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Parallels Desktop
Parallels Desktop
4.0
0.0
Parallels Desktop free download for Mac

Parallels Desktop

Run Windows apps without rebooting.

4.0
Based on 1361 user ratesRead reviews & comments
$99.99
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One-Time Purchase
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Parallels Desktop overview

Parallels allows you to run Windows and Mac applications side by side. Choose your view to make Windows invisible while still using its applications, or keep the familiar Windows background and controls on your Mac.

Now Supporting Windows 11 and macOS Monterey
  • Optimized for Windows 11 and macOS Monterey, Parallels Desktop continues to stay up to date so you can keep working without interruption.
  • We make it easy to get all of your files, applications, browser bookmarks, and more from your PC to your Mac; just follow the setup assistant.
Works with Boot Camp®
  • Reuse your existing Boot Camp installation. Converting a virtual machine from Boot Camp is now much easier and more intuitive than ever.
Not just for Windows
  • Run a wide array of operating systems including OS X, Windows 10, 8.1 & 7, Linux, and Google ChromeTM. You can run just about anything on your Mac!
One-click tuning
  • Select productivity, games, design, or development, and Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac will optimize your virtual machine settings and performance for you.
Robust Performance
  • Parallels Desktop Pro Edition gives your virtual machines more processing power. Up to 64 GB vRAM and 16 vCPUs per virtual machine lets you run even the most demanding applications with ease.
Business Class Software
  • Keep IT in control of end user licenses and Windows virtual machines with a Unified Volume License Key, centralized license management, and advanced security features available in Parallels Desktop Business Edition.

Compare Parallels Desktop Pro and Business Edition you can here

What’s new in version 18.2.0

Updated on Feb 16 2023

Parallels Desktop for Mac 18.2 (53488) update addresses the overall stability and security issues and includes the following additions and improvements:

  • Adds support for Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9.1 on Mac computers with M-series chips
  • Enables better feature discovery by displaying clearly marked Pro edition features to the users of the Standard edition. Pro-labeled features can be hidden with a click
  • Fixes an issue of broken video playback on Ubuntu 22.04 VMs after suspension and resumption
  • Fixes an issue of slow network upload speeds on Windows 11 for Arm VMs
  • Fixes an issue of Safari missing from the list of available browsers in Windows 11
  • Fixes an issue of inability to write or delete files on a VM-connected SD card
  • Fixes an issue of Pytha CAD software incorrectly displaying black lines on 3D objects
Pro Edition
  • Adds the ability to automate the execution of CLI prlctl exec/enter commands within the virtual machine on macOS VMs on Mac computers with M-series chips
Business Edition
  • Fixes an issue where mass deployment fails with a "launch path not accessible" error
  • Provides updated administrator’s guides
View older Parallels Desktop updates

Information

License

Shareware

Size

321.5 MB

Downloads

940382

App requirements

  • Intel 64
  • Apple Silicon
  • macOS 10.14.6 or later
Try our new feature and write a detailed review about Parallels Desktop. All reviews will be posted soon.

