As tech enthusiasts and developers, we’re all eager to get our hands on the latest features and innovations.  

However, upgrading your entire Mac to the beta version might not be the most practical approach, especially when you want to stabilize your primary environment.  

Thankfully, Parallels Desktop offers the most convenient way to preview macOS Sequoia 15 in a virtual machine.  

You can explore the latest macOS in a safe, isolated environment without altering your primary system.  

Plus, we’re thrilled to offer a free 14-day trial of Parallels Desktop, with no commitment required. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started with macOS Sequoia 15 on Parallels Desktop. 

Install macOS Sequoia 15 in a Virtual Machine 

Note: your Apple ID must be a member of the Apple Developer Program to proceed. 

1. Download, unzip, and install the latest Xcode beta tools 

   – Head over to the Apple Developer Downloads page to get the latest Xcode beta tools. 

*Note: Install MobileDevice.pkg manually (navigate to Xcode-beta.app/Contents/Resources/Packages and install MobileDevice.pkg).

2. Download the macOS 15 beta restore image 

   – Visit the Operating Systems Downloads page and download the macOS 15 beta restore image. 

3. Create a new macOS VM in Parallels Desktop 

   – Open Parallels Desktop. 

   – Click File > New. 

   – Select Install Windows, Linux, or macOS from an image file, then click Continue. 

   – Choose the downloaded macOS 15 beta image file and click Continue. 

   – Set your desired name for the VM and click Create. 

4. Wait for the installation to complete 

   – Parallels Desktop will guide you through the macOS installation process. This may take some time, so be patient as your new virtual machine is set up. 

5. Complete the macOS setup 

   – Once the installation is complete, follow the on-screen instructions to set up a new user account in macOS Sequoia 15. 

6. Install Parallels Tools 

   – On the menu bar, click on the virtual machine name > Install Parallels Tools. 

   – When the installation is complete, restart macOS 15. Parallels Tools bring clipboard synchronization and file sharing between your primary macOS and the virtual machine. 

Important limitations to note 

– Signing into an Apple ID in a virtual machine is not supported: you won’t be able to sign into your Apple ID within the VM. 

– If you have an active VPN connection on the primary macOS, the virtual machine may lose network access. If this happens, shutdown the VM > open the VM configuration > Hardware > Network > Source: > switch to the Bridged network mode. 

– Snapshots are not available yet for macOS virtual machines on Apple silicon. 

Discover the latest innovations in macOS Sequoia 15  

With Parallels Desktop, you can seamlessly explore macOS Sequoia 15 and stay ahead of the curve.  

Our virtual machine software provides the flexibility and power you need to test new features without compromising your main operating system.  

Don’t wait—download your free 14-day trial of Parallels Desktop today and dive into the future of macOS! 

Happy exploring! 

The Parallels Desktop Team 

Try Parallels Desktop Free for 14 Days 

Disclaimer: Features and steps mentioned are subject to updates and changes as software evolves. 

The post Preview macOS Sequoia 15 with Parallels Desktop – The Ultimate Convenience for Tech Enthusiasts and Developers! appeared first on Parallels Blog.

What an incredible year it’s been! 

We are super excited to announce the next round of innovations with Parallels Desktop 19 for Mac.  

Parallels Desktop has become a catalyst for productivity and software development, enabling Mac users to leverage the strengths of multiple operating systems without compromise.  

More than two million professionals, developers, creatives, and enthusiasts trust Parallels Desktop with running Windows, Linux, and macOS in a virtual environment.  

The possibilities are limitless, and the impact on industries, businesses, and individual endeavors cannot be overstated. 

This blog post will explore what’s new in this release and how different user groups will benefit from it.  

Compatibility with the upcoming macOS Sonoma upgrade  

We know how important it is to stay up and running after continuous software upgrades. This is why compatibility with macOS has always been and continues to be a primary focus.  

In macOS Sonoma 14, the software module CGPSConverter that converts PostScript files was removed from macOS. As a result, the Shared Printing feature became useless, as it was using this module to allow printing from Windows via printers shared from Mac.  

Printing from Windows is essential for many Parallels Desktop users. As a response, our engineers re-engineered the Shared Printing feature to use Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) which is the most popular printing method nowadays. The IPP printing holds the potential for exposing more printer-specific features to Windows that our engineers are currently exploring. 

There are also improvements to running macOS Sonoma in a virtual machine, which we cover in a separate topic below. 

Design  

Being a Mac app, we are heavily inspired by the depth of detail in Apple design.  

We took time and care in our approach to meet modern macOS design guidelines.  

We didn’t want to simply put the old icon on a familiar round-cornered white tile but instead, rethink how we visually propagate our app in macOS.  

The new app icon and in-product details achieve this! 

