Parallels 13 For Mac Free

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Effectiveness
5 out of 5
Responsive integrated Windows experience

Download Parallels 13 For Mac Free

We don't have any change log information yet for version 13.3.2 of Parallels for Mac.Sometimes publishers take a little while to make this information available, so please check back in a few days to see if it has been updated.

ease of use
5 out of 5
Runs like a Mac app (absolutely intuitive)
support
4.5 out of 5
Multiple ways to contact support

Quick Summary

Parallels Desktop lets you run Windows apps on your Mac. That can be very handy if you rely on certain Windows apps for your business, or have switched to Mac and can’t find alternatives for everything you need.

Is it worth it? If you have Mac apps for everything you need you won’t need Parallels, and if you need just a few non-critical Windows apps a free alternative may meet your needs. But if you rely on Windows apps to get your work done, you’ll need the premium Windows performance that Parallels Desktop provides.


What I Like
  • Windows is very responsive
  • Pauses when not in use to save resources
  • Coherence mode lets you run Windows apps like Mac apps
  • Also run Linux, Android and more
What I Don't Like
  • My mouse became unresponsive once
  • macOS and Linux are less responsive than Windows
Free

Parallels Desktop for Mac

macOS, $79.99+

Quick Navigation

// Why Should You Trust Me?
// What Is Parallels Desktop for Mac?
// Parallels Desktop for Mac: What's in it For You?
// ​Reasons Behind My Reviews and Ratings
// ​Alternatives to Parallels Desktop
// Conclusion

Why Should You Trust Me?


My name is Adrian Try. After using Microsoft Windows for over a decade, I made a deliberate move away from the operating system in 2003. I enjoyed the change, but still needed certain Windows apps on a regular basis. So I found myself using a combination of dual boot, virtualization (using VMware and VirtualBox) and Wine. See the Alternatives section of this review.

I hadn’t tried Parallels Desktop before. I was provided a review license, and installed version 12 on my macOS Sierra-based iMac. For the last week I’ve been putting it through its paces, installing Windows 10 (purchased just for this review) and several other operating systems, and trying just about every feature in the program.

Version 13 was released last night, so I immediately upgraded. This review reflects my use of both Parallels Desktop 12 and 13, and all of the screenshots are from version 13. Third-party reviews that I reference are all of version 12.

In this review I’ll share what I like and dislike about Parallels Desktop. The content in the quick summary box above serves as a short version of my findings and conclusions. Read on for the details!

What Is Parallels Desktop for Mac?

Parallels Desktop allows you to run Windows apps on your Mac. It does this by allowing you to install Windows on a virtual machine — a computer emulated in software. Your virtual computer is assigned a portion of the RAM, processor and disk space of your real computer, so it will be slower and have less resources.

Other operating systems will also run on Parallels Desktop, including Linux, Android and macOS — even older versions of macOS and OS X (El Capitan or earlier).

Parallels On Mac

What’s New in Parallels Desktop 13?

Parallels has added a number of new features to version 13. According to the release notes from Parallels, those include speed improvements, making GIFs, presentation mode, Picture-in-Picture, Retina display enhancements, etc. Watch this 3-minute video for more.

Is Parallels Desktop Safe?

Yes, it is. I ran and installed the app on my macOS Sierra based iMac and scanned it for viruses. Parallels Desktop 13 doesn’t contain any virus or malicious processes.

Be aware that when you install Windows in Parallels, you become vulnerable to Windows viruses (on the virtual machine and the files it can access), so make sure you protect yourself. A trial version of Kaspersky Internet Security is included, or install your security software of choice.

During my use of the app, my mouse froze once when switching between Windows and Mac. This required a reboot to fix. Your mileage may vary.

Is Parallels Desktop Free?

No, it isn’t freeware though a full-featured 14-day trial is available. There are three versions of the app to consider:

  1. Parallels Desktop for Mac ($79.99 for students): Designed for home or student use.
  2. Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro Edition ($99.99/year): Designed for developers and power users who need the best performance.
  3. Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition ($99.99/year): Designed for IT departments, it includes centralized administration and volume licensing.
  4. You’ll also have to pay for Microsoft Windows and your Windows applications if you don’t already own them.