What customer like

Design

What needs improvements

Bug fixing
Value
Support

Parallels Desktop qualities

Value
1.0
Ease of use
5.0
Features
4.0
Reliability
1.0
Customer support
1.0
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Derekcurrie
Derekcurrie
Nov 5 2022
18.0.0
5.0
Nov 5 2022
5.0
Version: 18.0.0
Version 18.1.0 (53311) is now out. DETAILS: "18.1.0 (53311) addresses overall stability and security issues, and includes the following fixes and improvements: macOS Ventura 13 • Fixed an issue with VM activity indicators being incorrectly positioned. • Fixed an issue with the Windows start menu not opening correctly in Coherence mode with Stage Manager enabled. • Fixed an issue when moving a Windows application window brings the underlying window to the front when in Coherence view mode with Stage Manager enabled. • Fixed an issue with VM crashing if the 'Share Bluetooth devices with Windows' option is enabled. Windows 11 • Fixed an issue with Windows Update KB5012170 failing to install in certain situations. • Fixed an issue with Windows 11 express installation failing if the Mac user name contains international symbols. • Fixed an issue where external volumes couldn’t be ejected from macOS while Windows is running. • Fixed multiple graphics and stability issues with various 3D applications and games, including but not limited to World of Warships, Eve Online, Optuma, ANSYS Workbench 2021, Micromine, NS-1, BobCad-Cam, ACCA Edificius. Linux • Added support for CentOS Linux 9 Stream (ARM) on Mac computers with Apple M-series chips. • Fixed Parallels Tools installation issue in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9. • Fixed an issue with Fedora 36 having an incorrect time zone. Other • Fixed an issue with the Parallels Desktop menu bar icon leaving a blank space if disabled in preferences. Parallels Desktop 18 for Mac Pro Edition only • On macOS Ventura 13, assign up to 128GB of RAM to a virtual machine on a Mac Studio computer with Apple M1 Ultra chip. Parallels Desktop 18 for Mac Business Edition only • Added support for migrating Business users to a new per-user license (SSO/SAML). Deprecation of legacy Windows OS support As Microsoft stopped supporting driver signing for legacy Windows OS versions, it is not possible for us anymore to support Windows OS versions 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 8.1. Moreover, these Windows versions no longer receive maintenance or security updates. For these reasons, this product update includes the final version of Parallels Tools for legacy Windows OS versions. Parallels Tools enable a smooth experience with Windows on a Mac, and include: • Automatic Windows installation • Coherence view mode • Graphic and gaming acceleration • Sharing and integration features. While legacy Windows OS versions will continue to work in future Parallels Desktop updates with the current Parallels Tools version for as long as possible, they will no longer receive any updates or fixes. Parallels recommends switching to Windows 11 for a secure and smooth Windows experience on a Mac in the long term. For more information about legacy Windows versions support, please visit KB 129252."
Derekcurrie
Derekcurrie
Oct 30 2022
18.0.0
5.0
Oct 30 2022
5.0
Version: 18.0.0
v18.0.3-53079 is out. "This update for Parallels Desktop 18 for Mac 18.0.3 (53079) addresses overall stability and performance issues."
Edric1998
Edric1998
Sep 20 2022
18.0.0
5.0
Sep 20 2022
5.0
Version: 18.0.0
Thanks for the download , and now the windows 11 is running perfectly on my macbook pro, no need to reboot to use windows os ,can use the mac os and win 11 at the same time , and I get the windows 11 key from the microsoft partner store keyingo.com !
Derekcurrie
Derekcurrie
Aug 10 2022
18.0.0
5.0
Aug 10 2022
5.0
Version: 18.0.0
The prices for Parallels have gone up as of version 18: Parallels Desktop Standard is $99.99 (£89.99) per year. Pro is $119.99 (£99.99) per year. Business is $149.99 per year. Upgrades from earlier versions are now $69.99. - - Note that Parallels typically provides discounts each year around the end of spring, start of summer. So get on their mailing list and keep an eye out.
Derekcurrie
Derekcurrie
Aug 10 2022
17.1.4
5.0
Aug 10 2022
5.0
Version: 17.1.4
v18.0.0 is out! Summary: • Optimized for macOS Ventura (when released). • Built for macOS 11+ and both Intel and Apple M Series chips. • Developed for incredible optics with on-the-fly sync of Apple’s ProMotion display. • Powered to assign up to 62 GB of RAM and up to 18 CPU cores to a virtual machine (VM). • Created for compatibility with Intel applications in Windows on the Apple M Series Mac. • Improved for live data streaming. • Enhanced with easy sign-in using Safari. • Manage local and cloud folders from either Mac or Windows. • Future-proofed for access to the latest Windows OS. • Greater update and recovery options. - - The Pro and Business editions have been upgraded as well. Here's the What's New page: https://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/whats-new/
Mcr
Mcr
Apr 27 2022
17.1.2
2.0
