With the launch of the Parallels Desktop Enterprise Edition, the Parallels team is taking that experience to a new level.  

One aspect I’m particularly excited about is the new Management Portal available in the Enterprise Edition.  

This portal is designed to streamline virtual machine (VM) management, deployment, and monitoring for IT administrators.  

Are you curious about what this new portal offers and how it can simplify your workflow? Let’s dive right in!  

Try Parallels Desktop Enterprise Edition now!  

What is the Management Portal? 

The Parallels Desktop Management Portal is a cloud-based service built to make life easier for IT teams managing large-scale deployments of Parallels Desktop within their organizations.  

It’s tailored for customers who have the need to manage 30 or more Parallels Desktop licenses, and need a more advanced, centralized way to handle their entire virtualization environment. 

With just a few clicks, this new portal lets administrators deploy VMs efficiently, control Parallels Desktop installations, monitor what users are up to, and set policies that apply across the board.  

The Enterprise Edition also adds flexibility with hybrid licensing, letting you choose between per-user and per-device licensing to suit your needs. 

Key features of the Management Portal 

1. Centralized VM deployment with golden Images 

Golden images let IT administrators create pre-configured VM images that can be deployed to end users in a matter of minutes. This feature eliminates the need for configuring machines individually, speeding up deployment time and ensuring every machine is set up the exact same way. Administrators can also pre-install the needed applications and settings inside the VM to provision to their users. 

2. Advanced policy control 

The Management Portal gives administrators complete control over how Parallels Desktop is used. Administrators can enforce policies like restricting users to corporate VMs, preventing VM deletion, or limiting access to a single VM. These settings provide a granular level of control, ensuring that users stick to the organizational guidelines. Policies can also be enforced based on user groups which allows admins to create a separate and unique policy for each group. 

3. Real-time monitoring and reporting 

Monitoring VMs and their usage has never been easier. The portal gives you real-time insights into user activity, helping you stay on top of compliance and manage resources more efficiently. This feature is especially helpful when overseeing large teams and making sure policies are followed. 

4. Hybrid licensing for maximum flexibility 

A standout feature of the new Parallels Desktop Enterprise edition is its hybrid licensing model, which supports both per-user and per-device activation. This flexibility is ideal for organizations that need to accommodate various user types and licensing preferences.  

Benefits of the Management Portal for large organizations 

Streamlined management 

Managing individual licenses and VMs can be time-consuming and prone to errors. The Management Portal eliminates these issues by centralizing control, allowing admins to deploy, monitor, and manage everything from a single dashboard. 

Improved efficiency

With golden images and setting up policies within the portal, admins can roll out new VMs in minutes rather than hours. This speed is crucial in environments where new users or machines need to be onboarded quickly without sacrificing compliance or security. 

Scalability matching your growth 

Whether your organization has 30 or 300 employees, the Management Portal grows with you. Thanks to its hybrid licensing model and centralized controls, handling even the most significant deployments remains smooth and hassle-free.  

What’s next for the Parallels Desktop Enterprise Edition? 

The initial release of the Management Portal is already packed with powerful features, but there is so much more to come.  

Support for SSO activation has been added in version 20.2 of Parallels Desktop Enterprise Edition, allowing for seamless integration with your existing identity provider. The Parallels team is also working on support for multiple golden images and improved group management, making the portal even more versatile for large, complex environments. 

Ready to explore the new Management Portal? 

The new Management Portal is now available in the new Parallels Desktop Enterprise Edition. Explore how it improves efficiency for IT admins in our on-demand webinar, which includes a demo of this simple, intuitive platform for managing all your Parallels Desktop instances.  

Access the webinar to learn how the new Management Portal enables IT admins to save hours of work and improve consistency, accuracy, and end user satisfaction.  

Here are just a few of the features and capabilities you’ll explore: 

• Automating deployment across hundreds or thousands of endpoints in minutes. 

• Controlling user access and configuring settings across multiple devices from a single dashboard. 

• Gathering insights with built-in reporting and analytics so you can optimize resource allocation and identify potential issues before they impact users. 

• Enforcing company-wide policies via centralized controls, ensuring all endpoints remain secure. 

If you’re an existing Parallels Desktop Business customer and would like to explore these new features, upgrading to the Enterprise Edition is simple. Just reach out to your Parallels sales representative to start a trial or speak about how the Management Portal can revolutionize the way you manage VMs in your organization.

For more details, including a full admin guide and setup instructions, visit the Parallels Desktop Enterprise Edition Admin Guide. 

The post Introducing the new Parallels Desktop Management Portal appeared first on Parallels Blog.

As tech enthusiasts and developers, we’re all eager to get our hands on the latest features and innovations.  

However, upgrading your entire Mac to the beta version might not be the most practical approach, especially when you want to stabilize your primary environment.  

Thankfully, Parallels Desktop offers the most convenient way to preview macOS Sequoia 15 in a virtual machine.  

You can explore the latest macOS in a safe, isolated environment without altering your primary system.  

Plus, we’re thrilled to offer a free 14-day trial of Parallels Desktop, with no commitment required. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started with macOS Sequoia 15 on Parallels Desktop. 

Install macOS Sequoia 15 in a Virtual Machine 

Note: your Apple ID must be a member of the Apple Developer Program to proceed. 

