Parallels Desktop

What Parallels Desktop is

Parallels Desktop runs virtual machines on a Mac, so you can use Windows and Linux environments alongside macOS. It supports Intel Macs running macOS Catalina 10.15 or later and Apple Silicon Macs running macOS Big Sur 11 or later, and Microsoft authorizes it for Windows 11 on Apple Silicon Macs. The product supports current macOS, Windows, and Linux versions, and can run Windows apps such as Excel, Power BI, Access, and QuickBooks. Virtual machines support snapshots, nested virtualization, and GPU acceleration.

The Standard edition allows up to 8 GB of vRAM and 4 vCPUs per virtual machine. Pro raises those limits to 128 GB of vRAM and 32 vCPUs, and adds command-line workflows plus Jenkins and Vagrant integrations. Business adds centralized administration, license management, and Jamf and Intune integrations for deployment and updates. Enterprise includes encrypted virtual machines managed under organizational control. Standard and Pro include unlimited phone and email support, and subscribers get 24/7 chat. Parallels Desktop is paid, offers a 14-day trial, and qualifying direct purchases are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee; renewals are excluded.

Who it suits

Parallels Desktop suits Mac users who need Windows or Linux virtual machines, including people who rely on Windows apps such as Excel, Power BI, Access, or QuickBooks. Pro, Business, and Enterprise include capabilities for developers and organizations managing virtual machines or deployments.

Limits

The 14-day trial is the listed trial period. Standard allows up to 8 GB of vRAM and 4 vCPUs per virtual machine; Pro allows up to 128 GB of vRAM and 32 vCPUs per virtual machine. Qualifying direct purchases have a 30-day money-back guarantee, excluding renewals.

Getting started

1. Visit the Parallels Desktop website.
2. Choose Try free to receive trial download instructions.
3. Confirm that your Mac is an Intel Mac running macOS Catalina 10.15 or later, or an Apple Silicon Mac running macOS Big Sur 11 or later.
4. Select an edition based on its VM limits and management features.
5. Install the software and set up a virtual machine for a supported operating system.

Verdict

Choose Parallels Desktop if you need to run Windows or Linux virtual machines on a supported Mac, especially when Windows apps or Windows 11 on Apple Silicon are central to your work. Look at Pro, Business, or Enterprise if you need higher VM limits, team administration, deployment integrations, or organizational controls; Standard has lower per-VM limits.