Parallels desktop for mac

Get your gaming face on. Discover one of the easiest ways to play PC games on a Mac – it’s the best thing since getting unlimited lives or finally beating that level you’ve been working on since the dawn of time. 

Ah, the classic Mac vs. PC debate: it’s the ultimate showdown of tech titans, each with their own superpowers. But what if we said you could have the best of both worlds? Yep, you heard it right. Using Parallels Desktop for gaming, you can wield your Mac’s sleek sophistication and unleash the whole empire of PC games.

Why pick sides when you can have it all?

Listen up, Mac enthusiasts—we get it. You love the elegance of your Mac, the smooth interface, and maybe that feeling of belonging to an exclusive club. But let’s be real—PC gaming is on another level, with many exclusive games that are super popular for a good reason.

So, what’s a die-hard Mac lover to do? The answer: choose both.

Enter Parallels Desktop: The ultimate game changer

Picture this: you’ve finished work for the day, and you’re seriously hankering for some gaming. (We’ve been there!) Maybe it’s the call of an epic RPG, the adrenaline rush of a fast-paced head-to-head battle, or the allure of a strategy game. Your friends just told you about the newest game they love. But hold on—like so many other great games, this one is only available on PC. Cue the dramatic music.

Before you start splurging on a separate PC just for gaming (that’s like getting a whole new apartment for your shoe collection—a bit much), let us introduce you to Parallels Desktop—your new gaming BFF. Using Parallels Desktop for gaming, you can run Windows and Mac applications side by side, like the ultimate multitasking wizard you were always meant to be.

Get ready to game like never before

Here’s the scoop on how this magical tech potion works. Parallels Desktop creates a virtual Windows machine right on your Mac. This means you can install and run Windows applications, including games, on your Mac as if you were using a Windows PC.

It’s like having a secret door to the PC gaming realm; all you need to do is knock (well, click) to enter. No need for a separate machine. You don’t even need to reboot your system to switch from Mac to Windows and back again.

Alludo Engineering Manager Ivan Moroz says, “I like gaming, and after moving to another country with nothing but my Mac, I realized I could still use it to play games with my friends thanks to Parallels Desktop.” That’s what we like to hear, Ivan.

1-2-3 go!

Setting up Parallels Desktop is smoother than butter on a hot pancake. Once you’re inside your virtual Windows realm, you won’t even notice the borders. Parallels Desktop integrates Windows applications seamlessly into your Mac environment. Drag, drop, copy, paste—it’s even easier than beating the intro level.

Using Parallels Desktop for gaming is so intuitive that a child can use it. Seriously. When we started gathering stories for the #MyParallelsStory series, we heard from a parent whose 9-year-old son loves the challenge and excitement of PC games. Certain games are a great fit for him as a neurodivergent individual, and he thrives when he plays them. They’re a total Mac family, but that’s not a problem. With Parallels Desktop, this precocious kiddo can play his favorite PC games on the family Mac computer without a hitch.

Bonus: Parallels Desktop is so efficient that it’s designed to run Windows smoothly and efficiently on your Mac without negatively impacting performance. (Nobody wants their game to buffer when you’re at a critical moment!) The software uses advanced virtualization technology to optimize resource usage and ensure the Mac and Windows operating systems run seamlessly together.

Consider your gaming FOMO vanquished. Product Manager Dmitry Geynisman says, “With Parallels Desktop, I can play my favorite Windows games on my Mac. Half-Life, GTA V, Age of Empires II, Rocket League, and more!” Pure wizardry.

Gaming is just the beginning

Parallels Desktop has totally changed the game—and not just for gaming. It’s your all-access pass to a world of Windows (and Linux) applications, whether you need them for work, creativity, or just exploring new horizons.

💼 Need to run a Windows-only business app? Done.

🎨 Want to use that specialized design software? Easy peasy.

📚 Curious about what your PC-loving friends are raving about? Jump right in.

The wrap-up: your quest awaits

So, there you have it, fellow Mac fans and aspiring PC gamers.  One of the best ways to play PC games on a Mac is with Parallels Desktop. It’s like, well, a parallel universe where you don’t need to choose sides. Enjoy the elegance of your Mac, sprinkle in the magic of PC gaming, and conquer new realms of productivity and creativity, all within the comfort of your preferred machine.

Are you still reading this? Go try it out!

And if you’re already loving Parallels Desktop, we’d love to hear your story. Share your experience today using #MyParallelsStory on social media.

Game on, my friends!

Calling all Mac fans and fellow tech explorers! We bet you’ve noticed a bit of a rivalry between Mac and Windows. Remember those “I’m a Mac/I’m a PC” ads from the mid-2000s?” We’ve settled the rivalry once and for all. 