How to Install Parallels Desktop for Mac

Here is an overview of the full process of getting the app up and running:

  1. Download and install Parallels Desktop for Mac.
  2. You’ll be asked to choose an operating for your new virtual machine. To install Windows, you have three choices: purchase it online, install it from a US stick, or transfer it from a PC. Enter the Windows product key when prompted.
  3. Windows will be installed along with some Parallels tools. This will take some time.
  4. Your new Windows desktop will be displayed. Install any Windows application software you need.

Parallels Desktop for Mac: What’s in it For You?


Since Parallels Desktop is all about running Windows apps (and more) on your Mac, I’m going to list all its features by putting them into the following five sections. In each subsection, I’ll first explore what the app offers and then share my personal take.

1. Turn Your Mac Into Several Computers with Virtualization

Parallels Desktop is virtualization software — it emulates a new computer in software. On that virtual computer you can run any operating system you like, including Windows, and any software that runs on that operating system. That’s very convenient if you need non-Mac software.

A virtual machine will run slower than your real computer, but Parallels has worked hard to optimize performance. Trusted Reviews ran some benchmark tests and were impressed: “Performance is excellent, with Windows feeling responsive and snappy. I ran GeekBench 3 on both Mac and the Windows virtual machine and got similar scores: Mac OS scored 5,833 in the multi-core test, and the Windows virtual machine scored 5,057.”

But why run a slower virtual machine when you can install Windows on your actual computer using Bootcamp? Because having to restart your machine to change operating systems is slow, inconvenient, and incredibly frustrating. Virtualization is an excellent alternative.

GeekWire’s Daniel Rasmus agrees. “Parallels virtual machines can run almost any operating system, even those that are no longer supported (as long as you have a CD and license key)… Parallels works closely with Apple, Microsoft and the open source community to ensure that Parallels Desktop will not only run their operating systems, but that they run relatively fast in a very stable environment.”

My personal take: Virtualization technology provides a convenient way of accessing non-Mac software while using macOS. If you need regular access to Windows apps, Parallel’s implementation is superb.

2. Run Windows on Your Mac Without Rebooting

You may need to run Windows on your Mac for a variety of reasons. Here are some examples:

  • Developers can test their software on Windows and other operating systems
  • Web developers can test their websites on a variety of Windows browsers
  • Writers can create documentation and reviews about Windows software.

Parallels provides the virtual machine, you need to supply Microsoft Windows. There are three options:

  1. Purchase it directly from Microsoft and download it.
  2. Purchase it from a store and install from a USB stick.
  3. Transfer Windows from your PC or Bootcamp.

Transferring a previously-installed version of Windows is the least-recommended option, as it can lead to

licensing issues or driver problems. David Ludlow from Trusted Reviews explains:

“But there are caveats. Foremost, is that Windows’ licensing prevents you from moving an OEM version of an OS to a new computer, even to a virtual machine. In other words, you can only transfer an old PC if you bought a retail version of Windows.”

“Secondly, Windows 10 doesn’t particularly like being moved, and Windows apps won’t necessarily run. I got a warning when trying to run some apps, such as Edge, telling me that they ‘can’t be opened using the Built-in Administrator account’.”

In my case, I purchased a shrink-wrapped version of Windows 10 Home (with USB an enclosed USB stick) from a store. The price was the same as downloading from Microsoft: $179 Aussie dollars.

I started up Parallels Desktop 13, inserted my USB stick, and Windows was installed without fuss.

Once installed, Windows feels snappy and responsive. Moving from Windows to Mac and back again is fast and seamless. I’ll explain how that’s done in the next section.

My personal take: For those needing access to Windows while using macOS, Parallels Desktop is a godsend. They have obviously worked hard to optimize their software for Windows, as it is incredibly responsive.

