Single Sign-On (SSO) capabilities are essential in simplifying access while maintaining high security standards.  

For companies using Parallels Desktop, SSO integration offers a seamless way to manage virtual machine environments across a wide range of devices without sacrificing security or user experience. 

I’ll explore how Parallels Desktop leverages SSO to streamline access management and why it’s a game-changer for IT departments. 

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to explore how Parallels Desktop can enhance your virtual environment management with SSO capabilities. 

Key benefits of SSO integration with Parallels Desktop 

1. Streamline user experience 

One of the primary advantages of SSO is the simplified user experience it provides.  

With SSO, employees can use their existing corporate credentials to access Parallels Desktop and virtual machines.  

This simplicity eliminates the need to remember and manage multiple passwords, reducing login friction and boosting productivity.  

A consistent authentication experience also helps create a smoother workflow for both new hires and seasoned staff, allowing them to get to work without delay. 

2. Enhanced security and access control 

Security is a top concern for any IT department, and SSO helps address that by centralizing authentication.  

Parallels Desktop’s SSO capabilities integrate with your existing identity management tools, such as Microsoft Active Directory, or cloud-based solutions like Azure AD.  

This integration ensures that only authorized users can access your organization’s virtual machines and sensitive information.  

IT admins can enforce stronger authentication methods, like multi-factor authentication (MFA), adding an extra layer of security for user accounts. 

3. Simplified management for IT administrators 

Managing user accounts across various applications can be a time-consuming task for IT teams.  

With Parallels Desktop Enterprise Edition, administrators can manage access to Parallels Desktop and other applications from a single, centralized platform.  

When employees leave the organization or change roles, their access to Parallels Desktop can be adjusted or revoked from one location, simplifying the offboarding process and reducing the risk of unauthorized access. 

4. Seamless integration with existing SSO tools 

Parallels Desktop Enterprise Edition is designed to integrate smoothly with the SSO tools your organization already uses.  

Whether you rely on cloud-based identity management systems, on-premises solutions, or hybrid environments, Parallels Desktop’s SSO integration works with a variety of platforms.  

This flexibility allows IT departments to extend their existing security framework to include virtual machines without investing in additional infrastructure or tools. 

SSO integration exclusive to Parallels Desktop Enterprise Edition 

Integrating SSO with Parallels Desktop is a straightforward process. Here’s a quick overview of how it works: 

Identity Provider (IdP) integration 

Parallels Desktop can be configured to connect to your organization’s identity provider (IdP), such as Okta, Ping Identity, or Microsoft Azure.  

This connection allows the system to authenticate users based on their existing credentials. 

1. User authentication 

When a user attempts to access Parallels Desktop, they are redirected to the corporate login page associated with your IdP.  

After successful authentication, the user gains access to Parallels Desktop and any authorized virtual machines without needing to log in separately. 

2. Access control and policies 

IT administrators can set policies and access controls through the IdP, dictating who has access to Parallels Desktop and under what conditions.  

For example, you can enforce multi-factor authentication or restrict access to certain VMs based on user roles. 

Enhancing security and efficiency with SSO 

Integrating SSO with Parallels Desktop provides a seamless and secure way to manage access to virtual machines.  

It simplifies the user experience, strengthens security, and reduces the administrative burden on IT teams.  

As your organization grows, leveraging SSO will ensure that your virtual environments remain secure, accessible, and efficient for everyone in your company. 

Implementing SSO with Parallels Desktop is a significant step forward in aligning your organization’s IT strategy with modern security and access management best practices.  

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to explore how Parallels Desktop can enhance your virtual environment management with SSO capabilities. 

Explore the future of access management with Parallels Desktop Enterprise Edition! 

The post Cut the clutter: Streamline access to Parallels Desktop with SSO appeared first on Parallels Blog.

I know that blending the beast that is AutoCAD with our cherished Mac computers is a dream come true.  

I am here to dive deep into why Parallels Desktop is the ultimate ally for running the Windows version of AutoCAD on your beloved Mac computer.  

 
With Parallels Desktop, the entire machine is dedicated to running 3D modelling tasks, and you can connect to USB devices and not be reliant on an internet connection.  

And here’s the thing – using Parallels Desktop has changed the game for me. It’s like adding a supercharger to your already sweet ride.  

Thousands of professionals of people use Parallels Desktop for Mac to run AutoCAD, because it is the easiest and most powerful cross-platform solution to run Windows and Mac.  

For those on the fence, here’s why I reckon it’s a game-changer, especially for running AutoCAD’s Windows side on our Macs. 

Ready to jump and see for yourself? Get your free trial of Parallels Desktop now. : o https://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/buy/ 

AutoCAD + Mac = A match made in heaven  

Let’s face it, AutoCAD, Autodesk’s crown jewel has been our trusty sidekick for getting those designs down pat.  