• Given most of our users have MacBook computers, we’ve changed the long-used background resembling iMac forms to a laptop. 
• The parallelism metaphor for running multiple OSs simultaneously has been moved from sitting in front of the Mac to the background because this is where we are – powering up the virtualization engine and running in the background, enabling users to run third-party OSs and software. 
• And, finally, the mysterious hole in the upper-left corner has been addressed. A rectangle with a dot in the corner represents a container: a window that hosts “your stuff,” regardless of the platform you access it from. Plus, this is a nod towards the new Parallels branding that unites all Parallels products into a single keychain for organizations. 

Integration with Mac: Use touch ID for Windows sign-in   

We’ve brought the magic of Apple’s Touch ID to Windows sign-in and Parallels Desktop installation!  

If your Windows 10 or 11 is protected with a PIN or password, the next time you sign into Windows after upgrading to Parallels Desktop 19 will prompt Windows to use the new Parallels credential provided.  Your Windows password will then be saved to Mac Keychain with a special Touch ID-bound record type (a record that can be used solely for Touch ID usage), available only on this Mac with your fingerprint.  

Next time you sign into Windows, Parallels Desktop will prompt you to use Touch ID to sign into your user account. It is both simple and secure. Users can manage saved passwords via a simple but useful interface and get back to using the old sign-in method if preferred. 

This improvement will be very handy for Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition users in an organization where certain security policies require Windows to be secured with a password.  

Professional Windows software on Mac: OpenGL improvements and more 

We are thrilled by the fact that professionals in architecture, engineering, and design all over the world use Parallels Desktop to power up their Mac with Windows apps they need for work. This year, with improved OpenGL support up to version 4.1, we enable more Windows-only CAD software to run on Mac, including VariCAD, Vectorworks Vision 2023, and more. 

There is also good news for professionals who trust Parallels Desktop to run the popular geographic information system software AcrGIS Pro on a Mac. We listened to feedback, and we are happy to announce significant performance improvements for ArcGIS Pro in this version. 

macOS VM on Apple silicon: easier installation, more operations, and controls 

On a Mac with Apple silicon, the macOS virtual machine is powered by a relatively new macOS framework, where Parallels Desktop is much less in control of VM operations compared with the Hypervisor framework used to power up Windows and Linux (on all Mac computers), and macOS on an Intel-powered Mac. This is the reason why macOS VM on Apple silicon has much fewer features and a different bundle format “.macvm” versus a familiar “.pvm” format used for the rest of the VM types. 

This upgrade is packed with improvements for macOS virtual machines on Apple silicon: 

• VM installation: Use an IPSW image to install a new macOS virtual machine via the Installation Assistant UI, or with the CLI ($ prlctl create “macOS13” -o macos –restore-image “/path/to/image.ipsw”). 
• Basic VM operations: restart, shutdown gracefully, and pause-resume the virtual machine either from the UI menu or by using the Parallels CLI prlctl. 
• Input: use two-finger Trackpad gestures in the VM to scroll and zoom.  
• Mass deployment: deploy Parallels Desktop with macOS virtual machine to Mac computers with Apple silicon. 

With macOS Sonoma 14 running in both a primary and virtual capacity, the experience is even better: 

• Display: display resolution is updated automatically when the VM window is being resized. 
• Network: with Pro Edition, use port forwarding to access a macOS VM via SSH or RDP remotely, for instance, when you host them on Amazon EC2 Mac instances. 

Using Packer with Parallels VM is easier and it supports macOS VMs on Apple silicon  

When we develop Parallels Desktop, we always try to automate manual labor as much as possible. The same applies to many of our customers who use Parallels Desktop to develop and test their software. In response to customers’ valuable feedback, we have partnered with HashiCorp to deliver long-awaited improvements to the Parallels Provider for Packer and Vagrant.  

With Parallels Desktop 19, we have eliminated the need for using Parallels SDK and Python, making it even easier to work with these essential tools. And we are happy to announce that this upgrade brings the ability to create and configure a macOS virtual machine on Apple Silicon, too. 

As part of our commitment to open source, we have developed a variety of sample templates for Packer, simplifying the onboarding process for new customers. These templates cater to Windows, Linux, and MacOS and are freely available on our GitHub Repository. 

Furthermore, we have revamped our documentation, providing comprehensive guides on utilizing these tools seamlessly with our providers.  

Linux on Apple silicon: run x86 Docker containers and Microsoft SQL, CentOS 9 Stream  

For developers who need to run x86 Docker containers or Microsoft SQL Server on a Mac with Apple silicon, Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro Edition provides a new ready-to-go Ubuntu Linux Arm VM that is configured to run x86 Docker containers, powered by Apple’s Rosetta 2 technology. The new VM can be downloaded from the Free Systems section of the Installation Assistant. 

And, in a game changing move for developers and power users, we are excited to introduce the ability to run x86 binaries and containers within a Linux Arm VM on a Mac with Apple silicon. By incorporating a ready-to-go downloadable Ubuntu Linux VM, we have simplified the process of running x86 container images, including popular ones like Microsoft SQL Server.  

This breakthrough enables users to effortlessly consume and debug containers, and build them for the x86 platform.  

Looking ahead, we are committed to continuously improving the compatibility of these binaries in future updates. Stay tuned for exciting developments in this area. 

