Parallels Desktop — Running Windows on a Mac Without Reboot
What it is
Parallels Desktop is a hypervisor for macOS. It’s mainly used by Mac owners who need Windows or Linux side by side with macOS. The idea is simple: one machine, multiple systems, no reboot. For developers and IT staff living in Apple’s ecosystem, it often becomes the easiest way to keep access to Windows-only apps.
How it works
The software installs on macOS as a type-2 hypervisor. A VM can be created from an ISO, migrated from a PC, or imported from another virtualization tool. Integration is the big selling point — copy/paste between host and guest, shared folders, drag-and-drop. In “Coherence mode,” Windows programs even show up like native Mac apps. On Intel Macs, almost any OS can be run. On Apple Silicon, guests must be ARM-based (Windows ARM, Ubuntu ARM, Fedora ARM, etc.).
Technical profile
| Area | Details |
| Host platform | macOS (Intel & Apple Silicon) |
| Guest OS | Windows, Linux, macOS (Intel only) |
| Type | Type-2 hypervisor |
| Integration | Shared folders, clipboard, Coherence mode |
| Graphics | GPU acceleration, DirectX / OpenGL support |
| Tools | GUI, some CLI |
| License | Commercial, subscription model |
| Note | ARM Macs limited to ARM guests |
Setup notes
– Download installer from Parallels site.
– Allow system extensions if macOS prompts.
– Create a VM from ISO or import an existing one.
– Assign CPU/RAM as needed.
– Install Parallels Tools inside the guest for smooth integration.
– Enable Coherence if Windows apps should blend into macOS.
Where it’s used
– Designers or office staff on Mac who still need Windows apps.
– Developers testing builds across different operating systems.
– IT admins who manage mixed Mac/Windows fleets.
– Training sessions where students need multiple OSes side by side.
Limits to expect
– Paid license; no permanent free option.
– Performance is lower than type-1 hypervisors or bare metal.
– On M1/M2 Macs, only ARM guests are supported.
– Oriented for desktop users, not data centers.
Quick comparison
| Tool | What stands out | Best fit |
| Parallels Desktop | Smooth Mac integration, polished UI | Mac users needing Windows/Linux side by side |
| VMware Fusion | Strong VMware tie-in, enterprise friendly | Admins in VMware shops |
| VirtualBox | Free, cross-platform | Labs, experiments, hobby use |
| Boot Camp | Native Windows (Intel only) | Users needing bare-metal performance |