Parallels Desktop is a Mac application that allows virtualizing the Windows OS on any Mac. Like the VirtualBox for Windows, the Parallels Desktop also is a virtualization software where you could install the Windows or its applications seamlessly. It supports almost any Windows applications to run on your Mac. You don’t have reboot the Mac or select a different partition to install the extra OS. The automated processes can help you to run Windows applications as running a Mac application. No hassles or problems will be there in the setup or the maintenance.
So today, we decided to review the Parallels Desktop which will help thousands of people who are still in search of the perfect way to run Windows applications on Mac Osx. In this review, we will analyze the software top to bottom and will provide some of the most noticeable features alongside our final verdict. If you are one of those who wanted to run Windows applications on Mac, you should take a look at this review. So, let’s start.
What is Parallels Desktop?
Parallels Desktop 13 runs Windows and other operating systems in a virtual machine alongside your Mac apps. It's a good option for those who still rely on certain Windows apps for their business, or gamers who can't live without a favorite Windows game. Feb 18, 2014 My Mac is a 10.9.5 and my Virtual Box was 4.3.20. Besides a few failed attempts in creating the VHD image, apparently because my network mapping between the Mac and Parallels got unavailable due some unknown reason, i´ve managed creating it successfully by not doing anything else in the Mac during the full length of the conversion. Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite has just been made available for the Mac Developer Program. At this time, we do not have information on running Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac on Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite. My Mac is a 10.9.5 and my Virtual Box was 4.3.20. Besides a few failed attempts in creating the VHD image, apparently because my network mapping between the Mac and Parallels got unavailable due some unknown reason, i´ve managed creating it successfully by not doing anything else in the Mac during the full length of the conversion.
As mentioned before Parallels Desktop is a Mac program that helps to run Windows applications on Mac. In other words, it is a virtual engine like many other softwares we already have seen on the market (like VMware.) It comes with very nice power management features to provide a better power consumption control throughout the usage. It reduces the resource usage of the virtual engine as much as possible resulting in the minimum power consumption. From our tests, there was only a slight difference in the power usage of the Mac even after running the Parallels Desktop software. This makes it possible to enjoy the virtual machine even on low battery or long journeys.
Is parallels 12 for mac compatible with high sierra. Parallels Desktop 14 is the fastest, easiest, and most powerful application for running Windows applications on a Mac without rebooting. Optimized for macOS Mojave, Parallels Desktop 14 for Mac lets you save up to 20 GB disk space and start Windows and applications up to 35% faster.
Parallels Desktop Interface
The Parallels Desktop interface is very easy to use where the necessary buttons and links are placed. There is also a wizard mode available on the software to make it even simpler to create and run virtual machines where any of the Windows or Linux programs running. The latest version of the software also includes many other platforms varies according to the edition. Even though, to create a virtual machine you have to sweat a little especially if you are a beginner. There are no exact documentations available with the software that describes the setup and maintenance process of the Windows or Linux virtual machines.
If you are familiar with such virtualization tools, the software will be quite easier to use, and you will never face an issue in any part of the software. Parallels Desktop is also coming with the support to add existing virtual machines in case you saved it earlier on any other storage medias. All in all, the interface and first look at the software will surely make you an impression.
Parallels Desktop Features
Here are some of the most noticeable features of the Parallels Desktop application. Having a look at them will help you in determining what you will get with it.
One-touch Tools
The One-touch tools in the Parallels desktop makes it easier to fulfill various tasks in the virtualized OS. To take a screenshot, cast your screen, access the internet, download videos, all you have to do is simply clicking some buttons. It is no more difficult to control your virtual machine.
Run Windows on your Mac without rebooting
You don’t have to reboot your Mac to run Windows on it. Simply open the Parallels software and create a virtual machine. Then start using it seamlessly until you get bored. At any point, the Windows needs to be restarted; you just restart the virtual machine instead of the Mac.
Use any Windows applicationsParallels Desktop 9 For Mac
It can run almost any windows application without any trouble. You can enjoy using any Windows applications on Mac like using a Mac program. No problems or bugs were found in our tests.
Optimized for Windows 10 and ready for MacOS Sierra
The Parallels Desktop is no more older. The software supports all the popular platforms including Windows 10 and the MacOS Sierra. So the compatibility will be no longer questioned.
500 GB of online backup storage for 1 year
To sweeten the features, the Parallels offers 500GB of online storage for the users. This is available with any edition of the program. If you have any of your important files to store from the virtual machine and you have access to the internet, you are so lucky.
Also Run other operating systems
If you bored of running just the Windows OS on the Parallels, it could also run various other platforms including Linux and Google Chrome OS. The supported platforms are ranging as, OS X, Windows 10, 8.1 & 7, Linux, and Google Chrome OS.
Easily switch between the operating systems
It is very easy to switch between the operating systems. For example, if you want to copy something from your virtual machine or to the virtual machine, the setup assistant is always there for you.
Good performance
Parallels Desktop runs quite good when compared to other softwares to run Windows on Mac. It uses very low resources except in high usage conditions like gaming on the virtual machine.
Retina Support
The new versions of the software are coming with Retina support independent on the resolution or other display features.
Non-Compromised Security
Even if you are using a virtual machine, the security of the OS will be non-compromised. You could set separate passwords for any of the virtual machines or folders to secure it from external access. This is a unique feature that we can’t see on other competitors.
