Macworld

At a Glance

Expert's Rating

Pros

  • Polished interface and straightforward Windows setup
  • Useful integration between Windows and Mac apps
  • Good performance on capable Apple silicon Macs
  • Version upgrades included during an active subscription

Cons

  • Most editions require an annual subscription
  • Windows licensing can add to the cost
  • Demanding workloads need plenty of memory and processor power
  • Limited suitability for modern Windows games

Our Verdict

Parallels Desktop remains our leading choice for Mac users who need a full Windows environment for work or development. Its easy setup and close integration with macOS make it approachable, while its advanced controls cater to more demanding users. Version 27 expands graphics capabilities, but the cost of Parallels and any required Windows license can be hard to justify for occasional use. Gaming compatibility remains a reason to try before buying.

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  • Who should buy Parallels Desktop for Mac: Mac users who depend on Windows business software and developers who need multiple operating systems.
  • Who should skip Parallels Desktop for Mac: Skip Parallels if you only need occasional Windows access, mainly play modern Windows games, or have a tight budget.

The Mac is no longer dismissed as an insignificant niche market that struggles to compete with Microsoft Windows. But, even so, there are still times when many Mac users need to run apps and software that are only available for Windows PCs. Perhaps your employer uses particular business software that’s only available for Windows, or you may need to use a website that relies on some Windows-only technologies. Many developers need to test their apps and services on both Macs and PCs and, of course, there are all those AAA games that only run on Windows as well.

It used to be easy to install Windows on Macs, thanks to Apple’s Boot Camp software and the fact that from 2006 to 2020 all Macs used the same Intel processors as Windows PCs. However, with the advent of M-series Macs, Boot Camp is no more, so if you want to run Windows on a Mac you need to consider one of the various virtualization options that we feature in our roundup of the Best Virtual Machine software for Mac.

The advent of Apple’s own chips, aka Apple silicon, also means that the standard version of Windows, designed for X86 processors, won’t run on Arm-based chips like Apple’s M-series. If you want to run Windows on an M-series Mac you need the Arm version of Windows. 

Our top solution for running Windows on a Mac is Parallels Desktop. Read on to find out why in our full review of Parallels Desktop for Mac. 

What is Parallels Desktop for Mac?

Parallels Desktop lets you run Windows in a virtual machine on your Mac. Instead of restarting to switch operating systems, you can use Windows and Mac apps side by side. It is particularly useful if your employer relies on Windows-only software, your course requires a particular application, or you develop and test software on more than one platform.

Windows is the main attraction, but you can also create Linux and macOS virtual machines. These provide separate environments for testing software without changing your Mac’s main operating system.

We tested the Pro edition of Parallels Desktop 27. The core Windows setup and Mac integration are also relevant to Standard users; the edition comparison below explains which users should consider paying more.

What’s new in Parallels Desktop 27?

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Version 27 concentrates on technical improvements rather than a long list of new interface features. It supports macOS 27 Golden Gate and requires Apple silicon; Intel Mac owners need to remain on an earlier version, such as Parallels Desktop 26.

The most significant graphics change is support for OpenGL 4.3, which matters for professional Windows software such as GIS, engineering, and design applications.

The new driver uses Apple’s Metal graphics technology. Parallels reports OpenGL gains of up to 2.6 times over the previous driver, but these are the company’s measurements, rather than results from our review tests.

Parallels says full hardware acceleration for the new OpenGL driver requires an M3 or newer chip and macOS Sequoia 15 or later.

Version 27 also exposes SME2 instructions to Windows and Linux VMs on M4 and newer Macs. The advertised sevenfold gain applies to matrix computations measured in an Ubuntu VM on an M4 Pro; neural-network inference improved by up to 1.75 times.

Enterprise additions include more ways to report license-key versus single-sign-on activation, distribute approved VM images through corporate storage, and deploy preconfigured Windows environments.

Parallels Desktop: Recent updates at a glance ReleaseTimingMain changesParallels Desktop 26Ahead of macOS 26 TahoeAdopted Apple’s version numbering; added Tahoe and Windows 11 25H2 compatibility, host-storage visibility in Windows, and expanded business management controls.Parallels Desktop 20.2Between versions 20 and 26Introduced support for running Intel-based Windows virtual machines on Apple silicon Macs through emulation.Parallels Desktop 20September 2024Added macOS Sequoia and Windows 11 24H2 support, Apple Intelligence Writing Tools in Windows apps, Apple ID sign-in for supported macOS VMs, and faster file sharing.Parallels Desktop 19.3March 2024Fixed graphics issues affecting Windows games, including Dark Souls II and Genshin Impact.Parallels Desktop 19.2Between versions 19 and 19.3Added faster VM cloning, improved account sign-in, and fixed stability problems with virtual machines stored on external drives.Parallels Desktop 19August 2023Introduced a redesigned interface, OpenGL 4.1 graphics support, Touch ID sign-in for Windows, and updated printing support for macOS Sonoma. Should existing users upgrade?