1. Download, unzip, and install the latest Xcode beta tools 

   – Head over to the Apple Developer Downloads page to get the latest Xcode beta tools. 

*Note: Install MobileDevice.pkg manually (navigate to Xcode-beta.app/Contents/Resources/Packages and install MobileDevice.pkg).

2. Download the macOS 15 beta restore image 

   – Visit the Operating Systems Downloads page and download the macOS 15 beta restore image. 

3. Create a new macOS VM in Parallels Desktop 

   – Open Parallels Desktop. 

   – Click File > New. 

   – Select Install Windows, Linux, or macOS from an image file, then click Continue. 

   – Choose the downloaded macOS 15 beta image file and click Continue. 

   – Set your desired name for the VM and click Create. 

4. Wait for the installation to complete 

   – Parallels Desktop will guide you through the macOS installation process. This may take some time, so be patient as your new virtual machine is set up. 

5. Complete the macOS setup 

   – Once the installation is complete, follow the on-screen instructions to set up a new user account in macOS Sequoia 15. 

6. Install Parallels Tools 

   – On the menu bar, click on the virtual machine name > Install Parallels Tools. 

   – When the installation is complete, restart macOS 15. Parallels Tools bring clipboard synchronization and file sharing between your primary macOS and the virtual machine. 

Important limitations to note 

– Signing into an Apple ID in a virtual machine is not supported: you won’t be able to sign into your Apple ID within the VM. 

– If you have an active VPN connection on the primary macOS, the virtual machine may lose network access. If this happens, shutdown the VM > open the VM configuration > Hardware > Network > Source: > switch to the Bridged network mode. 

– Snapshots are not available yet for macOS virtual machines on Apple silicon. 

Discover the latest innovations in macOS Sequoia 15  

With Parallels Desktop, you can seamlessly explore macOS Sequoia 15 and stay ahead of the curve.  

Our virtual machine software provides the flexibility and power you need to test new features without compromising your main operating system.  

Don’t wait—download your free 14-day trial of Parallels Desktop today and dive into the future of macOS! 

Happy exploring! 

The Parallels Desktop Team 

Try Parallels Desktop Free for 14 Days 

Disclaimer: Features and steps mentioned are subject to updates and changes as software evolves. 

The post Preview macOS Sequoia 15 with Parallels Desktop – The Ultimate Convenience for Tech Enthusiasts and Developers! appeared first on Parallels Blog.

What an incredible year it’s been! 

We are super excited to announce the next round of innovations with Parallels Desktop 19 for Mac.  

Parallels Desktop has become a catalyst for productivity and software development, enabling Mac users to leverage the strengths of multiple operating systems without compromise.  

More than two million professionals, developers, creatives, and enthusiasts trust Parallels Desktop with running Windows, Linux, and macOS in a virtual environment.  

The possibilities are limitless, and the impact on industries, businesses, and individual endeavors cannot be overstated. 

This blog post will explore what’s new in this release and how different user groups will benefit from it.  

Compatibility with the upcoming macOS Sonoma upgrade  

We know how important it is to stay up and running after continuous software upgrades. This is why compatibility with macOS has always been and continues to be a primary focus.  

In macOS Sonoma 14, the software module CGPSConverter that converts PostScript files was removed from macOS. As a result, the Shared Printing feature became useless, as it was using this module to allow printing from Windows via printers shared from Mac.  

Printing from Windows is essential for many Parallels Desktop users. As a response, our engineers re-engineered the Shared Printing feature to use Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) which is the most popular printing method nowadays. The IPP printing holds the potential for exposing more printer-specific features to Windows that our engineers are currently exploring. 

There are also improvements to running macOS Sonoma in a virtual machine, which we cover in a separate topic below. 

Design  

Being a Mac app, we are heavily inspired by the depth of detail in Apple design.  

We took time and care in our approach to meet modern macOS design guidelines.  

We didn’t want to simply put the old icon on a familiar round-cornered white tile but instead, rethink how we visually propagate our app in macOS.  

The new app icon and in-product details achieve this! 

• Given most of our users have MacBook computers, we’ve changed the long-used background resembling iMac forms to a laptop. 
• The parallelism metaphor for running multiple OSs simultaneously has been moved from sitting in front of the Mac to the background because this is where we are – powering up the virtualization engine and running in the background, enabling users to run third-party OSs and software. 
• And, finally, the mysterious hole in the upper-left corner has been addressed. A rectangle with a dot in the corner represents a container: a window that hosts “your stuff,” regardless of the platform you access it from. Plus, this is a nod towards the new Parallels branding that unites all Parallels products into a single keychain for organizations. 

Integration with Mac: Use touch ID for Windows sign-in   

We’ve brought the magic of Apple’s Touch ID to Windows sign-in and Parallels Desktop installation!  

If your Windows 10 or 11 is protected with a PIN or password, the next time you sign into Windows after upgrading to Parallels Desktop 19 will prompt Windows to use the new Parallels credential provided.  Your Windows password will then be saved to Mac Keychain with a special Touch ID-bound record type (a record that can be used solely for Touch ID usage), available only on this Mac with your fingerprint.  

Next time you sign into Windows, Parallels Desktop will prompt you to use Touch ID to sign into your user account. It is both simple and secure. Users can manage saved passwords via a simple but useful interface and get back to using the old sign-in method if preferred. 