3. Switch Conveniently between Mac and Windows

How easy is switching between Mac and Windows using Parallels Desktop? You don’t even notice it. By default it runs inside a window like this.

When my mouse is outside of that window, it is the black Mac mouse cursor. Once it moves inside the window, it becomes the white Windows mouse cursor automatically and instantly.

For some uses that can feel a little cramped. Pressing the green Maximize button will make Windows run full screen. The screen resolution adjusts automatically. You can switch to and from Windows using a four-finger swipe.

Very fast, very easy, very intuitive. Switching between Mac and Windows couldn’t be easier. Here’s another bonus. For convenience, I found myself leaving Windows open even when I wasn’t using it. When not in use, Parallels pauses the virtual machine to reduce the load on your computer.

Once your mouse enters the Windows environment again, Windows is up and running again within about three seconds.

My personal take: Whether running Windows full-screen or in a window, switching to it is simple and seamless. It’s no harder than switching to a native Mac app.

4. Use Windows Apps alongside Mac Apps

When I first moved away from Windows, I found myself still relying on a few key apps. You might be the same:

  • You switched to Mac, but still have a number of Windows apps you rely on — perhaps the Windows versions of Word and Excel, the Xbox Streaming app, or a Windows-only game.
  • You may still absolutely depend on a legacy app that no longer works on modern operating systems.

It’s surprising how reliant businesses can become on out-of-date software that is no longer updated or supported. Daniel Rasmus from GeekWire explains:

“People working outside of large corporations may be surprised by how much of the world continues to run on old software — some supported, some not. If a financial application relies on an old Windows NT or other legacy framework that doesn’t run on Windows 10, let alone on macOS, the choice comes down to investing in new software and the associated implementation costs, or keeping old hardware in play, or using a virtualization solution.”

Parallels Desktop provides a Coherence Mode which lets you work with Windows apps without dealing with the Windows interface. David Ludlow sums it up: “Coherence turns your Windows apps into Mac ones.”

Coherence Mode hides the Windows interface altogether. You launch the Start Menu by clicking the Windows 10 icon on your dock.

You can search for and run the Windows Paint program from Spotlight.

Paint runs right on your Mac desktop, no Windows in sight.

And the Mac’s right-click Open With menu even lists Windows apps.

My personal take: Parallels Desktop allows you to use Windows apps almost as if they were Mac apps. You can start the from your Mac’s Dock, Spotlight, or a context menu.

5. Run Other Operating Systems on Your Mac

The convenience of Parallels Desktop doesn’t stop with Windows. You can run a variety of operating systems, including Linux, Android and macOS. Why would someone want to do that? Here are some examples:

  • A developer working on an app that runs on multiple platforms can use virtual computers to run Windows, Linux and Android to test the software on.
  • Mac developers can run older versions of macOS and OS X to test compatibility.
  • A Linux enthusiast can run and compare multiple distros at once.

You can install macOS from your recovery partition or a disk image. You can also install older versions of OS X if you still have the installation DVDs or disk images. I chose to install macOS from my recovery partition.

I found macOS significantly less responsive than Windows — I assume Parallel’s main priority is Windows performance. It was definitely usable, though.

Installing Linux is similar. You can either choose to have Parallels Desktop download a number of Linux distros (including Ubuntu, Fedora, CentOS, Debian and Linux Mint), or install from a disk image.

Like macOS, Linux seems less responsive than Windows. Once you have a few operating systems installed, the Parallels Desktop Control Panel is a handy way to start and stop them.

My personal take: Parallels Desktop can run macOS or Linux on a virtual machine, though not with the same speed as Windows, or with as many integration features. But the software is stable and usable all the same.

Reasons Behind My Reviews and Ratings


Effectiveness: 5/5

Parallels Desktop does exactly what it promises: it runs Windows apps alongside my Mac apps. Running Windows in a virtual machine was convenient and responsive, and allowed me to access Windows apps that I rely on. Windows paused when not in use, so unnecessary resources were not being wasted.