The graphics changes make version 27 most interesting to users of demanding professional software. If your current version already runs your everyday Windows apps well, the upgrade may make less difference to your work.

For subscribers, new versions are included during the subscription term, so there is no separate upgrade fee. Owners of a one-time Standard license should weigh the new features and operating-system compatibility against the upgrade cost. Intel Mac owners cannot move to version 27.

Setup and ease of use

Parallels Control Center


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One of Parallels’ strengths is its polished, Mac-like interface. Installation is much like installing any other Mac app, and the Control Center guides you through creating a virtual machine.

It can download and install the Arm version of Windows 11 needed for the usual Windows VM setup on Apple silicon. This removes the need to find an installation image and manually configure everything before you can start work.

You still need a suitable Windows license. Parallels is Microsoft-authorized to run Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise on Apple silicon, and the Parallels website says users can bring an existing Windows 11 key if it is eligible to activate their installation.

Once Windows is installed, you install applications much as you would on a PC, subject to Windows on Arm compatibility. Configuration profiles help you choose settings for tasks such as productivity, development, or design work. You can then adjust the memory and processor allocation if necessary.

The 14-day trial is useful here: test your essential applications and peripherals on your own Mac before committing to a purchase.

Installing Windows using Parallels Desktop

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Parallels Desktop makes installing Windows straightforward, with an assistant that downloads Windows 11 and creates a virtual machine for you. On an Apple silicon Mac, it installs Windows 11 on Arm. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Download and install Parallels Desktop. Open the app and choose Install Windows when prompted.
  2. If you already use Parallels, create a new virtual machine. Open Control Center, click +, then choose Get Windows 11 from Microsoft > Continue > Install Windows.
  3. Follow the installation prompts. Parallels downloads Windows and handles the virtual machine setup.
  4. Activate Windows. Open Settings > System > Activation within Windows. Use an eligible existing license or follow the Microsoft Store option to buy one. Windows isn’t included in the price of Parallels Desktop.
  5. Install your Windows applications. Check that your essential software works before committing to a Parallels subscription.

You don’t need a special Arm license: Windows 11 Pro product keys work with both Intel and Arm versions. However, each Windows installation needs its own license, and an existing license must be eligible for reuse or transfer. Read our guide to How to use Parallels Desktop to run Windows on a Mac for more information. 

Performance and Windows app compatibility

Parallels is best judged by how well it runs the software you actually need. Everyday productivity applications are a less demanding proposition than large 3D projects or multiple development environments, and both Windows and macOS need a share of your Mac’s resources.

Parallels lists 8GB of Mac memory as the minimum for version 27 and recommends 16GB or more for best performance. It recommends M3 or newer graphics for demanding workloads.

A Mac with 8GB can meet the minimum without being an ideal choice for running Windows alongside memory-hungry Mac apps. The trial is particularly important if you are using a lower-specification Mac.

Windows on Arm can run many applications originally written for Intel PCs, but compatibility is not universal. The ability to install Windows does not guarantee that every application, plug-in, or peripheral will work correctly.

There are some limits relevant to developers noted by Parallels: nested virtualization, Hyper-V, and WSL2 are unavailable in its Windows environment on Apple silicon. It suggests WSL1 as an alternative.

Business users may wish to run Windows-only applications such as Access, Visio, Project, and Power BI, as well as Windows-specific Office add-ons.

Can you play Windows games? A Windows game running alongside Safari.

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Gaming is more variable. Parallels Desktop supports DirectX 11.1, while many modern Windows games need DirectX 12.

In our tests on an M4 Pro Mac mini, Skyrim ran without problems at a smoothly playable 50fps at 1920×1080 using its default graphics settings. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 suffered graphics glitches.

If gaming is your main reason for buying, compare Parallels with a more games-focused option such as CrossOver and check support for the particular titles you want to play. Paying for Pro does not guarantee that an incompatible game will work. Read our roundup of the Best Games to play on Mac.

How well does Windows integrate with macOS?

Parallels Coherence mode with Edge and Safari

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Integration is where Parallels makes its strongest impression. A Windows VM can sit in its own window, expand to full screen, or use Coherence mode to hide the Windows desktop and leave individual Windows apps alongside your Mac apps.

You can switch between applications with Command-Tab and keep Windows applications in the Mac’s Dock. Coherence is especially useful if you need one Windows app while spending the rest of your day in macOS.

Copying and pasting between applications, dragging files between environments, and sharing folders reduce the friction of using two operating systems. You can share your Desktop and Downloads folders or choose specific working folders, rather than maintain duplicate copies of everything.

Parallels also lets the Windows VM use your keyboard and mouse, camera, and microphone. When you connect a USB storage device, it asks whether to attach it to your Mac or the VM.