Parallels Desktop 19 for Mac also supports running CentOS 9 Stream on a Mac with Apple silicon. Whether you’re studying, developing, or testing for CentOS/RHEL, our solution provides flexibility and versatility.  

Device management in an organization: enroll Windows to Microsoft Intune  

We understand how crucial device management is for organizations and see  increased adoption of Microsoft Intune among our customers.  

Previously, to ensure that virtual Windows devices used by end-users in an organization can be enrolled in Microsoft Intune, an IT admin could use only the mass deployment scenario, which is not convenient for some types of organizations. 

Parallels Desktop 19 for Mac Business Edition brings the ability to enroll Windows 11 in Intune when it is provisioned to employees via the Parallels My Account web app, and when the Windows image is simply shared via cloud storage. 

This feature makes administering Windows devices within your organization much easier and more efficient. 

Parallels Desktop is about bridging the gap between macOS and your operating system(s) of choice, enabling you to enjoy the best of both worlds without compromise.  

The new version of Parallels Desktop offers an even more seamless experience for Mac users looking to run Windows or Linux. 

We are proud to be a Microsoft-authorized solution, and our developments are a testament to our dedication and commitment to delivering high-quality, powerful, reliable, and efficient solutions to run Windows 11 on Mac. 

We’re eager for you to experience the next level of Windows-macOS integration with Parallels Desktop.  

DOWNLOAD PARALLELS DESKTOP 19 FREE TRIAL 

Thank you from the team at Parallels!

The post What’s new in Parallels Desktop 19 appeared first on Parallels Blog.

The Parallels team is once again thrilled to witness our solutions being highlighted in G2’s industry-leading product reports and indexes. 

Explore all the Summer 2023 reports from G2! 

Why G2 users recognize the value of Parallels Desktop  

Parallels Desktop for Mac received recognition in this year’s G2 Summer 2023 Report based on the speed and ease of implementation.  

On the G2 website, reviewer Simon M. said, “The software enables fast and straightforward switching between Mac OS and Windows 10 on my MacBook Pro. I have several Windows-only software that need Windows to run. This solution means I can deploy everything on a single machine. The user interface is intuitive and fast.”  

To be featured in these reports, a product must accumulate a series of positive reviews on the G2 website. Currently, Parallels Desktop for Mac boasts an impressive 46 reviews and a rating of 4.3 out of five stars. 

G2’s Grids, Indexes, and Report methodologies     

The G2 Indexes evaluate customer satisfaction and market presence derived from user-provided product reviews and market data. Employing a distinctive, patent-pending algorithm, this methodology helps to calculate a product’s score. 

Regarding their methodology, G2 states that they, “Rate products and sellers based on reviews gathered from our user community, as well as data aggregated from online sources and social networks. We apply a unique, patent-pending algorithm to this data to calculate the product’s score.” 

Furthermore, “All reviews are manually checked by our team after our algorithm filters out reviews that don’t meet our submission requirements. All reviews must pass our moderation process before they are published.”     

Parallels Desktop for Mac previously garnered acknowledgment for its Fastest Implementation in the G2 Spring 2023 Grids for Remote Desktop. Of course, we’re ecstatic about the recognition from our customers, acknowledging the exceptional value we consistently strive to provide to all users of our solutions. 

Learn more about Parallels Desktop for Mac    

The latest version of Parallels Desktop for Mac, Parallels 18, fully supports Mac OS Ventura and M1 Ultra chips, allowing Mac Studio users to assign up to 128 GB of RAM to a Windows 11 VM to give the system even more power, among many other improvements.  

Parallels Desktop for Mac empowers users to work (and play!) seamlessly, eliminating interruptions and enabling increased productivity and enjoyment. 

For more information on this version, check out the Parallels Desktop 18.1 blog post.       

Discover the many benefits of Parallels Desktop for Mac for your organization. 

The post Parallels Desktop for Mac earns recognition in G2’s Summer 2023 Report appeared first on Parallels Blog.

It is now listed as an authorized solution with Microsoft Support, so you can feel confident in your own set-up as well as supporting users that need to host Arm versions of Windows 11 applications in a virtualized environment on Mac with Apple silicon. 

What does this mean for you? 

IT leaders can now enable their users to run Windows 11 on Arm with Parallels Desktop for Mac, with the assurance that Microsoft has authorized this solution.   

Whether user devices are owned and managed by the employee/contractor or the organization’s IT department, Parallels Desktop bridges the technology gap between the two operating systems by enabling a virtualized environment capable of running Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise editions as a guest operating system on Mac with Apple silicon.  

Parallels Desktop is the first solution to be authorized and listed by Microsoft, so IT leaders can feel confident in supporting users that need to host Arm versions of Windows 11 applications in a virtualized environment on Mac with Apple silicon.  

Ready to get started? Try Parallels Desktop for Mac now. 