This improvement will be very handy for Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition users in an organization where certain security policies require Windows to be secured with a password.  

Professional Windows software on Mac: OpenGL improvements and more 

We are thrilled by the fact that professionals in architecture, engineering, and design all over the world use Parallels Desktop to power up their Mac with Windows apps they need for work. This year, with improved OpenGL support up to version 4.1, we enable more Windows-only CAD software to run on Mac, including VariCAD, Vectorworks Vision 2023, and more. 

There is also good news for professionals who trust Parallels Desktop to run the popular geographic information system software AcrGIS Pro on a Mac. We listened to feedback, and we are happy to announce significant performance improvements for ArcGIS Pro in this version. 

macOS VM on Apple silicon: easier installation, more operations, and controls 

On a Mac with Apple silicon, the macOS virtual machine is powered by a relatively new macOS framework, where Parallels Desktop is much less in control of VM operations compared with the Hypervisor framework used to power up Windows and Linux (on all Mac computers), and macOS on an Intel-powered Mac. This is the reason why macOS VM on Apple silicon has much fewer features and a different bundle format “.macvm” versus a familiar “.pvm” format used for the rest of the VM types. 

This upgrade is packed with improvements for macOS virtual machines on Apple silicon: 

• VM installation: Use an IPSW image to install a new macOS virtual machine via the Installation Assistant UI, or with the CLI ($ prlctl create “macOS13” -o macos –restore-image “/path/to/image.ipsw”). 
• Basic VM operations: restart, shutdown gracefully, and pause-resume the virtual machine either from the UI menu or by using the Parallels CLI prlctl. 
• Input: use two-finger Trackpad gestures in the VM to scroll and zoom.  
• Mass deployment: deploy Parallels Desktop with macOS virtual machine to Mac computers with Apple silicon. 

With macOS Sonoma 14 running in both a primary and virtual capacity, the experience is even better: 

• Display: display resolution is updated automatically when the VM window is being resized. 
• Network: with Pro Edition, use port forwarding to access a macOS VM via SSH or RDP remotely, for instance, when you host them on Amazon EC2 Mac instances. 

Using Packer with Parallels VM is easier and it supports macOS VMs on Apple silicon  

When we develop Parallels Desktop, we always try to automate manual labor as much as possible. The same applies to many of our customers who use Parallels Desktop to develop and test their software. In response to customers’ valuable feedback, we have partnered with HashiCorp to deliver long-awaited improvements to the Parallels Provider for Packer and Vagrant.  

With Parallels Desktop 19, we have eliminated the need for using Parallels SDK and Python, making it even easier to work with these essential tools. And we are happy to announce that this upgrade brings the ability to create and configure a macOS virtual machine on Apple Silicon, too. 

As part of our commitment to open source, we have developed a variety of sample templates for Packer, simplifying the onboarding process for new customers. These templates cater to Windows, Linux, and MacOS and are freely available on our GitHub Repository. 

Furthermore, we have revamped our documentation, providing comprehensive guides on utilizing these tools seamlessly with our providers.  

Linux on Apple silicon: run x86 Docker containers and Microsoft SQL, CentOS 9 Stream  

For developers who need to run x86 Docker containers or Microsoft SQL Server on a Mac with Apple silicon, Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro Edition provides a new ready-to-go Ubuntu Linux Arm VM that is configured to run x86 Docker containers, powered by Apple’s Rosetta 2 technology. The new VM can be downloaded from the Free Systems section of the Installation Assistant. 

And, in a game changing move for developers and power users, we are excited to introduce the ability to run x86 binaries and containers within a Linux Arm VM on a Mac with Apple silicon. By incorporating a ready-to-go downloadable Ubuntu Linux VM, we have simplified the process of running x86 container images, including popular ones like Microsoft SQL Server.  

This breakthrough enables users to effortlessly consume and debug containers, and build them for the x86 platform.  

Looking ahead, we are committed to continuously improving the compatibility of these binaries in future updates. Stay tuned for exciting developments in this area. 

Parallels Desktop 19 for Mac also supports running CentOS 9 Stream on a Mac with Apple silicon. Whether you’re studying, developing, or testing for CentOS/RHEL, our solution provides flexibility and versatility.  

Device management in an organization: enroll Windows to Microsoft Intune  

We understand how crucial device management is for organizations and see  increased adoption of Microsoft Intune among our customers.  

Previously, to ensure that virtual Windows devices used by end-users in an organization can be enrolled in Microsoft Intune, an IT admin could use only the mass deployment scenario, which is not convenient for some types of organizations. 

Parallels Desktop 19 for Mac Business Edition brings the ability to enroll Windows 11 in Intune when it is provisioned to employees via the Parallels My Account web app, and when the Windows image is simply shared via cloud storage. 

This feature makes administering Windows devices within your organization much easier and more efficient. 

Parallels Desktop is about bridging the gap between macOS and your operating system(s) of choice, enabling you to enjoy the best of both worlds without compromise.  

The new version of Parallels Desktop offers an even more seamless experience for Mac users looking to run Windows or Linux. 

We are proud to be a Microsoft-authorized solution, and our developments are a testament to our dedication and commitment to delivering high-quality, powerful, reliable, and efficient solutions to run Windows 11 on Mac. 

