth the cost.
How Much Does Parallels Cost?
Browsing the Parallels website, it can be a little tricky to find out what the product actually costs. So here’s a quick breakdown:
- Purchasing the latest home version of Parallels Desktop costs $80 as of this writing. This lets you run Parallels on a single Mac.
- Upgrading from one version of Parallels to another generally costs $50, and will probably be necessary every couple of years if you keep installing the latest versions of macOS.
- A $70 annual subscription gives you access to all updates “for free,” according to the Parallels website.
RELATED:How to Make Linux and macOS Virtual Machines for Free with Parallels Lite
Parallels For Mac Review
If you just want to try out Parallels and see if it works for you, you can: there’s a 14 day trial of the software, which you can access without providing a credit card number. There’s also Parallels Desktop Lite, which is free on the Mac App Store and lets you create both Linux and macOS virtual machines. Parallels Desktop Lite can only run Windows virtual machines if you pay for a subscription, however.
One more note: purchasing Parallels does not give you a Windows license, or a Windows product key. If you have a Windows installation CD or USB key handy with a valid license you can use that, otherwise you will need to purchase Windows 10 from Microsoft to create a Windows 10 virtual machine.
RELATED:You Don’t Need a Product Key to Install and Use Windows 10
We’ll point out that you don’t technically need a product key to install and use Windows 10—Microsoft basically gave up enforcing their license requirements with Windows 10, and you can download Windows 10 right from Microsoft at no cost (you’ll probably want it in the form of an ISO file). Legally speaking, however, you still need a product key to use Windows, even in a virtual machine.
How to Install Windows in Parallels
Got everything you need? Good. The new virtual machine wizard, which launches the first time you open Parallels, makes the process simple.
Assuming you already have a Windows CD or ISO, click the “Install Windows or another OS from a DVD or image file” button.
The ISO or DVD should be found automatically; otherwise, click the “Locate Manually” button. Then click “Continue.”
You’ll be asked whether you want an Express installation, which automates the installation process so that you don’t need to enter the product key or click “Next” during the installation process.
Choose this option if you want, otherwise plan on babysitting the installation a little bit.
Next you’ll be asked what you plan on using this virtual machine for: work-related software or gaming.
If you select Games only, the virtual machine will be set to use a lot more resources, so only click that if you intend to do serious gaming in the virtual machine (which is probably not a great idea). Also make sure your Mac even has enough resources to dedicate—if you spread your computer’s resources too thin, your virtual machine will be very slow. You can change these settings later, but I recommend going with “Productivity” in almost all cases.
Finally, you’ll be asked for a few details: what the machine should be named, where it should be located, and whether you want a shortcut to the machine on your desktop.
You can also configure the settings before installation—don’t worry, you can tweak any of those later if you’d rather not dive in right now. Click “Continue.”
The Windows installer will run. If you selected the Express installation, you won’t need to do anything: just watch as Windows installs. If not, you’ll have to click “Next” a bunch of times and enter your product key, as is normal for installing Windows.
The installation process can take a while, if mechanical hard drives or a DVD is involved. If everything is running off an SSD, however, you’ll be up and running in a few minutes.
Eventually you’ll see the Windows desktop! We’re almost done.
How to Seamlessly Integrate Your Virtual Machine Into macOS
That’s all well and good, and you can start using Windows now—but if you really want to get the best of what Parallels has to offer, you have a few more steps ahead of you.
At the top-right of your virtual machine you’ll see a caution sign. This is letting you know that Parallels Tools needs to be installed. Installing this lets you move your mouse between macOS and Windows in one swift motion, and also makes it possible to access your Mac files from within Windows. To get started, click that caution sign, then click “Install Parallels Tools.”
Doing this will mount a virtual CD in the Windows virtual machine. You’ll be asked what you want to do by Windows; select “Install Parallels Tools.”
The installer will take a few minutes, and eventually will require you to restart Windows. Do that and you’ll be up and running: your virtual machine will be integrated with macOS.
Once Parallels Tools is installed, Windows integrates very cleanly with macOS. There are all kinds of examples of this:
- Moving your mouse to your Windows virtual machine is seamless.
- Anything you copy to your Windows clipboard can be pasted in Mac apps, and vice-versa.
- The Documents, Downloads, and Desktop folders in Windows are symbolically linked to the same folders in macOS. Change a file in one place and it changes in the other.
- If you have Dropbox or iCloud running in macOS, those folders are available in Windows Explorer.
- If you have OneDrive set up in Windows, that is available to you in macOS.
- Individual Windows programs are shown in your Mac’s dock.
We could go on: the extent of the integrations is staggering. If any of them bother you for any reason, you can change them by shutting the virtual machine down, then clicking the Settings button for it.
Head to the “Sharing” tab to disable the folder sharing.
And head to the “Applications” tab to stop Windows applications from showing up in your Mac dock.
There are all kinds of other settings we could explore, but this article is only a starting point. Dive in and experiment.
More Than Just Windows
Parallels isn’t just for running Windows, either: you can use it to set up Linux, ChromeOS, and even macOS virtual machines.
We outlined how to create Linux and macOS Virtual machines in Parallels Desktop Lite, and the process is identical for the full version of Parallels Desktop, so check out that article if you’re interested.
RELATED:How to Free Up Disk Space in Parallels
Parallel On Mac
If you intend to create a lot of virtual machines, you should also read about freeing up disk space in Parallels, because these machines will eat up a lot of hard drive space.
Parallels For Mac Installation Guide
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