Today, we’re venturing into a world where the two operating systems coexist in perfect harmony, and you can run Windows applications on your Mac. Picture this: Your Mac becomes a portal to endless possibilities, where you seamlessly switch between work and play, and from one OS to another, with just a few clicks. And no rebooting. Yep, you guessed it—we’re talking about the wondrous wizardry of Parallels Desktop

Work hard, Mac hard 

Let’s kick things off in the business realm. Let’s say you’re a Mac enthusiast, but your work requires you to dabble in the Windows world. No sweat! With Parallels Desktop, you can run Windows applications right on your Mac without breaking a sweat (or a Mac). No need for two computers. Whip up a Windows-native application faster than you can whip up an at-home latte for that coffee break you just earned with all the time you saved. 

Need to use industry-specific software that’s only available on Windows? Parallels Desktop to the rescue. Want to test your web design masterpiece across different browsers? Parallels Desktop has you covered. You won’t need to switch devices or boot up another computer just for that one app. 

“It’s so easy and fast to set up a Windows VM,” says Alludo Solutions Architect Carlos Lapao. “It just takes pressing a button, and in a few minutes, you have a fresh VM to use and play with.” 

It’s all about working smarter, not harder. The new world of work (we call it Work3) is about outcomes, not inputs. So, take that coffee break. Or two. Solutions like Parallels Desktop let you work where, when, and how you want—and work more efficiently than ever. 

Play it cool, Mac gamers 

You were so productive at work that it’s time to sign off for the day. Maybe you’re a dedicated Mac user, but sometimes you yearn for that epic PC game everyone raves about. Free yourself from FOMO! Parallels Desktop lets your favorite PC games come alive right on your Mac. No second device or whole new gaming rig required. Battle those mythical creatures, explore distant galaxies, or take on brain-twisting puzzles—and then click right back over to your Mac to iMessage your friends about your new high score. 

You can work on that big presentation in the morning and take on virtual foes in the evening (or, ahem, on that coffee break). Parallels Desktop seamlessly transforms your Mac into a versatile multitasking machine, where you can save time by switching between tasks without missing a beat. 

Home sweet (virtual) home 

Not much of a gamer? Your Mac isn’t just a workspace or a gaming hub; it’s your customized corner of the universe. No compromise needed, when you can easily run Windows applications on your Mac.  

Plenty of Windows-specific applications might fit your exact needs—but not your operating system. Unless, of course, you have Parallels Desktop. With Parallels Desktop, you can revive a favorite software program that you haven’t been able to use since you switched to a Mac. You can explore new software, test web development environments, and develop a hybrid virtual world tailored just to you. 

Alludo Support Manager Mikhail Ushakov loves that he can use Parallels Desktop to compartmentalize his work and home life, even if both activities take place in the same location. “I can keep all my work-related projects in a VM. When my day is over, I can use the Mac side for personal use.” It’s a great way to “shut down” your workday without relocating! 

Whether you’re an IT helpdesk worker spinning up virtual machines, a digital nomad balancing work and travel, a creative spirit crafting masterpiece, or a curious tech aficionado trying to master every realm, Parallels Desktop is the magic portal you need. 

In a nutshell 

We know a bit of Mac/PC rivalry will linger around. And we haven’t even talked about other operating systems. (Parallels Desktop can help with those, too!) But we’ve bridged the gap, creating more space and time for ideas. 

For the record, we acknowledge that not everyone is a Mac fan who uses Parallels for Windows. Sometimes it’s the other way around! Alludo Customer Success Manager Imad Aalouache is accustomed to using Windows, but decided to explore Mac. With Parallels Desktop, Imad can rely on favorite Windows apps and still launch specialized Mac apps for specific use cases. 

This is how to liberate the way you work and play. 

We’d love to hear your #MyParallelsStory and learn how Parallels Desktop gives you the best of both worlds. We want to know where your digital adventures take you, and we appreciate you bringing us along for the ride. Share your experience on social media today, using #MyParallelsStory. 

In celebration of the 17th year milestone of Parallels® Desktop for Mac, we’re looking back at an incredible journey that has seen us empower Mac users & developers to smoothly operate & build over 200,000 Windows applications on their chosen Mac device. Our dedicated Parallels team continually marvels at the inventive ways our strong base of 7 million customers utilize Parallels Desktop for Mac to cater to their specific virtualization needs daily.

Whether it’s employing a Windows-only application that Mac doesn’t support, leveraging exclusive Windows features, designing, developing, or testing software across diverse operating systems, enjoying gaming, running demanding CAD apps, or collaborating cross-platform with peers or students, our users have accomplished remarkable milestones with Parallels Desktop for Mac.

Join us as we delve into some standout moments of our astounding 17-year journey!

June 15, 2006, marked the genesis of Parallels Desktop for Mac, pioneering the world’s first virtualization software for Intel-based Mac. This innovation revolutionized the industry, granting Mac users the convenience of running Windows and Mac OS X simultaneously, a feat previously unattainable without rebooting through Boot Camp.