User perspective + challenges 

Mac users are passionate about their devices, but often become frustrated when they need to access applications that are only available or perform best on Windows operating systems  

For example, how can a field engineer that prefers a Mac access a Windows-based application such as AutoCAD, Matlab, ArcGIS, or SolidWorks? Or perhaps power users of Excel or PowerPoint may prefer the Windows versions as well.  

In many environments, this means that a Windows device is required as the primary device, regardless of user preference.   

Another option is getting a second laptop. Even though laptops are small and lightweight, carrying two laptops and synchronizing files is an unnecessary hassle.   

Either way, users are not content and potentially less productive, but organizations still need to find a way for their teams to access niche applications. 

Developing in a Windows environment, on a Mac 

Similarly, how can application developers utilize their Mac devices to access a locally installed Windows 11 guest operating system for development work?   

Whether the developer is a contractor or an employee, they need to install tools such as Visual Studio or Notepad++ and/or create and test Windows code in a segregated environment.   

Especially within small enterprises, a centralized virtual machine or device may add complexity to development efforts.   

A much better alternative is to allow the user to choose their favored device type, e.g., a Mac, and enable Windows-based applications to run in a virtualized environment with Parallels Desktop.  

After installation, the Windows 11 operating system can be run in a virtualized environment by the user on a dedicated resource.  

This way both the host and guest can function independently without relying on each other, and files and system resources can be shared between macOS and Windows.   

Then, the desired Windows application(s) and tools can be installed on Windows 11, providing the best of both worlds for the end user.  

H2: Windows 11 licensing  

Licensing the Windows 11 operating system that runs on the Mac device is straightforward.   

The same volume licensing system that addresses enterprise licensing, such as Key Management Services (KMS), can be used to provide Pro or Enterprise licenses to the Windows 11 guest operating system.  

Frequently asked questions 

1. What will change for users of Parallels Desktop for Mac?

New users must download and install the latest version of Parallels Desktop to get started running Arm versions of Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise.  

Existing Parallels Desktop users can continue to use Windows without making changes to their current set-up on their devices. However, if you are not using one of the supported editions of Windows, we recommend upgrading to Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise. 

2. Do I have to purchase a new version of Parallels Desktop to access the version certified by Microsoft? 

If you run Parallels Desktop 17 or a later version, you can continue to use Parallels Desktop on Mac with Apple silicon or Apple M-series Mac with Apple silicon. 

3. Do existing users have to upgrade their Parallels Desktop SKU? 

All Parallels Desktop SKUs (Standard, Pro, Business) are supported by Parallels for users to run Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise with Apple Silicon. 

4.Do Parallels Desktop users have to purchase new Windows product keys? 

You will be able to bring your own Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise product keys if they have a key that can be used to activate Windows.  

5. How can I purchase Windows product keys if I don’t have one? 

Organizations can purchase Windows 11 through their normal Windows procurement process. Individuals can buy Windows 11 Pro through the Microsoft site.  

6.I have a working version of Parallels Desktop with Windows 11, can I continue to use it? 

Existing Parallels Desktop users can continue to use Windows without changing their current set-up on their devices. However, if you are not using one of the compatible editions, we recommend upgrading to Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise. 

7. Can I install other Windows editions? 

We recommend installing Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise. 

8. How can I get Windows for my Mac with Apple silicon now? 

End users will be able to download and install Windows 11 Pro in two simple steps with Parallels Desktop for Mac. 

IT administrators and organizations deploying Windows Enterprise will require a volume license agreement and will be able to download Windows from Microsoft. You can download this from the Microsoft 365 admin center.  

9. Are there known issues or limitations with Parallels Desktop used with Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise on Mac with Apple silicon? 

Some Windows 11 features may not be available or fully functional when running Windows 11 in a virtualized environment. Access our knowledge base to learn more. 

Ready to jump right in? Learn more about our Microsoft certification and get your free trial of Parallels Desktop!  

Recap: Parallels Desktop is the only Microsoft-authorized solution for running Windows on Mac 

The Parallels Desktop team is proud to be the only solution certified by Microsoft to run Windows on Mac, so you can be confident in choosing it for your own use as well as advising your organization, customers, or teams to use Parallels Desktop. 

Parallels Desktop empowers you with:  

• Security compliance with virtual TPM chips and Secure Boot technologies. 
• Volume license key or key-free activation in a corporate environment with Single Sign-On support and integration with leading identity providers such as Azure, Okta, and Ping Identity, among others.  
• Centralized user and license administration via the Parallels MyAccount web app. 
• The ability to mass-deploy Parallels Desktop using solutions like Apple Remote Desktop, Jamf, Microsoft Intune, and Munki.  
• The ability to provision a corporate Windows image to selected users within the organization. 
• Premium 24/7 tech support. 

The post The Ultimate Solution: Windows 11 in a virtual machine + Parallels Desktop + Mac Computers with Apple silicon appeared first on Parallels Blog.

The latest update also delivers full support for the M1 Ultra chip, allowing Mac Studio users to assign up to 128GB of RAM to a Windows 11 VM to give the system even more power. 