Price: 4.5/5

Although there are free virtualization options, $79.95 is a reasonable price to pay for the amount of work Parallels have put into optimizing performance and integration. The $39.95 option should be affordable to most students.

Ease of Use: 5/5

I found launching Windows and switching between Mac and Windows absolutely intuitive. The integrated approach of displaying Windows software in Spotlight searches, context menus and the Dock is brilliant.

Support: 4.5/5

Free support is available via Twitter, chat, Skype, phone (Click-to-Call) and email for the first 30 days after registering. Email support is available for up to two years from the product release date, though you can purchase phone support when required for $19.95. A comprehensive knowledge base, FAQ, Getting Started guide and User’s Guide are available.


Alternatives to Parallels Desktop

VMware Fusion 8.5: VMware Fusion ($79.99) is Parallel Desktop’s closest competitor, and is a little slower and more technical. A major upgrade is about to be released.

Veertu Desktop: Veertu (free, $39.95 for premium) is a lightweight alternative. It’s almost as quick as Parallels, but has fewer features.

VirtualBox: VirtualBox is Oracle’s free and open source alternative. Not as polished or responsive as Parallels Desktop, it’s a good alternative when performance is not at a premium.

Boot Camp: Boot Camp comes installed with macOS, and allows you to run Windows alongside macOS in a dual-boot setup — to switch you need to restart your computer. That’s less convenient, but has performance benefits.

Wine: Wine is a way of running Windows apps on your Mac without needing Windows at all. It can’t run all Windows apps, and many require significant configuration. It’s a free (open source) solution that just might work for you.

CrossOver Mac: CodeWeavers CrossOver ($59.95) is a commercial version of Wine that is easier to use and configure.

Conclusion

Parallels Desktop 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. It’s also a great solution for developers who need to test their apps or websites on other platforms.

If you’ve found native Mac apps that meet all of your needs, you don’t need Parallels Desktop. If you need to run just a handful of non-critical Windows apps, one of the free virtualization alternatives may be all you need. But if you’re looking for best performance, Parallels Desktop is your best option. I highly recommend it.

If you use a Business Edition, visit KB 124263 for the updates summary.

Parallels Desktop 13 for Mac Update 3 Hotfix 2 (13.3.2-43368)

This update for Parallels Desktop 13 for Mac 13.3.2 (43368) addresses overall stability and performance issues, and includes the following fixes and improvements:

  • Resolves an issue with the mouse pointer getting stuck in macOS virtual machines.
  • Resolves an issue with Mac applications having black icons in Windows.
  • Resolves an issue with the Practice Perfect app leaving graphical artifacts after working in Coherence.
  • Resolves an issue with macOS 10.14 Developer Beta virtual machines showing a black screen after the Parallels Tools installation. If you have such a virtual machine, do the following:
  1. 1. Install this update.
  2. 2. The virtual machine window may continue showing a black screen. If so, check the virtual machine’s live preview in Control Center - if you see the login screen, click the black window where the password field should be located and enter your password to log in.
  3. 3. Then wait until the Parallels Tools are updated automatically and the virtual machine is restarted. This may take a few minutes. After that, the virtual machine window should display macOS again.

Known issues:

  • When a macOS virtual machine goes to sleep, the guest version of macOS is paused. Then, after you resume it, the mouse pointer is not displayed. To work around this issue, resize the virtual machine window.

Parallels Desktop 13 for Mac Update 3 Hotfix 1 (13.3.1-43365)

This update for Parallels Desktop 13 for Mac 13.3.1 (43365) addresses overall stability and performance issues, and includes the following fixes and improvements:

General enhancements

  • Attach screenshots and other files to technical data reports.
  • Resolves an issue with sound not playing in virtual machines after closing and then opening the MacBook’s lid.
  • Resolves an issue with screen refresh rate becoming low when a virtual machine is started with the “Always ready in background” option selected.
  • Resolves an issue with Parallels Desktop Control Center appearing after launching a guest OS application from the Dock.