Pros
Verdict
Parallels Desktop is an unquestioned Windows emulator for Mac. With its features and the ability in running almost any Windows programs, Parallels Desktop dominating the virtual machine industry on Mac. A new license of the software starts from $79.99 and varies according to the editions. If you would like to give a try to the software before going to buy it, you could do that from the following link. Thousands of people already using Parallels Desktop to run Windows on Mac, you also give it a try.
Parallels Desktop for Mac Review: Run Windows on Mac
If you’ve been using VirtualBox to run virtual machines and you want to switch to Parallels Desktop for Mac, you can convert your VirtualBox virtual machines to Parallels—whether you’re using VirtualBox in Windows, Linux, or macOS. Parallels server for mac 4.0 download.
VirtualBox provides a free, bare-bones way of using virtual machines on your Mac. However, Parallels is easier to use and more integrated with macOS than VirtualBox. It’s easier to transfer files between your VMs and the host macOS system, and Parallels even lets you run Windows programs directly from the macOS dock, if you choose to.
If you want to migrate your virtual machine, here’s what you need to do.
Step One: Create a Clone of the VirtualBox Virtual Machine
First, we’ll create a clone of the virtual machine you want to convert to Parallels. To do this, open VirtualBox (on Windows, Linux, or Mac) and select the virtual machine to be cloned. Right-click on the virtual machine and select “Clone” from the popup menu. You can also press Ctrl+O.
The Clone Virtual Machine dialog box displays. On the New Machine Name screen, VirtualBox automatically enters the name of the virtual machine in the box and adds “Clone” to the end. If you want to assign a different name to the cloned virtual machine, enter it in the box. We accepted the default name. Click “Next”.
On the Clone type screen, make sure “Full clone” is selected. This makes the cloned virtual machine independent of the original and allows you to move it to a different computer, if needed. Click “Next”.
Make sure “Current machine state” is selected on the Snapshots screen. This is important because Parallels cannot open virtual machines from VirtualBox with snapshots. Click “Clone”.
A dialog box displays the progress of the cloning process. This may take a while, depending on how big your virtual machine’s hard drive is and how many snapshots you have that need to be merged.
Step Two: Uninstall the VirtualBox Guest Additions in the Cloned Virtual Machine
Once the cloning process is complete, we need to uninstall the VirtualBox Guest Additions in the cloned virtual machine. To do this, select the cloned virtual machine in the list on the main VirtualBox Manager window and click “Start” or press Enter.
Use the standard procedure in the guest operating system to uninstall the “Oracle VM VirtualBox Guest Additions” program. For example, in Windows 7, we open “Programs and Features” in the Control Panel, select “Oracle VM VirtualBox Guest Additions 5.1.12” and click “Uninstall/Change”.
Step Three: Shut Down and Transfer the Cloned Virtual Machine
Shut down (do not sleep or hibernate) the cloned virtual machine using the standard method for your guest operating system.
If your cloned virtual machine is on a Windows PC or a different Mac, you’ll need to transfer the virtual machine. You’ll find the folder for the virtual machine in the default machine location. If you’re not sure where this is, you can find out by going to File > Preferences on the main VirtualBox Manager window.
You’ll find the path to the Default Machine Folder on the General screen. Make a note of the path and then click “OK” or “Cancel” to close the dialog box.
Head to that folder, select the folder for your cloned virtual machine, and copy that folder to your Mac (using a flash drive or some other means). It doesn’t matter where you paste the virtual machine folder. Parallels will handle creating the converted virtual machine in the correct place.
Step Four: Open and Convert the .vbox File in Parallels Desktop for Mac
On your Mac, open Parallels Desktop and go to File > Open.
Navigate to the folder into which you copied the cloned virtual machine folder, select the .vbox file and click “Open”.
On the Name and Location dialog box, the name of the is set, by default, to the name of the cloned virtual machine. If you want to change the name, edit the text in the “Name” box. We took “Clone” off of the name. The default virtual machines folder is selected as the “Location”. You can change that if you want, but we recommend allowing Parallels to create the virtual machine in the same location as other virtual machines. If you want an alias on the desktop for quickly accessing the virtual machine, check the “Create alias on the desktop” box. Click “Continue”.
Parallels starts converting the virtual machine.
Parallels Desktop 9 For Mac Virtual Box Windows
While the virtual machine is being upgraded, you’ll see that both the original cloned virtual machine a and the converted virtual machine are added to the Control Center.
You can remove the original cloned virtual machine by right-clicking on it and selecting Remove from the popup menu.
Then, the Parallels Tools are installed.
When all that is done, a message displays saying your virtual machine has been successfully configured. Click “OK”.
The virtual machine automatically starts and you can log into your account in the guest operating system and begin working with your virtual machine.
Parallels desktop for windows. If you converted a Windows virtual machine that was on a different computer, you will have to either call to activate the converted virtual machine or enter a new license key. This is because the Windows detects new hardware, so even though it’s the same virtual machine, Windows thinks it’s a new installation of the operating system. You can search for “windows activation” on the Start menu (Windows 7), Search box on the Taskbar (Windows 10), or on the Start screen (Windows 8) for more information about activating the Windows system in this virtual machine.
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