Sure, there’s a Mac version of AutoCAD, but the Windows version has that extra bit of spice we need and are used to.  

That’s where Parallels Desktop shines bright – letting us run that chunk of Windows magic right on our Macs with Apple silicon without missing a step. 

Why deploy AutoCAD on Parallels Desktop?   

1. Synchronized workflow: No more rebooting or juggling two machines. Flick between macOS and AutoCAD without breaking a sweat. 

2. Peak performance: Depending on the project complexity and hardware, AutoCAD runs smoothly on Parallels Desktop. No glitches, just a trouble-free experience that feels native to your Mac. 

3. Inter-OS harmony / best of both worlds: It is incredibly easy to simply drag and drop files, copy-paste content, or share tools between Mac and Windows. This synergy helps amplify productivity allowing us all to work smarter. 

4. Play it your way: Adjust your RAM, CPU, and integration settings to your needs. Give your AutoCAD project the VIP treatment only a Mac with Apple silicon chip can offer. 

The AutoCAD for Windows advantage on Mac  

While AutoCAD on Mac offers an extent of functionalities tailored for macOS, the Windows version has its unique set of perks: 

• A bit extra: Some tools in the Windows version are just a notch above. Take the Tool Palettes – while both versions are solid, the Windows version offers a richer set of default palettes and the ability to create custom tool palettes more intuitively. 

• Tweak it out: The Windows version provides more extensive customization capabilities. This includes the ability to utilize a range of programming languages for automation and personalization. 

• AutoLISP plus more: While both versions support AutoLISP, the Windows version also offers .NET, VBA, and Visual LISP to jazz up routine tasks. Architects can use .NET to develop a custom routine that automates the creation of a specific building component, something they might not achieve as easily on Mac.  

• Plugin playground: An extensive suite of third-party plugins awaits you in the Windows ecosystem. Take, for example, DWG TrueView – it’s a lifesaver for viewing and converting DWG files, but it’s a no-show on the Mac side. Missed tools like this make Parallels and the Windows version feel like finding a rare Pokémon in the wild. 

• Stay in sync: A common scenario is when we have folks on different versions. Parallels Desktop steps in to ensure consistency in project execution and collaboration. Means we’re all speaking the same design language. 

Filling in the blanks with AutoCAD on Mac 

I get that Mac enthusiast love their Macs. But sometimes you want that Windows touch without leaving your Mac comfort zone. That’s the beauty of Parallels Desktop – giving you the best of both worlds. 

To all designers and Mac devotees, using AutoCAD for Windows with Parallels Desktop is like hitting the creative jackpot, an invitation to unparalleled creativity. Dive in, and let your designs resonate with precision, let your work shine with that Mac elegance we all adore. 

Join us on this journey. Your Mac, AutoCAD, and Parallels Desktop – it’s like the ultimate power trio! Download your free trial now! 

The post AutoCAD Mastery: Windows Version + Parallels Desktop on Mac 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.

In recognition of World Backup Day, this post shows you how best to back up the Windows installation on your Mac in Parallels® Desktop. 

Yes, you really should back up! 

A few years ago, I had a Windows installation on my iMac that would no longer boot. In addition, I could not copy the Parallels Desktop file that contained this Windows installation (the “.pvm” file). This quickly led to the conclusion that at least a portion of the hard drive on my iMac had failed. The Apple Tech Support team I contacted was great, but nothing we tried fixed the issue, so Apple authorized a no-cost-to-me hard drive replacement. I was able to backup everything on the disk, except the Parallels Desktop file that contained Windows. If I had made a backup earlier before the drive failed, I would have lost very little. 

This blog post is my attempt to help you avoid the data loss I had. 

But I Have Time Machine (or iCloud Drive), So I Don’t Need to Do This, Right? 

I run Time Machine also, and it is great, and it has saved me on a number of occasions. However, Time Machine is not a good choice to backup Windows on your Mac. Time Machine works by checking every hour for files that have changed on your Mac, and then backs them up. Anytime you start up or use Windows on your Mac, the .pvm file will change. The change might be really small, but Time Machine cannot see that. So, Time Machine backs up the entire .pvm file, which is usually more than 10GB, and can be hundreds of GBs. If this gigantic file is backed up once every hour, you will quickly fill up the Time Machine drive. For the same reason, backing up Windows to iCloud Drive is a bad idea. 

What You Need 

The steps below will work for any version of Windows. (Or, for that matter, any version of Linux, macOS, or any other OS that you have installed in Parallels Desktop on your Mac.) All you need is a high-capacity, speedy external drive attached to your Mac. For my home setup, I have a 10TB, external USB drive which I purchased new for about $175 USD. You will need to have this external drive connected to your Mac, and it should be visible on the Mac desktop. 