“Knowing that Parallels Desktop plays a critical role in enabling users to run Windows, Linux and macOS on their favorite Mac computers, our team delivers yet another solid update to polish user experience of running Windows apps with macOS Ventura’s Stage Manager, as well as to bring support for CentOS Stream 9 ARM to run on Mac computers with Apple M-series chip,” said Elena Koryakina, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Alludo. “The latest version of Parallels Desktop also simplifies migrating existing employees to a new per-user Business license to enable SSO/SAML authentication.”  

What are the top new features in Parallels Desktop 18 update 1?

Parallels Desktop 18.1 update addresses the overall stability and security issues and includes the following additions and improvements across the Standard, Pro, and Business editions: 

Parallels Desktop for Mac Standard Edition  

• Polished experience on macOS Ventura when using Windows 11 in Coherence mode with Stage Manager (new macOS 13 feature). 

• Improved graphics in Windows 11 for a multitude of OpenGL 3D applications as well as some games, including but not limited to World of Warships, Eve Online, Optuma, ANSYS Workbench 2021, Micromine, NS-1, BobCad-Cam, ACCA Edificius. 

• NEW! Added by popular demand from current Parallels Desktop users, support for CentOS Linux Stream 9 (ARM) on Mac computers with Apple M-series chips. 

Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro Edition   

• NEW! With macOS Ventura, Parallels’ engineering team successfully delivers full M1 Ultra chip support with the ability to assign up to 128GB of RAM to a VM.  

Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition  

• Improved! This update simplifies the migration process from the regular per-device license to a new per-user license with SSO/SAML integration. For more details, check out our KB article on Parallels Desktop for Business per-user licensing. 

For more details on the fixes and improvements, visit:  https://kb.parallels.com/en/129060

New to Parallels Desktop? Check out what’s new in the latest version 18 and test it for 14 days for free! 

The post Just Released — Parallels Desktop for Mac 18.1 Update Fully Supports macOS Ventura and M1 Ultra Chip appeared first on Parallels Blog.

Engineered for the latest Apple hardware and the upcoming macOS Ventura release, with improved compatibility of Windows 11 on ARM and powerful performance and gaming updates, Parallels Desktop for Mac enables users to work (and play!) without interruptions to get more done. 

With this latest release, Parallels Desktop for Mac continues to offer end users, professionals, and enterprises the latest and greatest in technology and user experience, which has led to top rankings by trusted independent reviews sites like G2 and TrustRadius. 

Users can leverage the most advanced Windows experience on their Macs to run more than 200,000 Windows apps and classic games, and download, install, and configure Windows 11 in just one click, making setup fast and easy. They can also download a free set of ready to use Linux systems.    
 

Top new features in Parallels Desktop 18 for Mac  

Parallels Desktop 18 for Mac Standard Edition 

• Full support for Apple’s ProMotion display with automatic refresh rate changes and increased Apple M1 Ultra performance, allowing users to assign more RAM and CPU cores and run Windows 11 up to 96% faster on Mac Studio with Apple’s M1 Ultra chip. *  
• Enhanced Windows game play experience on a Mac. Users can now connect a game controller to their Mac, switch to Windows, and start playing, in addition to automatically sharing Xbox or DualShock Bluetooth game controllers with Windows and Linux. Enjoy a smooth Windows UI on your Mac, a higher frame rate, and much more. 
•  Improved compatibility of Intel (x86) applications when running Windows 11 on ARM, specifically when saving and reading files from the Mac disk. 
• Improved USB 3.0 to support live data streaming devices, including Elgato HD60, Startech USB 3.0 Video Capture, and more. 

Parallels Desktop 18 for Mac Pro Edition  

Includes all features in Standard Edition, with the following additional functionality: 

• Powerful network conditioner on Apple M1 Macs enables users to set up various network conditions for a virtual machine (VM), such as bandwidth, packet loss, and delay, similar to both Windows and Linux VMs. 
• Isolate VM network from Mac on Apple M1 Mac computers for better security and start a Minikube cluster with Parallels Desktop as a virtualization provider. 

• Ability to use network boot with Linux ARM VMs now available on Mac computers with Apple M1 chips. 
• Easily analyze an application performance on a separate VM using the enhanced Parallels plugin for Visual Studio. 

Parallels Desktop 18 for Mac Business Edition 

Includes all features of the Standard and Pro Editions, with the following additional functionality: 

• Convenient SSO/SAML authentication enables employees to sign in and activate Parallels Desktop with a corporate account. 
• Allow IT admins to deploy, provision, or transfer a Windows 11 VM across employees’ Mac computers.  
• Manage your Parallels Customer Experience Program participation centrally in Parallels My Account. 

How to get Parallels Desktop 18 for Mac    

Ready to get started? Here’s how to access Parallels Desktop 18: 

• If you’re an existing customer, go here to upgrade. 
• If you purchased Parallels Desktop 17, check out our Tech Guarantee to see if you qualify for a free upgrade.   
• New customer? Get your copy here. 
• Still deciding? Test drive Parallels Desktop 18 free for 14 days! 