We’re eager for you to experience the next level of Windows-macOS integration with Parallels Desktop.  

DOWNLOAD PARALLELS DESKTOP 19 FREE TRIAL 

Thank you from the team at Parallels!

The post What’s new in Parallels Desktop 19 appeared first on Parallels Blog.

“By achieving this certification, Parallels has again demonstrated its commitment of working with technology partners like Arm to provide developers and users with a virtualization platform that meets the highest industry standards,” said Prashant Ketkar, CTO at Alludo.   

Businesses can have more confidence that Windows 11 and Linux will operate smoothly, minimizing downtime and supporting business continuity. For developers, the certification ensures that their code and testing in Arm-based virtual environments will run with seamless interoperability across standard operating systems and software. This alignment can help prevent compatibility issues and streamline the development process. 

“By standardizing common building blocks, fragmentation is reduced, and device users can focus on the task at hand without worrying about security or reliability,” said Andy Rose, VP Technology Strategy and Fellow at Arm. “Parallels’ certification demonstrates a commitment to delivering high-quality software and we look forward to seeing how Parallels Desktop users are further empowered to use Windows 11 and Linux with increased reliability and security on Arm-based systems.” 

You can find our official Arm SystemReady certification here.  

Apart from the Arm certification, we achieved another significant milestone in February 2023, with Microsoft recognizing Parallels Desktop as the only third-party solution for using Arm versions of Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise on Macs with Apple Silicon. This news was particularly welcomed by business users who have been eager to harness the power of Windows 11 on their Apple devices.  

Let’s dive into the details and learn how Parallels Desktop is revolutionizing the way we use Windows on Mac. 

Why Parallels Desktop? 

Parallels Desktop is a widely recognized virtualization software that enables Mac users to run Windows on their devices. Here are a few reasons why Parallels Desktop is the ultimate solution for running Windows 11 on Macs: 

• Seamless Integration: Parallels Desktop offers a coherent and smooth experience, allowing users to run Windows and macOS applications side by side without rebooting. This integration enables users to easily switch between operating systems and access their preferred apps seamlessly. 
• Performance: Parallels Desktop is designed to run VMs on Apple Silicon, resulting in enhanced performance for Windows 11 on Mac in areas such as faster start-up times, and improved battery life. 
• Easy Installation: Parallels Desktop simplifies installation, making it quick and hassle-free to get Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise up and running on your Mac. Users can easily download and install Windows 11 directly from Parallels Desktop or import an existing virtual machine. 
• Facilitate Compliance: Microsoft has authorized the use of Arm versions of Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise installed in a virtual machine with Parallels Desktop for Mac. 

The combination of attaining the Arm certification and Microsoft’s authorization has opened a new world of possibilities for especially business users and developers. With Parallels Desktop leading the way, and now backed by the Arm SystemReady certification, users can expect a seamless, high-performance, and secure experience when running Windows 11 on their Apple devices. The future is bright, and the recent updates are a testament to the ongoing innovation that continues to shape the tech industry. 

The post Parallels Desktop attains Arm SystemReady VE Certification to meet highest industry standards appeared first on Parallels Blog.

The latest update also delivers full support for the M1 Ultra chip, allowing Mac Studio users to assign up to 128GB of RAM to a Windows 11 VM to give the system even more power. 

“Knowing that Parallels Desktop plays a critical role in enabling users to run Windows, Linux and macOS on their favorite Mac computers, our team delivers yet another solid update to polish user experience of running Windows apps with macOS Ventura’s Stage Manager, as well as to bring support for CentOS Stream 9 ARM to run on Mac computers with Apple M-series chip,” said Elena Koryakina, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Alludo. “The latest version of Parallels Desktop also simplifies migrating existing employees to a new per-user Business license to enable SSO/SAML authentication.”  

What are the top new features in Parallels Desktop 18 update 1?

Parallels Desktop 18.1 update addresses the overall stability and security issues and includes the following additions and improvements across the Standard, Pro, and Business editions: 

Parallels Desktop for Mac Standard Edition  

• Polished experience on macOS Ventura when using Windows 11 in Coherence mode with Stage Manager (new macOS 13 feature). 

• Improved graphics in Windows 11 for a multitude of OpenGL 3D applications as well as some games, including but not limited to World of Warships, Eve Online, Optuma, ANSYS Workbench 2021, Micromine, NS-1, BobCad-Cam, ACCA Edificius. 

• NEW! Added by popular demand from current Parallels Desktop users, support for CentOS Linux Stream 9 (ARM) on Mac computers with Apple M-series chips. 

Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro Edition   

• NEW! With macOS Ventura, Parallels’ engineering team successfully delivers full M1 Ultra chip support with the ability to assign up to 128GB of RAM to a VM.  

Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition  

• Improved! This update simplifies the migration process from the regular per-device license to a new per-user license with SSO/SAML integration. For more details, check out our KB article on Parallels Desktop for Business per-user licensing. 

For more details on the fixes and improvements, visit:  https://kb.parallels.com/en/129060

New to Parallels Desktop? Check out what’s new in the latest version 18 and test it for 14 days for free! 

The post Just Released — Parallels Desktop for Mac 18.1 Update Fully Supports macOS Ventura and M1 Ultra Chip appeared first on Parallels Blog.

