Parallels Desktop for Mac
Run different OS apps without rebooting (App Store version).
Free
In English
Version 1.26.2When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission
Parallels Desktop overview
Parallels Desktop allows you to easily run Windows, Linux, and their applications on your Mac. You don't have to reboot your Mac to switch between operating systems or when switching between Mac, Windows, or Linux applications.
Features:
- Use Mac gestures in Windows apps
- Time synchronization between Mac and Windows
- Mouse synchronization enables the mouse to move seamlessly between the Mac OS, Windows, and Linux
- Copy/paste formatted text between Mac and Windows
- Drag and drop files between Mac and Windows
- 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 resolution
- 3D graphics acceleration up to DirectX® 10.1
- Use Mac printers in Windows
- Share Mac location info with Windows
What’s new in version 1.26.2
Parallels Desktop for Mac App Store Edition 1.26.2 (23919) update addresses the overall stability and security issues and includes the following additions and improvements:
General
- Fixes the issue that prevented users from changing the virtual hard drive size when creating a new virtual machine on Apple silicon Macs.
Windows
- Fixes the issue that caused Windows 11 virtual machines to crash with a BSOD when Norton 360 security software performed a scheduled smart scan.
- Fixes the issue that caused the game Vampyr on Windows 11 to freeze after 5 to 10 minutes of gameplay.
Linux
- Introduces the new, driverless version of Parallels Tools for Linux, designed to minimize installation and kernel compatibility issues.
- Adds several updated Linux distros (including Ubuntu 24.04.3, Kali 2025.2, and Debian 12.11) for quick installation on Apple silicon Macs.
- Fixes the issue that prevented virtual machines running Ubuntu 25.04 from sharing connected drives with the Mac.
- Fixes the issue that caused shared folders to appear empty on virtual machines running Fedora 41.
- Fixes the issue that prevented virtual machines running Debian 12 from connecting to the Internet after restarting the Mac.
- Fixes the issue that caused long delays when copying text from a Linux virtual machine and pasting it on your Mac.
- Fixes the issue that prevented Linux virtual machines from accessing the Internet after a Mac reboot.
- Fixes the issue that impeded the time sync function with SmartGuard snapshots enabled.
- Fixes compatibility issues between Parallels Tools for Linux and Debian 13.
Parallels Desktop for Mac
Free
In English
Version 1.26.2
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(7 Reviews of Parallels Desktop)
Comments
User Ratings
Dec 26 2025
Version: 1.26.1
I have version 20 and I'm informed there is an update to be installed. I like the stability of Parallels. I install, and on opening I am suddenly told I have to pay, and my version is now a trial. What? That should have been stated in the beginning Info that I could get a newer version. This us unfair practice by Parallels.
May 10 2025
Version: 1.10.2
MU should title this correctly: Parallels Desktop Lite, not Parallels Desktop as they have on the opening page. They are not the same! As a paid user of Parallels Desktop for Mac since version 5, it should be made clear that the "Lite" version is more of a "player" app than a full virtualization engine with all the bells and whistles. I give credit to Parallels for continuing to offer a (better, imo) substitute for VMware Fusion, and have used it over the years in a professional setting, thankful I never had to buy a Windows computer!
Oct 14 2022
Version: 1.8.0
Years ago, when overnight Parallels changed their policy from two allowable computers per user to only one, I got forced into buying another license that day so I could use it at my work location. I was livid, and swore I'd never give that company another cent. I had made a purchase under a set of terms and conditions and those mongrels simply changed them, costing me $100 or so. They could have grandfathered in existing users, but they didn't. A well deserved pox on that miserable company.
Aug 26 2021
Version: 1.7.0
What Is This Thing? --> Sorting through the confusion of this App Store version of Parallels Desktop, here are the details: (1) The actual OFFICIAL name for this version is: Parallels Desktop® App Store Edition. (2) The actual current version number really is 1.7.0, not 17.0. Beats me why! (3) Parallels WARNS: "NOTE: It is not recommended that existing Parallels Desktop for Mac users move to Parallels Desktop® App Store Edition. So IGNORE this thing unless you know you really want/need it. Get the full version instead, DIRECT from Parallels, NOT the App Store. Please. (4) So what is this thing good for? It's a 14-day DEMO only. All it allows you to do is create and edit virtual machine configurations. If you want to actually run a virtual machine, you have to SUBSCRIBE to Parallels Desktop for at least a year. (5) FYI: The cost for Parallels Desktop varies widely if you keep an eye on deals/sales on the net. If you're crafty, right place/right time, you can avoid paying full price. You're welcome.
Aug 26 2021
Version: 1.7.0
- 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 to test Parallels Desktop before the subscription starts.