Apr 27 2022
2.0
Version: 17.1.2
The latest release has introduced limited support for running macOS Monterey VMs/Guests (ARM of course) on M1 Macs running Monterey (as host). This is built on top of Apple's own Virtualization Framework (if you are familiar with Windows, this would be comparable to Hyper-V). Hope to have time this weekend to give it a try. Several KB articles on how to and limitations, start here https://kb.parallels.com/125561/ READ UP FIRST, the VM starter image must be downloaded, it is not 'installed' from an installer as you might be familar with.
Derekcurrie
Derekcurrie
Apr 25 2022
17.1.1
5.0
Apr 25 2022
5.0
Version: 17.1.1
v17.1.2 is the current version.
Mcr
Mcr
Dec 4 2021
17.1.1
2.0
Dec 4 2021
2.0
Version: 17.1.1
As far as virtualizing Windows on AS (Apple Silicon), the current state of affairs is fine and presumably will improve, as @Derekcurrie pointed out. What is really disappointing looking forward is the very poor support to date for virtualizing macOS (Parallels and Fusion). Once Apple drops making Intel versions of macOS, unless there is a major improvement in macOS VMs (AS) support, if you need to do software testing, are we back to the days of having to keep actual mac hardware around with different macOSs installed? Multiboot on one mac is not really an option because you really need concurrent access to your working environment and the testing environment, for quick testing and feedback.
Derekcurrie
Derekcurrie
Dec 3 2021
17.0.1
5.0
Dec 3 2021
5.0
Version: 17.0.1
The current version is 17.1.0. I have it running Windows 11 ARM Insider Preview with no major problems. (Sorry paranoids! It works fine, no crashing or security concerns evident). I'm running old Windows x86 (Intel) software, including games, at decent speeds. Microsoft's x86 emulator is reasonable. I've had no troubles adjusting to Windows 11 changes. Parallels has done a very nice job, highly recommended.
JamesHarrisPhoto
JamesHarrisPhoto
Aug 10 2021
17.0.0
0.0
Aug 10 2021
0.0
Version: 17.0.0
The one reason that keeps me using Boot Camp (I own the latest version of Parallels) is that you'll still have the booted MacOS taking up a lot of RAM. When I boot into Windows X via Boot Camp, only Windows X is using RAM.
Mcr
Mcr
Jul 12 2021
16.1.3
2.0
Jul 12 2021
2.0
Version: 16.1.3
as of July 12, 2021, the info on this page is seriously out of date and incomplete. Here's what you need to know. The latest release is 16.5. It runs on both Intel and M1 Macs. It is ONE product, shipped as an Universal app; you don't have to worry about ordering the Intel or M1 version of Parallels separately. On Intel Macs it runs basically unchanged as it has for the past few years. you can install Intel versions of Windows, macOS and Linux. On M1 Macs, you can ONLY install ARM-based operating systems. This includes Windows ARM (which you have to get from Microsoft by signing up with the Windows Insider program. ) There are various ARM based flavors of Linux. At this time, Parallels does NOT support installing a guest version of Big Sur on M1 Macs. So if you have an M1 Mac and wanted to run macOS guest virtual machines, not possible at this time; stick with an Intel Mac. As for Windows on M1, it is not the Windows Intel version everyone is familiar with, it is Windows ARM. It will run ARM based versions of Windows software fine; it can also run Intel Windows apps, but does so in emulation mode. In other words, if you are trying to run an old Windows Intel app, you would be running this in emulation, on Windows ARM, which is running virtualized under Big Sur, on a M1 Mac. The reviews I have read all say that amazingly, because the M1 is so fast and efficient, running Windows Intel apps under Windows ARM emulation, then virtualized, is not that bad, no worse than say running it on a ARM based Surface Pro. My personal opinion (I've been using Parallels, VMWare Fusion since the early 2000's.). If running a Windows app is mission critical for your business, go buy a used, refurbished Intel PC for under $500. And in many cases, if you're a business, you already have old Windows boxes lying around. I have Windows 10 running on 10 year old laptop with 4 GB of RAM just fine, just be sure to replace the old hard drive with an SSD. Then log into the PC remotely from your Mac using any of a dozen Mac based Remote Desktop apps. Microsoft can provide arm based versions of their Windows apps if they want, but IMO, running Microsoft apps is not the main reason Mac users want/need to run Windows ...it's that 10 year old accounting program, or custom built app that your company runs on that needs to be supported. Most current, popular business software (like Office, Adobe, Quickbooks) already comes in Mac and Windows versions which are basically feature identical. No, that's not the problem, it's the old software that's discontinued, no longer supported or upgraded, running on Windows 7 or XP that so many businesses still use. Until Microsoft makes clear what the road map for Windows ARM is, AND until Qualcomm can actually make an ARM chip that can compete