Engineered for the latest Apple hardware and the upcoming macOS Ventura release, with improved compatibility of Windows 11 on ARM and powerful performance and gaming updates, Parallels Desktop for Mac enables users to work (and play!) without interruptions to get more done. 

With this latest release, Parallels Desktop for Mac continues to offer end users, professionals, and enterprises the latest and greatest in technology and user experience, which has led to top rankings by trusted independent reviews sites like G2 and TrustRadius. 

Users can leverage the most advanced Windows experience on their Macs to run more than 200,000 Windows apps and classic games, and download, install, and configure Windows 11 in just one click, making setup fast and easy. They can also download a free set of ready to use Linux systems.    
 

Top new features in Parallels Desktop 18 for Mac  

Parallels Desktop 18 for Mac Standard Edition 

• Full support for Apple’s ProMotion display with automatic refresh rate changes and increased Apple M1 Ultra performance, allowing users to assign more RAM and CPU cores and run Windows 11 up to 96% faster on Mac Studio with Apple’s M1 Ultra chip. *  
• Enhanced Windows game play experience on a Mac. Users can now connect a game controller to their Mac, switch to Windows, and start playing, in addition to automatically sharing Xbox or DualShock Bluetooth game controllers with Windows and Linux. Enjoy a smooth Windows UI on your Mac, a higher frame rate, and much more. 
•  Improved compatibility of Intel (x86) applications when running Windows 11 on ARM, specifically when saving and reading files from the Mac disk. 
• Improved USB 3.0 to support live data streaming devices, including Elgato HD60, Startech USB 3.0 Video Capture, and more. 

Parallels Desktop 18 for Mac Pro Edition  

Includes all features in Standard Edition, with the following additional functionality: 

• Powerful network conditioner on Apple M1 Macs enables users to set up various network conditions for a virtual machine (VM), such as bandwidth, packet loss, and delay, similar to both Windows and Linux VMs. 
• Isolate VM network from Mac on Apple M1 Mac computers for better security and start a Minikube cluster with Parallels Desktop as a virtualization provider. 

• Ability to use network boot with Linux ARM VMs now available on Mac computers with Apple M1 chips. 
• Easily analyze an application performance on a separate VM using the enhanced Parallels plugin for Visual Studio. 

Parallels Desktop 18 for Mac Business Edition 

Includes all features of the Standard and Pro Editions, with the following additional functionality: 

• Convenient SSO/SAML authentication enables employees to sign in and activate Parallels Desktop with a corporate account. 
• Allow IT admins to deploy, provision, or transfer a Windows 11 VM across employees’ Mac computers.  
• Manage your Parallels Customer Experience Program participation centrally in Parallels My Account. 

How to get Parallels Desktop 18 for Mac    

Ready to get started? Here’s how to access Parallels Desktop 18: 

• If you’re an existing customer, go here to upgrade. 
• If you purchased Parallels Desktop 17, check out our Tech Guarantee to see if you qualify for a free upgrade.   
• New customer? Get your copy here. 
• Still deciding? Test drive Parallels Desktop 18 free for 14 days! 

Note: All Parallels Desktop subscriptions include complimentary concurrent subscriptions to Parallels Access and Parallels Toolbox for Mac and Windows. 

For more information, please visit parallels.com. 

* Performance measurements conducted by Parallels by collecting the PassMark9 score in Windows 11 (22000) in macOS 12 on Mac13,2. Measured with a prerelease version of Parallels Desktop 18 versus the released version of Parallels Desktop 17. The performance will vary based on usage, system configuration, and other factors. 

The post Just Released! Parallels Desktop 18 for Mac appeared first on Parallels Blog.

You might have heard the BIG news from Google about the early access release of Chrome OS Flex – a “standalone” version of Google’s OS that can be installed on both Windows and Mac computers, aka “the cloud-first operating system for PCs and Macs”.  

If you haven’t yet, check out Google’s blog post about it or this article in Macworld or go through this excellent review by Ars Technica. 

I don’t have a spare Mac or PC that I can erase to try out this new OS – and I’m guessing you probably don’t either. No problem: you can install this OS in a new virtual machine (VM) in Parallels® Desktop for Mac. Read on to learn step-by-step how to do this. Actually, using Parallels Desktop to install an OS for testing is my preferred approach. 

Chrome OS Flex is a lightweight, secure Linux-based OS that is easy for businesses to manage thanks to Google’s cloud-based management. We’re very excited about this release and, of course, want to make sure that Parallels Desktop users can get a sneak peek at it today. And yes, you can! All you need is:  

1. Mac computer with Intel processor. 

2. Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac (or newer). 

3. Google Chrome browser. 

4. 8GB + USB flash drive. 

5. Pre-configured Parallels Desktop VM template for this OS. (Download here, or use manual instructions below) 

1. Create a Bootable Media With Chrome OS Flex Installer 

1. Install the Chromebook Recovery Utility extension to your Chrome browser on macOS. 

2. Open the utility (the easiest way is via Spotlight or Launchpad) > click “Get Started” > click “Select a model from a list” > locate and select “Google Chrome OS Flex” in the manufacturer dropdown > select the product. 