Windows support

  • Resolves an issue with Parallels Tools not installing in a Boot Camp virtual machine with Windows 10.
  • Resolves an issue with app-related folders not visible in iCloud shared with Windows.
  • Resolves an issue when the icons of applications started from Visual Studio 2013 didn’t appear in the Dock.
  • Resolves an issue with MS Word 2011 for Mac saving doc/docx files to the C: drive only in the Read-Only mode.
  • Resolves an issue with not being able to add the Boot Camp partition as a second disk to a virtual machine.
  • Resolves a rare issue with Windows freezing when accessing a shared folder from the guest OS.
  • Resolves an issue with Windows 10 crashing sometimes when searching for a particular address in Google Chrome > Google Maps.
  • Resolves an issue with Windows crashing when starting TwinCAT 3 in Visual Studio.

Linux support

  • Support for Ubuntu 18.04.
  • Resolves an issue with Ubuntu 14.04 not starting after the Parallels Tools installation.
  • Resolves an issue with the prl_eth driver not compiling for Linux kernel 4.15.
  • Resolves an issue with Parallels Tools not installing in Kali Linux 2018.1.
  • Resolves an issue with Parallels Tools not installing in Red Hat 7.5.

macOS support

  • Resolves an issue with iTunes quitting unexpectedly in macOS 10.8 and 10.9 virtual machines.
  • Resolves an issue with Parallels Tools not installing in macOS 10.13.3 virtual machines.
  • Resolves an issue with macOS 10.13.4 virtual machines freezing on waking from sleep.
  • Resolves an issue with not being able to upgrade macOS 10.13.3 virtual machines to macOS 10.13.4.

Parallels Desktop 13 for Mac Update 3 (13.3.0-43321)

This update for Parallels Desktop 13 for Mac Update 3 (13.3.0-43321) addresses overall stability and performance issues, and includes the following fixes and improvements:

  • Adds support for iMac Pro
  • Resolves an issue with ~/§±£`ذ symbols not typed correctly in virtual machines.
  • Resolves an issue with disproportionately scaled Windows after installing a Windows update.
  • Resolves an issue with gamma settings being changed by Windows in Full Screen.
  • Resolves an issue with unintended activation of Grayscale Mode in Windows 10 after pressing + holding the “Command” key and then pressing “C”.
  • Resolves the following occasional issues in Windows virtual machines:
    • slow login;
    • unresponsive Start Menu;
    • inability to use a keyboard with some apps.
  • Resolves an issue with the CTC (click-to-call) technology not working when you right-click a number in Internet Explorer and choose to call this number.
  • Resolves an issue with Parallels Tools not working in macOS High Sierra virtual machines.
  • Resolves an issue with a virtual machine not starting after double-clicking its alias.
  • Resolves an issue with Boot Camp-based virtual machines not starting in Parallels Desktop 13.2.0.
  • Resolves a problem causing your Mac to crash after a virtual machine is bridged to Thunderbolt Bridge.
  • Resolves an issue with shared camera not working in Skype for Business.
  • Resolves an issue with graphics artifacts in Battlefield 3.
  • Resolves an issue with graphics artifacts when zooming images in Tekla Structures.
  • Resolves an issue with PaintShop Pro not opening images on your Mac and not available in the “Open With” menu.

For Parallels Desktop Business Edition Only

  • Resolves an issue with deferred activation when deploying Parallels Desktop Business Edition using DeployStudio or NetRestore.

Parallels Desktop 13 for Mac Update 2 (13.2.0-43213)

This update for Parallels Desktop 13 for Mac 13.2.0 (43213) addresses overall stability and performance issues, and includes the following fixes and improvements:

Windows support:

  • Resolves an issue with delayed mouse response when switching to a virtual machine running in Full Screen on a second 5K monitor.
  • Resolves an issue with slow video playback in Microsoft Edge and “Movies & TV” app.
  • Resolves an issue with Parallels Tools updating incompletely and showing the “Windows cannot access MacHomeDesktop” message after upgrading to Parallels Desktop 13.
  • Resolves an issue with launching Internet Explorer 11 after upgrading to Parallels Desktop 13.
  • Resolves an issue with Caps Lock not working with Windows 10 native apps when a Parallels keyboard layout is selected.
  • Resolves an issue with not being able to complete the installation of Windows Server 2016 Standard.