Note: All Parallels Desktop subscriptions include complimentary concurrent subscriptions to Parallels Access and Parallels Toolbox for Mac and Windows. 

For more information, please visit parallels.com. 

* Performance measurements conducted by Parallels by collecting the PassMark9 score in Windows 11 (22000) in macOS 12 on Mac13,2. Measured with a prerelease version of Parallels Desktop 18 versus the released version of Parallels Desktop 17. The performance will vary based on usage, system configuration, and other factors. 

The post Just Released! Parallels Desktop 18 for Mac appeared first on Parallels Blog.

We’re excited to announce that Parallels Desktop for Chrome OS now supports affordable enterprise and education Chromebooks with Intel i3 11^th generation and AMD Ryzen 3 5000 series processors with minimum 8GB RAM and 128GB of storage.* Businesses and educational institutions can now run full-featured Windows applications, both online and offline, on Chromebooks with Intel Core i3 11^th generation and newer plus AMD Ryzen 3 5000 series and up processors—simplifying their IT management and enabling seamless productivity for their employees, staff, and students to perform their best from anywhere. 

Additionally, Parallels® Desktop for Chrome OS now comes bundled with select HP Chrome OS Enterprise devices with a 1-year free license for one user. Supported devices include select HP Elite Chromebook, HP Pro Chromebook, and HP Chromebox series. Full list of supported HP devices and product details are available at www.parallels.com/hpchrome.  

“With Parallels Desktop for Chrome OS, we are continuing to make strides in ensuring that our current and new customers have access to our powerful solution that enables them to perform their best work, regardless of their location, device, or platform—both online and offline,” said Prashant Ketkar, Chief Technology & Product Officer at Corel. “Especially with the shift to remote work, we have redoubled our commitment to democratizing technology by amplifying the access of our critical solutions to newer devices and platforms enabling greater productivity. We are excited for our solution to be bundled with the new HP Chrome OS Enterprise devices allowing users the ability to run Windows desktop applications on select HP Chrome OS devices.” 

“The need for powerful, secure, and reliable solutions that meet the ever-evolving needs of hybrid workers is more critical than ever,” said Alex Thatcher, Director, Cloud Clients at HP. “At HP, we’re committed to enabling users with the power to do it all for work or play, and our collaboration with Parallels further solidifies that commitment. We’re excited to bundle Parallels Desktop for Chrome OS with select HP Elite Chromebooks, empowering IT admins to deliver the tools their users need to perform their best from anywhere.”  

Parallels Desktop for Chrome OS also offers Windows 11 support with new virtual machines (VM) for all current and new customers to take advantage of the latest Windows operating systems features, tools, and the redesigned look, right on their enterprise and education Chromebooks.

*Full list of Parallels Desktop for Chrome OS supported devices and latest system requirements: https://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/chrome/resources/#section-requirements. 

See how Parallels Desktop for Chrome OS enables full-featured Windows apps on a Chromebook in this short video.

Pricing and Free Trial 

Parallels Desktop for Chrome OS enterprise edition is available for $69.99 USD annually per user and the education edition for $39.99 USD annually per user.  

Learn more about Parallels Desktop for Chrome OS, including a free full-featured one-month trial with five user licenses, are available online at parallels.com/chrome. 

The post Just Released — Parallels Desktop for Chrome OS Adds Full-featured Windows Apps Support for Intel Core i3 and AMD Ryzen 3 Processor Powered Enterprise Chromebooks appeared first on Parallels Blog.

You might have heard the BIG news from Google about the early access release of Chrome OS Flex – a “standalone” version of Google’s OS that can be installed on both Windows and Mac computers, aka “the cloud-first operating system for PCs and Macs”.  

If you haven’t yet, check out Google’s blog post about it or this article in Macworld or go through this excellent review by Ars Technica. 

I don’t have a spare Mac or PC that I can erase to try out this new OS – and I’m guessing you probably don’t either. No problem: you can install this OS in a new virtual machine (VM) in Parallels® Desktop for Mac. Read on to learn step-by-step how to do this. Actually, using Parallels Desktop to install an OS for testing is my preferred approach. 

Chrome OS Flex is a lightweight, secure Linux-based OS that is easy for businesses to manage thanks to Google’s cloud-based management. We’re very excited about this release and, of course, want to make sure that Parallels Desktop users can get a sneak peek at it today. And yes, you can! All you need is:  

1. Mac computer with Intel processor. 

2. Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac (or newer). 

3. Google Chrome browser. 

4. 8GB + USB flash drive. 

5. Pre-configured Parallels Desktop VM template for this OS. (Download here, or use manual instructions below) 

1. Create a Bootable Media With Chrome OS Flex Installer 

1. Install the Chromebook Recovery Utility extension to your Chrome browser on macOS. 

2. Open the utility (the easiest way is via Spotlight or Launchpad) > click “Get Started” > click “Select a model from a list” > locate and select “Google Chrome OS Flex” in the manufacturer dropdown > select the product. 