3. Select the USB device and click “Continue” (the data will be erased!). 

4. Click “Create Now”. 

2. Create a VM 

1. Open Parallels Desktop Installation Assistant: File > New… 

2. Select “Install Windows on another OS…” and click “Continue”. 

3. Click “Choose Manually” > check the option “Continue without a source” and click “Continue”. 

4. In the dropdown, select Other > Chromium OS > click “OK”. 

5. Check the option “Customize settings before installation” and click “Create”. 

6. Navigate to Hardware tab > set 4096 MB of memory. 

7. Select Graphics settings on the sidebar > set “Auto” in the dropdown. 

8. Select Mouse & Keyboard on the sidebar > set the mouse option to “Optimize for games”. 

9. Scroll down the sidebar with options and select Boot Order > check “External device” and move it to the top. 

10. In the dropdown “External boot device” select the USB device that you have prepared. 

11. Close the configuration window and click “Continue”.  

12. Always allow Parallels Desktop to access the USB device. 

Note: After you’ve downloaded the pre-configured VM, simply open it in Parallels Desktop and repeat steps 9-12. 

3. Install Chrome OS Flex to the Virtual Machine 

1. Once you’ve booted the VM, click “Get Started” > select “Install CloudReady 2.0” and proceed. 

2. Wait for the installation process to be completed. 

3. Once completed, shut down the VM > open its configuration > Hardware > Boot Order > uncheck “External device” and deselect the flash drive from the dropdown. 

4. Now you have a standalone Chrome OS Flex VM. Enjoy!  

Figure 1 shows Chrome OS Flex running in Parallels Desktop on my Intel iMac. 

Don’t forget, since there are no Parallels Tools for Chrome OS Flex your mouse will be “captured” when you click in the Chrome OS Flex window on your Mac. To get the cursor back on the Mac, simultaneously hold down the control and option keys. 

That’s all, folks! Let me know your experience with the Chrome OS Flex VM here on Parallels Forums. 

The post Run Chrome OS Flex in Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac appeared first on Parallels Blog.

It’s finally here! We’re so excited to introduce a new version of Parallels® Desktop: Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac. It is optimized for Windows 11 and macOS Monterey, unveils powerful new features for both Apple M1 and Intel and includes graphics, performance and productivity improvements. 

Watch a video about the highlights in Parallels Desktop 17:  

What are the top new features in Parallels Desktop 17?  

Ready for macOS 12 Monterey and Windows 11 

Parallels Desktop 17 will support macOS Monterey as a host and guest operating system (OS) and will be optimized for Windows 11. Get a sneak peek and install the highly anticipated previews of macOS Monterey and Windows 11 to a virtual machine (VM) via the Parallels Desktop 17 Installation Assistant. Check out our two blog posts about how to run macOS Monterey in a VM and how to run Windows 11 in a VM.  

Must-have Speed and Performance Updates 

Applications running with Parallels Desktop 17 on Mac computers with Apple M1¹ and Intel chip now run remarkably faster and more efficiently. Here are some of our performance improvements: 

On all supported Mac computers²:  

• Up to 38% faster Windows, Linux and macOS resume  
• OpenGL graphics perform up to 6 times faster  
• Up to 25% faster 2D graphics in Windows  

On a Mac with Apple M1 chip²:  

• Up to 33% faster Windows 10 on ARM Insider Preview start  
• Up to 20% faster Windows 10 on ARM Insider Preview disk performance  
• Up to 28% better DirectX 11 graphics performance   

On a Mac with Intel processor²:  

• Up to 60% faster network connection on macOS Big Sur (and newer) virtual machine  

Enhanced Windows Gaming Experience:  

The improved display driver in Parallels Desktop 17 delivers a much smoother Windows UI responsiveness and synchronized video playback experience. The new driver boosts the frame rate in many 2D action-platformer games including Foregone, Smelter and many others for a greater gaming experience.  

Powerful New Features for Apple M1 chip Mac 

With Parallels Desktop 17, Windows 10 recognizes Mac battery status and enables battery saving when your Mac runs low of charge. The new virtual TPM chip enables Windows 10 and Windows 11 to use BitLocker and Secure Boot for a higher level of data protection. Enjoy multichannel sound support and jack presence detection with native drivers in Linux VMs. Conveniently use a Linux virtual machine in a windowed view mode with dynamic resolution support—resize the VM window and Linux will refresh the display for the new resolution automatically.    

Coherence Mode Improvement:  

A long-time user favorite feature, Coherence Mode is now used by 80% of Parallels Desktop users, enabling them to run Windows applications and Mac applications side by side, without seeing the Windows desktop. Users now enjoy an uninterrupted and distraction-free workflow as all Windows shutdowns, updates and sign-in screens are windowed, enabling the user to minimize them to stay focused and productive.   

Automatic Resource Manager:  

Users can now experience the Automatic Resource Manager, designed to evaluate and advise on the optimal amount of Mac hardware resources for virtual machines to ensure the best performance every time.    

Seamlessly Drag and Drop Content between Windows and Mac:  

Users now enjoy the ability to drop any text or image between Mac and Windows applications, including between Windows applications and macOS Monterey Quick Note (when available).  

Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac Pro Edition:  

Designed to provide the best value to Parallels Desktop power users, developers and IT specialists, Parallels Desktop Pro Edition is Parallels’ most popular selling version, offering all the power of the standard Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac, plus these unique capabilities:   

• Easily Convert a Linked Clone to an Independent Virtual Machine: Responding to the demands of our users, Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac Pro Edition enables the creation of an independent virtual machine from a linked clone in just two clicks.   
• Improved Visual Studio Plugin: The Parallels Desktop plugin for Visual Studio, designed to debug code in a standalone VM, now supports Mac computers with Apple M1 chip. Moreover, the plugin installation process with Visual Studio 2019 has been simplified.  

 Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac Business Edition:  

Delivering essential capabilities specifically for enterprise environments, Parallels Desktop 17 Business Edition builds on the power of the Pro version with additional functionality, including:   

• Corporate Virtual Machine Provisioning to Any Mac: Business administrators can now provision pre-configured Windows virtual machines to a mixed fleet of Mac computers with both Intel and Apple M1 chip. IT managers can now specify download links and descriptions in Parallels My Account for both Intel and Apple M1 chip Mac computers, and Parallels Desktop will automatically download the proper image for each individual employee.   
• Deploy Parallels Desktop on a Multi-Architecture Mac Fleet with a Single Package: Parallels Desktop 17 is a universal binary application that makes it possible to create just one mass deployment package that can be used with both Intel- and M1-based Mac computers. With this new option, Parallels Desktop deployment using Mac Management tools and Self-Service Portal is remarkably simple.  

Take a look at all the new features of Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac on our website.  

How to get your copy of Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac   

 If you…  

…are an existing customer, upgrade now.  
…are a new customer, purchase your copy here—or test it for 14 days for free.  
…have just recently purchased Parallels Desktop 16, check out our Tech Guarantee to see if you get a free upgrade.  

Let us know on Facebook or Twitter what your favorite feature in our latest version is. 

____ 

¹ Running VMs on Apple M1 Mac computers in Parallels Desktop 17 requires ARM-based operating systems (OSs). Customers who install guest operating systems in Parallels Desktop virtual machines are responsible for making sure that they are compliant with each OSs’ end-user licensing agreement (EULA). 

² Performance measurements conducted by Parallels. Measured with a prerelease version of Parallels Desktop 17 versus released version of Parallels Desktop 16. The performance will vary based on usage, system configuration and other factors. 

The post Just Released! Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac appeared first on Parallels Blog.

Celebrate the 15^th birthday of Parallels Desktop for Mac with an exclusive 25% discount.

Special offer ends July 1, 2021 at 23:59 PST

We’re celebrating 15 years helping Mac users smoothly run more than 200,000 Windows applications on the Mac device of their choice! Our Parallels team is constantly impressed by the creative ways that our 7 million customers use Parallels® Desktop to meet their unique virtualization needs every day. Whether it’s to run a Windows program that is not available on the Mac or to leverage unique Windows-only features, to design, develop or test software across multiple operating systems, to play games, to run demanding CAD apps or to work cross-platform with colleagues or students, our users have reached many important milestones over the years.

Here are some of our incredible highlights in honor of this amazing 15-year history!

1. June 15, 2006 – Parallels Desktop for Mac, the world’s first virtualization software for Intel-based Mac was born! Parallels revolutionized the industry as Mac users could finally run Windows and Mac OS X simultaneously without having to reboot via Boot Camp.
2. February 27, 2007 – The introduction of the Coherence Mode feature gave customers the option to hide Windows Desktop and use Windows apps in the Mac OS X environment side-by-side with Mac applications. This view mode is still the most popular among Parallels Desktop users.
3. November 4, 2009 – Support for Apple trackpad gestures and keyboard actions (such as drag-and-drop and copy-and-paste) was added to seamlessly work between systems.
4. September 14, 2010 – Parallels Desktop introduced support for 64-bit mode.
5. June 2011 – Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition was launched, with a volume license key to activate Parallels Desktop at scale.
6. November 6, 2011 – Out of this world! NASA spotted with Parallels Desktop installed on MacBook laptops to land the Curiosity Rover on Mars!
7. September 4, 2012 – Support for DirectX 10 and Bluetooth devices was added across both Windows and macOS.
8. August 28, 2013 – Parallels Access, the fastest, simplest, most reliable remote access to a Windows or Mac system from iOS, Android or an HTML Browser was launched. Today, Parallels Access is also included in any subscription of Parallels Desktop.
9. August 19, 2015 – Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro Edition, an advanced version for power users and developers to design, develop and test was released to the market along with the world’s first voice-assisted personal assistant on the Mac: Windows 10 Cortana works with both Mac OS X and Windows! (Siri doesn’t appear on Mac until later.)
10. August 18, 2016 – Parallels Toolbox for Mac, a standalone product featuring 25 single-purpose tools that simplify common Mac tasks to just one-click, entered the market. Interesting fact: with new tools added regularly, Parallels Toolbox for Mac now includes more than 40 unique tools.
11. June 29, 2017 – After the success of Parallels Toolbox for Mac, Parallels Toolbox for Windows launched to simplify common Windows computing tasks in just one-click.
12. March 2019 – Parallels Desktop won a DEVIE award for “BEST in Operating System Development.”
13. August 13, 2019 – Users could now run many more demanding Windows programs like CAD apps and games on a Mac with support for DirectX 11, 10 and 9 on Apple Metal.
14. October 20, 2020 – Parallels Desktop for Chrome OS was released. It is the world’s first software that runs Windows directly on enterprise Chromebooks! Chromebook users can now run full-featured Windows apps including Microsoft Office and proprietary apps even when they don’t have an Internet connection.
15. April 14, 2021 – Parallels Desktop 16.5 for Mac launched with full, native support for Mac computers with Apple M1 chips.