with Apple Silicon, I would avoid investing any more $$ into Parallels. The licensing is an all together separate issue; for now you can get Windows ARM for free by signing up as an Insider. If Microsoft and Qualcomm get serious about ARM, you can bet eventually Windows ARM will no longer be free, so when you start adding up Total Cost of Ownership, using an old PC box and spare Windows license you have already lying around, looks very attractive. The fact that Parallels has even come this far supporting Windows ARM is impressive technical, no doubt, but the company had no choice; once Apple discontinues Intel versions of macOS (probably the os that comes after Monterey will be the last Intel release), Parallels would be out of business unless they came up with an answer to Apple Silicon. the question is whether the demand to run Windows and Linux ARM based, on Apple Silicon is strong enough to maintain the business once Intel Macs disappear? VMWare, the company, is in a different position, its business model isn't dependent on selling Fusion, in fact Fusion at best breaks even or makes a modest profit. Parallels is desperate and should be; if there is no sustainable business model for ARM based virtualization of Windows and Linux, the company is done once Apple macOS stops supporting Intel Macs.
johannes-22
johannes-22
Mar 16 2021
16.1.3
1.0
Mar 16 2021
1.0
Version: 16.1.3
purchased v 16. for my macbook Pro 15 inch 2017 with latest mojave OS. unable to install it and get it running. tried all recommended steps (several odd Terminal commands, reinsatallition with recovery mode etc etc- nothing helped. Most annoying the recommended last option: upgrade to Catalina.... this is poor support. btw, no response from support to my query.. They should honestly admit that v 16 does not work with Mojave! Overall comment : expensive and poor! I will cancel the order
Derekcurrie
Derekcurrie
Feb 3 2021
16.1.2
5.0
Feb 3 2021
5.0
Version: 16.1.2
v16.1.3 is now out! - - "This update for Parallels Desktop 16 for Mac 16.1.3 (49160) addresses overall stability and performance issues."
Mcr
Mcr
Jan 5 2021
16.0.1
2.0
Jan 5 2021
2.0
Version: 16.0.1
So, Parallels is showing off a Technical Preview of the Parallels that can run the ARM version of Windows on Apple Silicon apps. I've tried it, it works, for the most part, still a lot of work to do, but interesting. It's a proof of concept, the bigger issue is, will running the ARM version Windows satisfy people who want to run Windows on a Apple Silicon Mac, because Windows ARM still has it's own issues even on official Windows hardware like the Surface Pro. Lingering application issues, emulation of Intel, problems running older 32-bit Intel apps (under emulation). Even still the, it's actually quite amazing that it can be done, that a 32/64-bit Intel Windows app can run under emulation on a ARM version of Windows built for Qualcomm's ARM chip, running as a Virtual Machine on a Apple Mac with a Apple designed ARM processor
ivryernest
ivryernest
Jan 2 2021
16.0.1
1.0
Jan 2 2021
1.0
Version: 16.0.1
I don’t want to use Windows and its applications - for 27 years I have been loyal to Apple because the mindset of this operating system is the same as mine. What is not the case with Windows...
synapsedemo241
synapsedemo241
Dec 31 2020
16.0.1
0.0
Dec 31 2020
0.0
Version: 16.0.1
smart but expensive
dupap56
dupap56
Dec 7 2020
16.0.1
3.0
Dec 7 2020
3.0
Version: 16.0.1
Not a bad package but vmware is faster
Solo68
Solo68
Dec 2 2020
16.0.1
4.0
Dec 2 2020
4.0
Version: 16.0.1
Ignore negative reviews about Parallels Desktop. I use Parallels Desktop Pro for Mac, and after the recent 16.1.1 update things still run smoothly. Now, it takes much longer for the VM to start and restart, much like a normal hard disk. Nonetheless, stability matters more to me. Furthermore, this latest update improved on the handling of memory. In earlier releases of versions 15 and 16 I noticed heavy memory usage, but that is becoming less of an issue. I do wish Parallels didn't use memory unless it actually needed to use it, then allow macOS to reclaim it, just the way macOS does. Maybe, I do not know the limitations of a virtual machine, but in my mind just because a certain amount of memory is allocated to a virtual machine in the virtual machine settings doesn't mean the virtual machine should use all of it 100% of the time. I think this could use improvement. Yet, even with this issue, Parallels Desktop Pro is extremely stable. For those of us holding on to our older Macs we are grateful to have it. Thanks guys! Wishing you good health and greater success in the future!
PDBURSTEIN
PDBURSTEIN
Nov 27 2020
16.0.1
2.0
Nov 27 2020
2.0
Version: 16.0.1
To be honest it worked for awhile but the Mac mouse and keyboard drivers became corrupted and I could never download again. I found I could get away without a Windows machine and never followed up. It was a great idea but became superfulous.
nasrshbool7
nasrshbool7
Oct 15 2020
16.0.1
1.0
Oct 15 2020
1.0
Version: 16.0.1
I HATE IT
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