3. Select the USB device and click “Continue” (the data will be erased!). 

4. Click “Create Now”. 

2. Create a VM 

1. Open Parallels Desktop Installation Assistant: File > New… 

2. Select “Install Windows on another OS…” and click “Continue”. 

3. Click “Choose Manually” > check the option “Continue without a source” and click “Continue”. 

4. In the dropdown, select Other > Chromium OS > click “OK”. 

5. Check the option “Customize settings before installation” and click “Create”. 

6. Navigate to Hardware tab > set 4096 MB of memory. 

7. Select Graphics settings on the sidebar > set “Auto” in the dropdown. 

8. Select Mouse & Keyboard on the sidebar > set the mouse option to “Optimize for games”. 

9. Scroll down the sidebar with options and select Boot Order > check “External device” and move it to the top. 

10. In the dropdown “External boot device” select the USB device that you have prepared. 

11. Close the configuration window and click “Continue”.  

12. Always allow Parallels Desktop to access the USB device. 

Note: After you’ve downloaded the pre-configured VM, simply open it in Parallels Desktop and repeat steps 9-12. 

3. Install Chrome OS Flex to the Virtual Machine 

1. Once you’ve booted the VM, click “Get Started” > select “Install CloudReady 2.0” and proceed. 

2. Wait for the installation process to be completed. 

3. Once completed, shut down the VM > open its configuration > Hardware > Boot Order > uncheck “External device” and deselect the flash drive from the dropdown. 

4. Now you have a standalone Chrome OS Flex VM. Enjoy!  

Figure 1 shows Chrome OS Flex running in Parallels Desktop on my Intel iMac. 

Don’t forget, since there are no Parallels Tools for Chrome OS Flex your mouse will be “captured” when you click in the Chrome OS Flex window on your Mac. To get the cursor back on the Mac, simultaneously hold down the control and option keys. 

That’s all, folks! Let me know your experience with the Chrome OS Flex VM here on Parallels Forums. 

The post Run Chrome OS Flex in Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac appeared first on Parallels Blog.

Get more out of your Mac with an exclusive, all-encompassing software bundle available to new and current eligible Parallels® Desktop for Mac customers.  

Parallels is offering a new premium bundle of nine top-rated Mac apps with every new purchase and upgrade to Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac, at no additional cost, now through February 28, 2022. Purchasing this bundle will save users 92% over MSRP—USD 559 in value.    

The Exclusive Mac Apps Bundle With Parallels Desktop for Mac Includes:

Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac: A trusted virtualization software to run native Windows applications on Mac computers with Apple M1 and Intel chips—all without rebooting. The latest version of Parallels Desktop for Mac, 17, is packed with must-have performance and graphic improvements, enhanced Windows gaming experience, and is optimized for Windows 11 and macOS Monterey operating systems. 

Parallels Toolbox for Mac and Windows: Whether you need to clean your hard drive, download an Internet video, create a quick barcode, or give a presentation without distractions, Parallels Toolbox is an all-in-one solution with more than 40 tools for macOS and Windows that simplify common tasks to just one-click. Unlock the potential of your Mac or PC with all popular productivity utilities without learning complicated system settings or a need to pay for dozens of individual apps. A one-year subscription is included. 

Parallels Access: Remotely access up to five computers—PC or Mac—and work easily via any HTML5 web browser, or from an unlimited number of iPads, iPhones, or Android tablets and phones using familiar native touch gestures. Parallels Access delivers peace of mind to remote and mobile workers with its ability to provide access to all the files and apps on their computers via the Internet—anytime from anywhere. A one-year subscription is included. 

MindManager® Essentials: A visual productivity & mind mapping software, MindManager simplifies the way you process and manage information. Turn scattered ideas and data into clear visual maps that are easy to build, organize, evolve, and share. Organize your workday with MindManager Essentials, the web version of MindManager for individuals. Valid for new MindManager customers only. Includes a one-year subscription. 

Ad Remover: Enjoy unlimited blocking of all online ads with this popular ad-blocking extension that puts you in complete control of your browsing experience. Not only does Ad Remover block all types of ads, but it also blocks tracking cookies so that your privacy is protected, increases website loading speed, and decreases data usage per page load by 19 percent on average. Includes a one-year subscription. 

1Password Families: Protect your family with 1Password. 1Password is the easiest and safest way to share passwords, credit cards, and anything else that is too important to email. It helps your family practice smart online security by generating strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts. 1Password remembers everything for you, keeps it safe, and automatically signs you in to your favorite sites with a single click. 1Password Families includes five family members (for one year). Valid only for new 1Password customers. 

Fantastical Premium: Fantastical Premium is a calendar and tasks app for Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch with many features including events, tasks, weather, interesting calendars, meeting proposals, instant conference call joining, quick conference call creation, calendar sets, 14 widgets, and much more. A single subscription (for one year) includes all features, all services, and all platforms. Valid only for new Fantastical customers.  