Cheers to 15 years of Parallels Desktop releasing lots of exciting versions!

What was your ultimate highlight in 15 years of Parallels Desktop? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

Don’t miss the birthday promotion of 25% OFF Parallels Desktop for Mac:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I want to upgrade from an older version. Can I upgrade?

 A: Yes, of course! Click here to upgrade to Parallels Desktop.

Q: Can I get a discount on my subscription for multiple years?

 A: The promotional pricing is valid for the first year of your subscription.

Q: What if I already have a subscription to Parallels Desktop and want to use this promotion to renew my existing subscription?

 A: Unfortunately, this offer is only valid for users without an active subscription.

Q: Which versions of Parallels Desktop will I receive a discount on during this birthday promotion?

 A: The birthday promotion applies to all versions of Parallels Desktop for Mac, purchased directly from parallels.com. Retailers or third-party vendors are excluded from this promotion.

The post Happy Birthday, Parallels Desktop for Mac. We’re celebrating 15 years with a 25% discount! appeared first on Parallels Blog.

Available for Parallels Toolbox for Mac and Parallels Toolbox for Windows:

11+ time-saving tools to help optimize your workday.

• Optimized for presenters, teachers, students, small business owners, chronic multitaskers, and online trainers to have a simple set of tools.
• Quickly get ready for a presentation with easy access to hide a messy desktop, Launch multiple applications with one click, or Lock Screen when you’re done with work.
• Avoid embarrassing notifications during your presentations with tools like Do Not Disturb, Do Not Sleep, and Presentation Mode.
• Micro-manage your productivity with handy time management tools like Alarm, Date Countdown, Stopwatch, and Timer.
• Economical cost of US$9.99 per year for macOS or Windows.

Whether you’re a Mac® or PC user, eventually you’ll find yourself needing to count down to a fun event, avoid all distractions on your machine, or effortlessly present like a pro. Parallels® Toolbox Presentation Pack is a simple yet powerful set of tools to fix common problems and equip your workday with the right tool for the job at hand. We have the building blocks for better productivity all available with one click. 

All tools included in Parallels Toolbox Presentation Pack: Time, Airplane Mode, Do Not Disturb, Do Not Sleep, Eject Volumes, Hide Desktop, Launch, Lock Screen, Presentation Mode, Record Audio, and Switch Resolution—plus tools to come! Subscribe today and unlock the potential of your Mac or PC for only US$9.99 per year.

Visit the Parallels Toolbox Presentation Pack product page to see the tools in action, download a trial for macOS or Windows, or buy today!

 “In general, I’m not a fan of multipurpose software or devices, but Parallels Toolbox ($19.95 a year for Windows or Macs with a 7-day free trial) is an exception. It’s a simple suite of utilities that’s always handy. And, like a handyman with a real toolbox, I found myself opening it up several times a day….”

• Forbes, Larry Magid (View article)

“The new Parallels Toolbox suite of easy-to-use tools simplifies tedious everyday computing chores down to just a click or two, so PC users can quickly get the job done and supercharge their productivity.”

• CIO, PCWorld, ComputerWorld, CMO, CSO, ARN and TechWorld 

“I work with a lot of images in a day, and being able to carry out batch resizing or switch between file formats easily is a massive time saver. I’ve used this to batch convert well over 100 images and it handled it quickly, easily and effortlessly, and was much better than my previous workflow that involved either Photoshop or using SnagIt.” 

• ZDNet, Adrian Kingsley-Hughes (View article)

“Parallels Toolbox is a Swiss Army knife for Windows 10. Parallels Toolbox brings together some of the most popular tools for productivity and wraps them nicely into one convenient space.”

• WindowsCentral, Sean Endicott (View article)

”Parallels Toolbox update includes Presentation Mode, video editing tools, much more. Parallels Toolbox, an ever-growing suite of handy single-purpose tools that simplify common computing tasks to just a click or two, has received a major update for both Mac and PC users. New tools and key features include presentation mode, capture for lengthy webpages, free memory reclaim, quick resolution switching, and time-saving tools to download and edit videos or make a GIF. A Parallels Business Edition also launched today, which gives IT the control they need to easily provide employees with tools to be more productive.”

• 9to5Mac (View article) 

“With Parallels Toolbox Business Edition, IT administrators can manage and deploy tools in one go, saving time and reducing help desk tickets according to the needs of each employee.” 

• Mac Treasure Tracing Club, Japan 

Tim Cook said it best: “For us, the most important thing we can do is raise people up—that is, either by giving the ability to do things they could not otherwise do, allow them to create things they couldn’t otherwise create. It’s about giving them tools; it is about empowering people.”

Here at Parallels, we’re excited to empower users with Parallels Toolbox Presentation App for both macOS and Windows. We simply can’t wait to hear what you think about it! Get started with a 7-day trial for free or buy for US$9.99 per year.

The post New! Parallels Toolbox Presentation Pack for macOS or Windows appeared first on Parallels Blog.