Windows users who are diligent about shutting down their open programs and PCs every day often look for the fastest way to quit everything.  

If you’re like most Windows users, you likely have several or dozens of programs running at any given time. Manually closing these applications everyday can take up more time than you might like to volunteer toward task management. It becomes irritating when you’ve already mentally quit your task at hand.  

Luckily, it’s easier now than ever before to quit all the programs you’re running on Windows 10 with the Parallels Toolbox tool Close Apps. 

Close Apps is the best solution for shutting down multiple applications in Windows quickly.  

Use this tool to immediately clear up the desktop by closing or minimizing all apps and windows with just one click. Close Apps frees up a lot of time when it comes to shutting down your PC for the day. 

Not to mention, you also receive dozens of wildly helpful tools included with Parallels® Toolbox. Our engineers designed Parallels Toolbox as a simple suite for creative individuals, students, small-business owners, chronic multitaskers, IT managers and everyone in between.  

Tips and tricks: 

• In the preferences for Close Apps, you can choose to conceal apps with the following options: closing the app, minimizing the app or force-closing the app.   
• Choose to “hide” your desired app instead of closing, minimizing or force-closing the program.  
• Warning: when choosing to force-close a program, all unsaved data is lost. 

Parallels Toolbox is our all-in-one solution with over 30 tools for macOS and Windows 10. With just one click, you can save space on your hard drive, create high-quality content, quickly optimize your computer for a presentation and so much more. Our economical suite of tools replaces the need for multiple applications and programs. Try a free 7-day trial of Parallels Toolbox for macOS or Windows 10 from the links below! 

Helpful resources: 

Automatic Download for Parallels Toolbox for macOS 7-day Free Trial (.DMG) 

Automatic Download for Parallels Toolbox for Windows 10 7-day Free Trial (.EXE) 

Parallels Toolbox for Mac Updates Historical Summary 

Parallels Toolbox for Windows Updates Historical Summary 

The post One-click closes all your open programs in Windows 10 with Parallels Toolbox Close Apps appeared first on Parallels Blog.

There are at least 800 million videos uploaded to YouTube, meaning there are millions of hours of videos available for viewing.  

Sometimes you might wish to have one of these videos on your own computer or phone—maybe your internet connection is frustratingly unreliable, or you want to save the video and watch it later during a flight.  

Whatever the reason, with Parallels Toolbox, you’ll be happy to know that it’s possible to effortlessly download a YouTube video for watching offline.  

Parallels Toolbox presents the ultimate solution for downloading YouTube, Vimeo, and other web-based videos directly to your computer.  

With compatibility for both macOS and Windows, the Parallels Toolbox Download Video tool stands unrivaled among competing utilities with similar capabilities.  

You don’t have to worry about sacrificing quality; with one click, you can save YouTube videos in high resolution up to 4k. 

In this blog post, I’ll uncover how Parallels Toolbox transforms how we watch and appreciate our favorite YouTube content.  

Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on downloading YouTube and other web-based videos to your computer. Can’t wait to try it out? Download a free trial of Parallels Toolbox now.  

How to download a video from YouTube on a Mac 

Ready to start downloading YouTube videos to your Mac with Parallels Toolbox? Here’s a quick step-by-step guide. 

1. Download, install, and open Parallels Toolbox. 

2. Search and launch the Download Video tool from the dashboard. 

3. Copy and paste the video link or drag and drop the video to instantly download your favorite video. 

4. Open your new video file and enjoy! 

If I download a video from YouTube using the Safari web browser, is there a difference? 

Using the Safari’s web browser, you can make the process even easier and utilize the Safari plug-in to save your favorite video instantly. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide. 

1. Download, install, and open Parallels Toolbox. 

2. Search and launch the Download Video tool from the dashboard. 

3. Enable the Safari extension and use the Safari plug-in to instantly download your favorite video. 

4. Open your new video file and enjoy! 

Is it safe to download a video from YouTube to my Mac? 

Using a trustworthy application is the key to minimizing the risk of malware or security issues.  

If you use reputable software or services, such as Parallels Toolbox, downloading a YouTube video to your Mac is safe. 

YouTube offers its own service: the “Add to Offline” feature.  

The downside is that this feature is exclusively available with their premium subscription, YouTube Red, at the cost of $12 per month ($144 per year).  

On the other hand, Parallels Toolbox has over 30+ versatile tools, all for a mere $24.99 per year.  

So, if you’re looking to download YouTube videos for offline enjoyment, Parallels Toolbox emerges as a safe, reputable, and far more wallet-friendly option that also comes packed with a plethora of handy tools designed to enhance your Mac or PC experience. 

How to download a video from YouTube on a Windows 10 

Ready to start downloading YouTube videos on your Windows 10 PC with Parallels Toolbox? Here’s a quick step-by-step guide. 