Integration:

  • Resolves an issue with the camera not working in FaceTime after Parallels Desktop has been started.
  • Resolves an issue with sound input not working in Windows after waking the Mac from sleep.
  • Resolves an issue with a virtual machine not resuming from paused state after the Mac wakes up.
  • Resolves an issue with the mouse not working in the guest version of macOS 10.13 after suspending and resuming the virtual machine.

Boot Camp support:

  • Resolves an issue with the “There is no operating system installed in this virtual machine” message appearing when launching a newly created Boot Camp virtual machine.
  • Resolves an issue with Boot Camp virtual machines not booting and stuck on “Trying to boot from SATA drive 1”.
  • Resolves an issue with not being able to create a Boot Vamp virtual machine on Macs with High Sierra.
  • Resolves an issue with not being able to create a Boot Camp virtual machine on 2010 or earlier Macs.
  • Resolves an issue with not being able to create a Boot Camp virtual machine on Macs with Fusion Drive.

Support for the English and non-English keyboard layouts:

UK and US keyboard layouts:

  • Resolves an issue with the §± and `~ keys mixed up in the UK English keyboard layout.
  • Resolves an issue with not being able to type the §± keys using a physical keyboard when the US - International layout is selected.
  • Resolves an issue with the Dvorak layout in Windows differing from that in macOS.

European keyboard layouts:

  • Resolves an issue with “>” typed instead of “§” in the Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish, Swiss German, and Swiss French keyboard layouts.
  • Resolves an issue with ctrl + '-' not working in the French and Dutch layouts.
  • Resolves an issue with the §± and `~ keys mixed up in the Dutch keyboard layout.
  • Resolves an issue with incorrect results for the §£ and `~ keys in the Polish Pro layout.

Brazilian Portuguese keyboard layout:

  • Resolves an issue with the §± and <> keys mixed up in the Brazilian Portuguese keyboard layout.
  • Resolves an issue with ctrl+' ` ' working instead of ctrl+'-'.

Arabic keyboard layout:

  • Resolves an issue with the § and ± symbols not typed when the Arabic layout is selected.
  • Resolves an issue with () typed instead of (ذ).

Linux support:

  • Resolves a network issue in the Cent OS 7 virtual appliance.

Parallels Desktop 13 for Mac Update 1 Hotfix 1 (13.1.1-43120)

This update for Parallels Desktop 13 for Mac 13.1.1 (43120) addresses overall stability and performance issues, and includes the following fixes and improvements:

  • Resolves an issue with USB 3.0 not working in the guest version of macOS 10.13.
  • Resolves an issue with installing macOS in to a virtual machine from a USB installation drive.
  • Resolves an issue with installing macOS 10.12 Sierra in to a virtual machine.
  • Resolves an issue with the mouse and keyboard not working in the guest version of macOS 10.10/10.9/10.8/10.7.
  • Resolves an issue with incorrect detection of macOS version when installing macOS from the Recovery partition.
  • Resolves an issue with graphics artifacts (look like a rainbow) sometimes appearing in the virtual machine window.
  • Resolves an issue with Windows 10 not booting when “Enable nested virtualization” is selected in the virtual machine configuration and “Hyper-V” is enabled in Windows.
  • Resolves an issue with the Parallels Desktop app icon not available in the Applications folder after installation.