For more sensitive work, you can isolate the VM instead of sharing Mac files and data. That is an important control: convenience and separation serve different purposes, and the sharing settings deserve attention when you first configure Windows.

Virtual machines and developer tools

Parallels 20 brought AI to Windows on a Mac.

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Parallels lets you create multiple virtual machines, making it useful for developers who need different operating systems or test configurations. The Configuration window provides control over CPU and memory allocation.

Snapshots preserve a VM’s state so you can return to it after experimenting with a beta application or changing a test environment. They make it easier to recover from an unsuccessful change without rebuilding the machine.

Pro also includes a command-line tool, prlctl, for managing VMs from scripts, and advanced networking controls for development and testing.

Standard vs. Pro, Business, and Enterprise

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Choose the edition according to the work you need to do:

EditionWho should consider it?Main distinctionStandardHome users, students, and people running everyday Windows softwareUp to 4 virtual CPU cores and 8GB of memory per VM; annual or one-time purchase optionsProDevelopers and people with demanding workloadsHigher resource limits, development tools, and advanced configuration; subscription onlyBusinessTeams and organizationsCentralized licensing and administration, with Jamf and Intune deployment integrationEnterpriseIT-managed deploymentsA management portal, policy controls, and organizational sign-on and provisioning capabilities

The limits refer to resources assigned to a VM, not extra hardware supplied by Parallels. Your Mac still needs enough capacity for macOS and your other applications.

Price and value for money

Standard is available as an annual subscription or a one-time purchase. Pro, Business, and Enterprise require subscriptions. Updates are included during an active subscription; a one-time license does not include upgrades to future major versions.

EditionAnnual subscriptionOne-time purchaseStandard$99.99 / £89.99 (currently $59.49 / £49.49)$219.99 / £154.99Pro$119.99 / £99.99 (currently $64.99 / £54.99)Not availableBusiness$149.99 / £119.99Not availableEnterpriseContact ParallelsNot available Windows licensing is separate.

The one-time option may appeal if you only need a stable Windows setup occasionally, but it should not be treated as a promise of indefinite compatibility with future versions of macOS.

Subscriptions also include Parallels Toolbox and round-the-clock support. Eligible students and educators can receive discounts of up to 50%.

The overall cost depends on whether you also need to buy Windows. If you already have an eligible license, that changes the calculation. If you need a new one, include it in your budget rather than comparing Parallels’ price in isolation.

For occasional use, compare the cost with the alternatives in our best virtual machine software guide. CrossOver is another option for supported Windows applications and games, and does not require a Windows license.

Should you buy Parallels Desktop?

Parallels Desktop is a strong choice if Windows is an essential part of your work and you want it to fit comfortably into a Mac workflow. Straightforward setup, Coherence mode, and flexible VM controls make it useful both to people who need a single Windows application and to developers maintaining several environments.

Standard should be the starting point for everyday applications. Pro makes more sense when you need its development tools or additional resources. Business and Enterprise are aimed at organizations that need deployment and management controls.

Its weaknesses are cost and compatibility at the demanding end of Windows software, especially games. Version 27’s graphics improvements broaden its appeal to professional users, but they do not make it a universal replacement for a Windows PC.

Use the trial to check your essential software on your own Mac. If it runs well and Windows is something you rely on regularly, Parallels remains our leading virtualization recommendation.

FAQ 1.

Can you use Parallels for Mac for free?

The Parallels website offers a 14-day free trial so that you can see how Parallels Desktop works before buying the full version. Just remember that, if you don’t already have a valid license, you do still need to buy a license for Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, which starts at a rather hefty $199.99/£219.99.

2.

Can you use Parallels Desktop on more than one Mac? 

No, you cannot use a single Parallels Desktop license on more than one Mac at the same time. According to Parallels’ licensing terms, each installation requires its own license.

If you are just moving to a new Mac, you can uninstall the software on the first Mac and install it on the new Mac.

3.

Does Parallels Desktop include a Windows license?

No, Parallels Desktop does not include a Windows license. You need to purchase a Windows license separately to use it.

You need a Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise license. The less expensive Home edition of Windows 11 isn’t supported on Apple silicon Macs. A Windows 11 Pro license starts at around $199.99/£219.99.

Parallels makes the process straightforward. Since version 18, it has allowed you to download and buy the ARM version of Windows 11 directly within the software. When you create a new virtual machine, you simply click a button labeled “Get Windows 11 from Microsoft,” and Parallels handles the download. You can then purchase a license through the Microsoft Store within the virtual machine, or use an existing Windows 11 license if you have one.

This is a significant advantage, as the ARM version of Windows isn’t normally sold directly to individual consumers – Parallels’ partnership with Microsoft is what makes this possible.

4.

Can you run Windows and macOS at the same time?

Yes, absolutely. Parallels Desktop is specifically designed to let you run Windows and macOS simultaneously, side by side, without needing to reboot your Mac.

Here’s how it works in practice:

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