1. Download, install, and open Parallels Toolbox. 

2. Search and launch the Download Video tool from the dashboard. 

3. Copy and paste the video link or drag and drop the video to instantly download your favorite video. 

4. Open your new video file and enjoy! 

Is it legal to download videos from YouTube? 

The simple answer is that it depends. 

Navigating the legal landscape* of downloading videos from YouTube isn’t completely black and white.  

YouTube’s Terms of Service make it clear that you’re not allowed to download content from the platform unless you have explicit permission from the content creator or YouTube provides a built-in “download” button. 

Here comes the gray area—Some content creators do grant permissions or offer their videos under a Creative Commons license.  

This generosity makes this content open source and allows you to share and reuse the content under certain conditions, making downloading videos for personal use legal. 

When downloading YouTube videos, keep in mind that respecting copyright laws and sticking to the platform’s terms of service is a must.  

Unauthorized downloading, sharing, or distributing copyrighted content can result in legal repercussions that nobody wants to face.  

If you find yourself uncertain about the legality of downloading a particular video, it’s always better to play it safe and refrain from downloading. And remember that you are doing so at your own risk!  

Start easily downloading YouTube videos with Parallels Toolbox 

In the past, there was a lengthy series of steps required to download videos from YouTube. Parallels Toolbox simplifies the process into four easy steps.  

Parallels Toolbox is the most convenient way to watch videos offline since it works with both Mac and Windows computers and supports resolutions up to 1080p.  

Not to mention, for a fraction of the cost of YouTube Red, you can enjoy over 30+ versatile tools that are designed to enhance your overall computing experience. 

So, what are you waiting for? Download Parallels Toolbox now and start enjoying your favorite YouTube content offline. 

*Note that the information in this post should be considered general in nature and not considered legal advice. 

The post How to download a YouTube Video with Parallels Toolbox: A step-by-step guide appeared first on Parallels Blog.

It can be quite handy to keep your Mac awake and avoid your display from dimming or going to sleep. According to Apple® support pages, you can set your Mac to go to sleep after a specified duration of activity or to wake up at a specific time. You can also use a terminal command to achieve this. However, what if you need to keep your Mac awake for a very specific amount of time, or keep it from going to sleep occasionally versus indefinitely? This is where one-click tools included in Parallels® Toolbox come in handy, like Do Not Sleep and Presentation Mode. 

Parallels Toolbox is our all-in-one solution with over 30 tools for macOS® and Windows. With just one click, easily problem-solve to save space on your hard drive, create high-quality content, and quickly optimize your computer for a presentation. Our economical suite of tools replaces the need for multiple applications. 

Do Not Sleep is an easy-to-use tool included with the full Parallels Toolbox suite for macOS or Windows.

Presentations, transferring data, or rendering a video are just a few reasons why you may need your Mac to stay awake. This tool will stop the Mac display from sleeping, and you can customize the duration of the Do Not Sleep tool, too. 

The customizable duration allows users to work worry-free. However, Do Not Disturb just prevents your display from going to sleep. If your needs are a bit more complex, we have another fantastic tool in the Parallels Toolbox suite. 

Presentation Mode disables all distractions to provide a better presentation. Students or employees alike can gain tremendous value to their presentation with this tool. 

While the screenshot above shows Presentation Mode with the duration set to “Until the end of the day,” you have control over the duration:

The ability to customize the duration is helpful for getting set up for your presentations, ensuring you’re hyper-focused, and disabling potentially embarrassing notifications. 

With its economical value and subscription benefits, Parallels Toolbox beats the competition for providing a solution to keep your Mac awake. Not only is it more economical (you receive over 30 additional tools), you also receive more tools on a regular basis added to the annual subscription. With 24/7 support, you’ll always be working with peace of mind with Parallels Toolbox.

Are you looking to download Parallels Toolbox and try it for free for 7 days prior to deciding if you’d like to buy it? No worries, download it for macOS or Windows! 

The post How to Keep Your Mac Awake 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.

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

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

• Designed for creative individuals, small business owners, vloggers, and online trainers.
• Quickly create high-quality content with one-click tools such as Make GIF, Take Screenshot, Screen Record, and Download Audio.
• Be in control of your built-in camera to take photos and record videos.
• Easily convert or resize your content for your creative projects.
• Download your favorite Facebook, YouTube, or Vimeo videos when you want for when you need them with our Download Video tool.
• Low 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 utilize and optimize your machine. Parallels Toolbox Screen and Video 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 Screen and Video Pack: Camera, Record Screen, Take Screenshots, Convert Video, Download Audio, Download Video, Make GIF, and Resize Images—plus more 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 Screen and Video 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 Screen and Video Pack 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 Screen and Video Pack for macOS or Windows appeared first on Parallels Blog.