Only 3 Steps Needed to Back Up Windows in Parallels Desktop 

1. Shut down Windows 

2. Reclaim any extra space 

3. Manually copy the .pvm file to the external drive 

Notes: 

1. You must really shut down Windows. Not suspend Windows, not just close the Parallels Desktop window where Windows is running, but manually shut down Windows. Step 2 requires that Windows has shut down. 

2. The file that Parallels Desktop stores Windows, all your Windows applications, your Windows configuration setting, and (perhaps) any files you have created in Windows is called a Mac .pvm file. (Figure 1 shows all my .pvm files, though you may only have one .pvm file.) These pvm files grow as you install new Windows apps and create new files. Usually, but not always, these pvm files shrink when you delete apps and files. However, over time there can be some “empty” space that remains in the file. You should remove this by using the “Reclaim…” button shown in Figure 2. In that figure, this “empty” space is over 40GB, so it is definitely worth reclaiming this before you go on to the next step. 

3. Just manually copy this pvm file to the external drive. For me, copying a 120GB pvm file to my external drive takes about 9 minutes. 

I recommend that you also add a recurring item to your calendar, reminding you to back up Windows. You can do this once or twice a month, depending on how much work you are willing to lose in case of hardware failure, or other problems. 

Restoring Windows From a Backup 

Suppose calamity strikes, and you have to restore your backup of Windows. No problem! Just copy the backup pvm file back to the same folder on your Mac where it was located when you backed it up. You will lose whatever work you have done since you made the backup, but this will usually be a lot smaller loss than if you had never backed up at all. 

I hope this helps you evade the big data loss that I experienced when my hard drive failed. Let us know your experience and tips in the Forums or on Facebook and Twitter channels. 

The post Tips for Backing up Windows in Parallels Desktop for Mac appeared first on Parallels Blog.

Video 1 shows you what Universal Control does and how easy it is to enable it. Basically, Universal Control gives you the ability to use a single mouse and keyboard with several nearby Macs and iPads that are all signed into the same iCloud account.  

Several others have remarked that Universal Control seems “magical” in how seamless the transition from one Apple device to another is. Achieving this feeling of seamless magic takes a great deal of behind-the-scenes work and I suspect this is the main source of the delay in releasing Universal Control. I, for one, am glad that Apple took the time to work on all the details of this feature before releasing it. 

I have tested Universal Control with Windows 11 on ARM running in Parallels® Desktop 17.1.1 and it appears to work just fine, see figure 1. I could drag files from my iPad Pro to the Windows 11 desktop or to a Windows app, and I could drag files from Windows 11 to my iPad Pro.  

I didn’t show it in the video, but Universal Control also works between several Macs. In Figure 2, you can see that I have set up Universal Control between an iPad Pro, an M1 MacBook Pro, and an Intel MacBook Pro. All these devices are signed into my iCloud account. 

Now you might think Universal Control seems a bit like Sidecar, a feature released with macOS Catalina in 2019. While there is some visual similarity, there is one big difference: in Universal Control, it is iPadOS you are interacting with on the iPad; in Sidecar, you are interacting with macOS on the iPad screen. More details comparing Universal Control and Sidecar are described in this excellent MacRumors article, Universal Control vs. Sidecar: What’s the Difference? 

Stay tuned for future blog posts showing how Parallels Desktop will make use of other new macOS/iPadOS features as they are released by Apple. 

Download the free, full-featured 14-day trial of Parallels Desktop and see for yourself. Let us know about your experience on Facebook or Twitter.

Also, you can download PDF Expert here: iOS and Mac.

The post Of Course, Universal Control Works With Parallels Desktop 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.

As I have detailed in a previous post, many newly released games don’t work well in Parallels® Desktop. (There are several reasons for this that are all explained in that earlier post.) So, it is a real treat when a new game works well in Parallels Desktop out of the gate. Humankind is just such a treat. 

Humankind, released on August 17, 2021, is a turn-based, 4X strategy game in the same general category as the Civilization series. (“4X” is an abbreviation for “Explore, Expand, Exploit, Exterminate”, a sub-genre of strategy games.) In Humankind you develop a civilization from the Neolithic Era to modern times. (Figure 1) 

Humankind has both Windows and Mac versions. Normally, when a game has a Mac version, I don’t bother testing it in Parallels Desktop. However, the Mac version of Humankind has two caveats: 

1. The product is not compatible with macOS 10.15 Catalina or above. 

2. M1 chips are not supported. 

While I have an Intel Mac, all of the Mac computers I have run either macOS Big Sur or macOS Monterey, so for this reason I decided to test the Windows version of Humankind in Windows 11 in Parallels Desktop. 

