Powerful virtualization solutions like Parallels 11 Desktop make it possible for Mac users to run both OS X apps and Windows 10 apps at the same time. Parallels Toolbox for Mac; Parallels Toolbox for Windows; Parallels Remote Application Server. Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac Pro Edition; Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac Pro Edition. How to Configure the Best Display Settings for Parallels Desktop on a Retina Mac.
- Best Config For Windows 10 On Mac Parallels 12 High Sierra
- Best Config For Windows 10 On Mac Parallels 12 Serial
Question
After Windows virtual machine start I've got a notification that Windows was optimized for external displays, what does it mean?
Information
Parallels Desktop 15 brings a brand new feature which automatically detects the external display(s) connected to a Mac with Retina display and switches your graphics configuration from Best for Retina to Best for external displays mode.
The optimization takes place because of a difference between the computer's built-in Retina display and the external display's resolution to provide the most optimal settings for each user's setup.
As a result, with Best for external displays option you get a sharp picture, crisp fonts and better performance.
Note: Automatic optimization for external displays is not available in Coherence view mode.
The feature manifests according to the chosen view mode, please see the tab below:
Best Config For Windows 10 On Mac Parallels 12 High Sierra
| Aspect | Best for Retina | Best for external displays |
|---|---|---|
| Custom scaling size in Windows | Fixed 200% | Scaling is managed by Windows |
| Scaling in small window with Windowed mode | Fixed 200%, text size is convenient | 100%, text size is too small |
| Picture quality in Full screen on the external display | Blurry | Sharp |
| Memory usage and performance in Full Screen | High memory usage | Average memory usage and better performance |
| Windows resolution on non-Retina display | x2 higher resolution (downscaling) | True monitor resolution |
Important: it is required to sign out and sign in to your Windows profile to apply changes and make the feature work correctly.
Best Config For Windows 10 On Mac Parallels 12 Serial
For more information about other video modes comparison in Parallels Desktop please see KB 124744.