Cardhop Premium: Add new contacts or edit existing contacts with unparalleled ease and simplicity. Just enter the name of the contact along with the new details and Cardhop will do the rest. Use your iPhone or iPad camera to quickly scan a business card or printed address from a document. Cardhop will parse the printed information and instantly convert it into a new contact. Interacting with your contacts has never been easier, or this fast! 

Intego Mac Internet Security X9: This award-winning Mac anti-virus and firewall software offers 24/7 antivirus and antispyware protection, intelligent firewall for home & hotspot network protection, stops third-party apps from collecting your data, and its intuitive design allows you to adjust the best security level against malware and network attacks. A one-year subscription is included. 

Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office Premium Edition: A single cyber protection solution that keeps your digital world safe from all threats— from coffee spills to hardware failures to cyberthreat attacks—with a unique integration of data protection and cybersecurity in one. Unifies reliable backup and advanced anti-malware in one full feature solution. Delivers peace of mind knowing your devices and backups are protected. A one-year subscription for 3 Mac/PCs with 1TB of cloud storage is included.  

Get this Premium Mac App Bundle and start getting more out of your Mac! 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Q: I already own an older version of Parallels Desktop. Can I buy this?  

A: Absolutely! We offer this discount to Parallels Desktop users who own a previous version and are eligible for an upgrade. To upgrade to the latest version of Parallels Desktop and instantly access the apps mentioned in this promotion, click here. 

Q: What if I want to gift this promotion to a friend or family member?  

A: Forward your Parallels Purchase Confirmation Email to the recipient. Your email will contain download instructions and license keys for each product. 

Q: Are these macOS or Windows 10/11 applications?  

A: Each vendor offers its applications in macOS versions for the Parallels Premium Mac App Bundle 2022 promotion. 

Q: How do I contact Parallels Support?  

A: Our support team is happy to help you. Please reach out to the support team on Facebook, Twitter, or any of our other support channels. 

Notes: Promotion ends February 28, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. PST. 

All statements made herein respect of third-party software, technologies and applications are in accordance with the information currently available at such third parties’ websites. Parallels does not assume any liability for the accuracy, reliability, or validity of those statements. 

The post Parallels Premium Mac App Bundle 2022—Buy or Upgrade to Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac and Get Nine Apps FREE! appeared first on Parallels Blog.

We’re very excited to announce Parallels Desktop 17.1 Update, which now fully supports macOS Monterey as a host OS and improves the user experience when running macOS Monterey in a VM on Apple M1 Mac. 

The latest update also includes improved Windows 11 virtual machine (VM) support and stability with the introduction of Virtual Trusted Platform Modules (vTPMs) by default for all future and past Windows 11 VMs.  

“Knowing that Parallels Desktop plays a critical role in enabling users to run the latest versions of Windows on their favorite Mac device today, we’ve developed a simple solution to help all users upgrade to Windows 11 with the enablement of vTPMs by default on all Mac devices,” said Elena Koryakina, Vice President of Engineering at Parallels. “The latest version of Parallels Desktop also builds on our customers’ top requests with new gaming and 3D integrations to further enhance the user experience.” 

What Are the Top New Features in Parallels Desktop 17 Update 1? 

Easily install and update to Windows 11 VMs with automatic enablement of vTPM! 

Users of all editions of Parallels Desktop 17 (Standard, Pro & Business) will be able to run Windows 11 with the use of a vTPM added by default to meet the minimum requirements of Windows 11. Additional details can be found here in our blog post regarding the specific requirements needed when running Windows 11 on either Apple M1 or Intel-based Mac computers. 

Run macOS Monterey VMs on Apple M1 Mac with a better user experience! 

Now, Parallels Desktop 17.1 users can install Parallels Tools in a macOS Monterey VM on Apple M1 Mac and use the Copy and Paste integrated feature between the VM and the primary macOS. Additionally, the default virtual machine disk size increases from 32 GB to 64 GB.  

Play more Windows Games! 

In response to customers’ top requests, Parallels improves graphics for several Windows games including, but not limited to: World of Warcraft, Age of Empires 2 Definitive Edition, Tomb Raider 3, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, World of Tanks, Raft.   

Use accelerated 3D graphics in Linux via VirGL! 

This update delivers support for VirGL in Virtio GPU which enables Linux 3D acceleration out of the box on all supported Mac computers,brings visual performance improvements,as well as use of Wayland protocol in Linux VMs. VirGL 3D graphics can be used by modern Linux VMs even without Parallels Tools being installed, however, Parallels recommends users install Parallels Tools anyway. 

Additional Useful Information for Parallels Desktop 17 Users:  

Learn more about Windows 11: How to Install Windows 11 on Mac 

Learn more about all features of Parallels Desktop 17: What’s New in Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac?  

Let us know on Facebook or Twitter which features are your favorites in Parallels Desktop 17! 

The post Just Released – Parallels Desktop 17.1 Update Fully Supports macOS Monterey and Windows 11 appeared first on Parallels Blog.