As you can see in Video 1, Humankind runs great in Windows 11 on my Intel iMac using Parallels Desktop 17.1.1. (While I have no video for this, I also tested Humankind on my M1 MacBook Pro, and it also worked great there.) Artwork in the video title screen credit: Pooterman and used with permission of the artist. 

I am looking forward to developing an Athens-like, science-based civilization in Humankind on my iMac in the coming months. Please tell us in Parallels Forums about the games you play in Parallels Desktop, and also the ones you want to play in future releases of Parallels Desktop.

The post Playing the game ‘Humankind’ on a Mac with Parallels Desktop appeared first on Parallels Blog.

The Hide Menu Icons tool in Parallels® Toolbox can help you manage these icons and hide the ones that you don’t need all that often. In this blog post I will show you how to use this tool.

Using the Hide Menu icons tool, you can just drag the icons that you don’t need to see all the time to a “Hidden icons” area. This is very easy to do as you can see in Video 1. As also shown in the video, quickly accessing these hidden icons is also easy to do.

While it is possible in the macOS to hide some of these menu bar icons (Figure 2), this is a separate, individual action for each icon, and to unhide the icon, even momentarily, requires undoing this action. This can quickly become tedious. The Hide Menu Icons tool handles this in a uniform action for all the tools, and momentarily unhiding an icon only requires you to move the cursor to the top of the screen.

I hope this tool helps you take control of the menu bar icons on your Mac.

Do you have an idea for another tool that can be added to Parallels Tools? If so, let us know in the Parallels® Forums.

The post How to Control the Icons in the Mac Menu Bar Using Parallels Toolbox appeared first on Parallels Blog.

The answer is “Probably not…”, but sometimes the answer is “Yes!” 

I am frequently asked “will this new game that was released last week run on my Mac using Parallels Desktop?” My standard answer is “Probably not.” Then I go on to explain that games usually stress the hardware of your computer. This new game likely won’t run on a Windows PC purchased last year. While I would be thrilled to say that Parallels® Desktop can magically transform a four-year-old MacBook Air into a high-end PC gaming rig with a $3,000 liquid-cooled graphics card, that is never going to happen. 

But sometimes I am wrong. 

Sometimes a new game runs well on the Mac in Parallels Desktop. Overwatch runs well, and so does Age of Empires II Definitive Edition and Age of Empires III Definitive Edition. A newly free game that was placed on the Epic Game Store in November 2021, Aven Colony, also runs great. So, I will show you Aven Colony in this blog post. 

Aven Colony is a city-building game like the famous SimCity, but instead of being on Earth, Aven Colony is based on an alien planet light-years away from Earth (Figure 1).

There is an excellent tutorial that teaches the game’s controls, and there are both scenarios and freestyle experiences in the game. Video 1 shows parts of this tutorial and some game play, running in Windows 11 with Parallels Desktop 17 on my home iMac. (While this video has been edited for length, I have deliberately not sped the video up. You are seeing the actual game speed and animations in the video.)  

As you can see in the video, the graphics are gorgeous, and the animations are buttery-smooth (artwork in the video title screen credit: Pooterman and used with permission of the artist). 

I am looking forward to lots of fun game play in Aven Colony on my iMac in the coming months. In the Parallels Forums, please tell us about the games you play in Parallels Desktop, and also the ones you want to play in future releases of Parallels Desktop. 

The post “Will this new game run on my Mac using Parallels Desktop?” appeared first on Parallels Blog.

Parallels® Desktop for Mac is a fantastic way to run Power BI on M1 and Intel-based Mac computers. That said, because Microsoft has not yet released an official Power BI desktop for Mac, users must use Windows virtualization to run it.

Parallels Desktop for Mac supports Windows 11 on both M1 and Intel-based Mac computers, and delivers superior performance and compatibility with favorite Windows programs.

How well will Power BI run on an M1 Mac?

Before launching Parallels Desktop for Mac for M1 Macs we had more than 100,000 users test programs such as Power BI to confirm that it indeed does work on an M1 laptop. Mac applications that are originally created for Intel-based Mac computers work on Mac computers with Apple M1 chip out of the box by utilizing the Rosetta framework – a translation process that enables running Intel x86_64 applications on Apple M1 chip.  

Which version of Mac works best with Power BI?

Most users report that a minimum of 8 GB of RAM should be assigned to process data sets. We recommend Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro or Business editions since you can assign up to 128 GB of RAM to your setup.

Click here to download a 14-day free trial of Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro edition and try it for yourself!

The post How Do I Run Power BI on a Mac? appeared first on Parallels Blog.