Parallels Desktop 13 for Mac Update 1 (13.1.0-43108)

This update for Parallels Desktop 13 for Mac 13.1.0 (43108) addresses overall stability and performance issues, and includes the following fixes and improvements:

  • Create Boot Camp virtual machines on Macs with macOS High Sierra.
  • Create macOS High Sierra virtual machines from the Recovery partition on your Mac.
  • Resolves an issue with some Windows shortcuts (for example, 'Control+Shift” + “+/-“) not working in virtual machines.
  • Resolves an issue with installing Parallels Tools in Windows XP (Note: Don’t confuse Parallels Tools with Parallels Toolbox - Parallels Tools are used to integrate Windows with macOS.).
  • Resolves an issue with Windows not starting when opening a macOS file associated with a Windows application.
  • Resolves an issue with crashes of BIMcollab ZOOM and TopSolid CAD.
  • Resolves an issue with Zoom In and Zoom Out in APEX 3.
  • Resolves an issue with sending Windows files as attachments using a macOS email app after suspending and resuming Windows.
  • Resolves an issue with OneDrive for Business not shared with macOS when the corresponding option is enabled.
  • Resolves an issue with the Start menu not opening after clicking the Windows icon when the “Automatically show and hide the Dock” option is enabled in the macOS System Preferences.
  • Resolves an issue with copying Windows files to macOS.
  • Resolves an issue with the camera not working in TeamViewer.
  • Resolves an issue with maximizing Windows applications running in Coherence.
  • Resolves an issue with installing macOS older than Mac OS X Mavericks 10.9 from an image file in a virtual machine.
  • Resolves an issue with macOS not going to sleep when there is a virtual machine running in Coherence.

Parallels Desktop for Mac 13 Hotfix 1 (13.0.1-42947)

This update for Parallels Desktop 13 for Mac 13.0.1 (42947) addresses overall stability and performance issues, and includes the following fixes:

  • Resolves an issue with incorrect mapping of the Parallels Belgian keyboard after upgrading to Parallels Desktop 13.
  • Resolves an issue with incorrect mapping of the Parallels UK keyboard after upgrading to Parallels Desktop 13.
  • Resolves an issue with virtual machines not switching to Coherence view mode after upgrading to Parallels Desktop 13 on Macs with High Sierra Beta 7.

Parallels Desktop 13 for Mac release build 13.0.0 (42936) includes the following new features:

Parallels Desktop® 13 for Mac is the simplest, most powerful solution for running Windows and Windows applications on Mac® without rebooting. For more information, see the Parallels Desktop 13 for Mac documentation.

Performance

  • Working with Windows files from macOS® is up to 20% faster if the virtual machine is on a solid-state drive (SSD) and up to 40% faster if on a rotational hard drive (HDD).
  • Working with Windows files from Windows is up to 50% faster if the virtual machine is on a rotational hard drive (HDD).
  • Working with files on a Thunderbolt™ SSD storage connected to Windows is up to 100% faster.
  • Working with files on a USB 3.0 storage connected to Windows is up to 40% faster.
  • Creating a virtual machine snapshot is up to 50% faster.

General Enhancements

  • If you don't have Windows, Parallels Desktop can help you download and install Windows 10.
  • If you want to try Parallels Desktop, the trial period begins only after you start your virtual machine for the first time — so you have more time to work with it.
  • During the trial period, all options available only in Parallels Desktop® for Mac Pro Edition are marked with a special 'PRO' sign, making it easier for you to choose which edition you need.
  • Parallels Desktop shows a confirmation message when you try to stop or reset Windows while Windows is installing updates.
  • Parallels Desktop informs you when some actions (for example, downloading and installing virtual appliances) become unavailable because of no Internet connection.
  • Distinguish the virtual machines that have snapshots by the new snapshots icon, and use it to open the snapshots manager with a single click.
  • Work with your virtual machine in a new view mode: Picture-in-Picture:
    • The virtual machine is displayed in a small window that becomes transparent when you switch to another window.
    • You can choose to show the virtual machine window on all Spaces and on top of other windows.
    • The Close button switches the virtual machine back to the Window view mode.
  • New context-sensitive help for all Parallels Desktop options. Just click the “?” icon and read a description of each option on the screen.
  • Transferring a Windows PC to a virtual machine on your Mac has been improved.
  • Converting third-party virtual machines to the Parallels format has been improved.
  • Working with a Boot Camp® virtual machine has been significantly improved.