February 27, 2007, was the unveiling of the Coherence Mode feature, allowing customers to conceal Windows Desktop and operate Windows apps side-by-side with Mac applications within the Mac OS X environment. This mode remains a fan-favorite among Parallels Desktop users today.

On November 4, 2009, we added support for Apple trackpad gestures and keyboard actions such as drag-and-drop and copy-and-paste, further smoothing the operation between systems.

Fast forward to September 14, 2010, when Parallels Desktop introduced 64-bit mode support.

June 2011 brought the introduction of Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition, equipped with a volume license key to activate Parallels Desktop on a large scale.

November 6, 2011, we saw NASA use Parallels Desktop on MacBook laptops to land the Curiosity Rover on Mars!

We didn’t stop there; on September 4, 2012, we added support for DirectX 10 and Bluetooth devices on both Windows and macOS.

Fast forward to August 28, 2013, the birth of Parallels Access — the quickest, simplest, and most reliable remote access solution to a Windows or Mac system from iOS, Android, or an HTML browser.

By August 19, 2015, we had released Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro Edition — an enhanced version for power users and developers. This edition introduced the world’s first voice-assisted personal assistant on the Mac: Windows 10 Cortana, working with both Mac OS X and Windows!

On August 18, 2016, the Parallels Toolbox for Mac made its entry, offering 25 single-purpose tools to simplify common Mac tasks with just one click.

Following its success, on June 29, 2017, Parallels Toolbox for Windows was launched to streamline common Windows computing tasks.

By March 2019, Parallels Desktop for Mac had garnered a DEVIE award for “BEST in Operating System Development.”

Later, on August 13, 2019, our users could run more demanding Windows programs like CAD apps and games on a Mac, thanks to the support we added for DirectX 11, 10, and 9 on Apple Metal.

By October 20, 2020, we had released Parallels Desktop for Chrome OS, the first software to run Windows directly on enterprise Chromebooks!

The following year, on April 14, 2021, Parallels Desktop 16.5 for Mac launched with complete native support for Mac computers with Apple M1 chips.

Fast forward to February 16, 2023.  Microsoft authorized the use of ARM  versions of Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise installed in a virtual machine with Parallels Desktop for Mac for customers on Mac with Apple silicon.

Finally on May 16, 2023, Parallels Desktop attained ARM SystemReady VE Certification, to meet the highest industry standards and solidify its position as a leader in virtualization technology.   

Here’s to 17 years of Parallels!

Parallels Desktop gave TravelEssence the ease of use, freedom, and flexibility they wanted

Andrew Morton knows a thing or two about transporting people to new experiences. He founded TravelEssence, a bespoke travel company, to help others break out of their routines and explore the world.

His reasoning for founding TravelEssence is very sweet: He met and fell in love with his now-wife, a native of the Netherlands, on a trip. He decided to take up residence there and turn travel into a career. His business took off (pun intended), but there was a problem: For all his ability to get himself and others out of their comfort zones, Andrew and his team were very much settled in their comfort zone when it came to operating systems. He loved Apple/Mac products and had no intention of switching to Windows.

The issue

Two of the most essential solutions for planning and booking long-distance travel are native to Windows and not Mac-compatible.

Their company’s entire IT backend was set up on Apple computers. Not a single Windows computer can be found on the desks of the roughly 60 employees. They didn’t want to compromise on what they saw as the benefits of Apple products, but they also didn’t want to stunt their competitive edge by being unable to leverage those essential travel solutions.

Were they stuck? Grounded? It seemed that way at first. TravelEssence wanted to deliver ease of use, freedom, and flexibility for their clients—but they were having a hard time achieving those elements within their own workspace.

They tried to leverage a preinstalled utility that purported to allow them to use a dual boot system to access the Windows products, but was clunky, lacked performance capability and finesse, and required constant rebooting—a death sentence in the fast-moving world of travel.

The solution

Enter Parallels® Desktop for Mac. Andrew stumbled on this solution via a Google search. He downloaded a free trial and quickly realized that this was the high-performance, sophisticated solution he’d been waiting for. Andrew loved its simple installation and seamless, resource-saving integration in macOS. The real gold star, however, came thanks to Coherence mode. With Coherence mode, allowed the OS X window and the Windows-based applications to be displayed on the same desktop, with easy copy/paste data transfer. No rebooting required.

With Parallels Desktop, TravelEssence found the ease of use, freedom, and flexibility they needed. Parallels Desktop allows Andrew and his team to have the best of both worlds: the reliability and ease of use of their preferred Apple products, with the best-in-class, Windows-native travel software that helps them serve their clients. They work together seamlessly, without hiccups or downtime—exactly what you want to achieve when you’re in the travel business.

Ready for more? Read the full TravelEssence case study or learn more about Parallels Desktop.