Overview

What is Parallels for Mac?

Parallels allows Apple users to run Windows on a Mac OS X computer.

In depth

A closer look at Parallels for Mac

Parallels allows Apple users to run Windows on a Mac OS X computer. The software makes a Windows virtual machine that is able to run alongside the native operating system. Whilst Apple's Bootcamp app makes a bootable copy of Windows. Parallels is different in that it runs Windows within an environment on OS X.If you need it, Windows can be run in its own window, in full screen mode, or in an integrated view called Coherence. Coherence allows Mac and Windows apps to be used side by side.Key features include:

Ultimate flexibility.
Retina display support.
Connect devices.
One-click performance tuning.
Office 365 integration.
Save disc space.
Travel mode.
Works with Boot Camp.

Parallels can modify the standard Mac OS X interface, and adds a new window control button for any VMs. Along with the existing buttons that close and minimise windows, Parallels has a new button, which allows you to switch a VM into Coherence mode, thereby hiding the Windows desktop. This then allows any Windows apps to seamlessly sit right on the Mac OS desktop.A great feature of Parallels that is worth noting, is when you run Windows 10 in Coherence mode, the Windows Action Centre is able to be viewed as a panel, which slides in from the right-hand side of the screen, next to the Notification panel in Mac OS X.

Requirements

System requirements

Mac OS X

Verdict

Should you download Parallels for Mac?

Parallels for Mac runs on Mac and is available under the Commercial license — the installer is 252.16 MB. We’ve catalogued it under Editors.

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