Graphics

  • Now when you resize the virtual machine window or switch between view modes, the virtual machine screen resolution changes faster and more smoothly.
  • We continue working on OpenGL 3.0 support. The first results could already be seen in an update for Parallels Desktop 12, where we added support for such games as Rage, Wolfenstein: The New Order, and Wolfenstein: The Old Blood. Now we’ve added support for DIALux evo and Northgard.
  • The way Windows is displayed when the Retina Resolution > Scaled option is selected has been improved: the text became crisper and graphics sharper.

Integration with Mac

  • Initial support for macOS 10.13 High Sierra as both the host and guest operating systems. Once this system is officially released, you may need to update Parallels Desktop.
  • Use the Touch Bar™ on your MacBook® to work with Parallels Desktop, Windows, and Windows applications.
  • Customize the Touch Bar for Windows applications.
  • Protect the Parallels Desktop preferences and virtual machine configuration from editing with Touch ID®.

Support for Windows 10 Fall Creators Update

  • Initial support for Windows 10 Fall Creators Update. Once this operating system is officially released, you may need to update Parallels Desktop.
  • Extended support for the People Bar feature:
    • Communicate with people from the macOS Dock, Finder®, and Spotlight®.
    • Pin as many persons to the Dock as you wish.
    • When Windows is running in Coherence, manage the People Bar from the macOS menu bar.

Linux

  • Improved support for Zorin OS, Elementary OS, Kali Linux, and Manjaro Linux guest operating systems:
    • Parallels Tools can be installed and work properly.
    • These systems are automatically detected during the installation.
    • Proper icons of these OSs are used in the Parallels Desktop interface, so that users can distinguish them from other Linux virtual machines.
  • Download Linux Mint virtual appliances from Installation Assistant.

New Design

  • The Parallels Desktop interface has been improved and redesigned to make it even more clear and user-friendly.
  • The sign-in and license-related dialogs have been redesigned to make them more clear and simple.
  • Editing the virtual machine hard disk properties has been improved and slightly redesigned. By default, virtual hard disks now provide up to 256 GB, so you have less reasons to edit the disk properties.
  • Change the Parallels Desktop interface color — you can choose between the light gray and dark color schemes.
  • The Parallels Desktop icon has been updated with Windows 10.

Present for Parallels Desktop Users

  • Download and install Parallels® Toolbox for both Mac and Windows to simplify your everyday tasks. (Parallels Toolbox is completely free for Parallels Desktop 13 customers.)

For Parallels Desktop Pro Edition and Business Edition Only

  • Assign up to 32 CPUs and 128 GB of RAM to a virtual machine.
  • Use a new Extended memory limit option to allocate even more memory to your virtual machine than your Mac has. This functionality is designed for developers and testing purposes.
  • Use Intel® VTune Amplifier, Linux “perf”, and Mozilla “rr” to improve your applications performance. To use this feature, enable PMU virtualization on the Hardware > CPU & Memory tab of the virtual machine configuration.
  • Quickly change the virtual machine screen resolution from the View > Set Resolution menu. To use this feature, enable Show developer tools on the Options > More Options tab of the virtual machine configuration.
  • Now you don’t have to spend time looking for your virtual machine IP address. Find and copy it from the Devices > Network menu. To use this feature, enable Show developer tools on the Options > More Options tab of the virtual machine configuration.

For Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition Only

  • Don’t bother inexperienced users with the Parallels Desktop interface, Windows installations, and virtualization — allow them to work with selected Windows applications in the all-new Single Application mode. For more information, please read the Parallels Desktop Business Edition Administrator’s Guide.
  • Improved structure of the Parallels Desktop Mass Deployment package.
  • Add selected Windows applications to the macOS Dock while deploying the Parallels Desktop Mass Deployment package.
  • Improved and redesigned security-related settings.
  • Use Touch ID to approve various password-protected actions on your virtual machines (for example, changing the virtual machine state, editing the virtual machine configuration, and more).