Whether it is an exclusive game or a distinctive feature and setting there’s always something that is difficult to run on a Mac computer. This might come to you as a shock but there’s a way to switch to Windows on a Mac computer.

Virtualization software like Parallels makes it possible for Mac users to run Windows on their computers without any difficulty. Keep on reading to know more about it…

What are Parallels?

Developed using desktop virtualization Parallels is a virtual user solution that is based on Intel VT-x technology that allows using Windows on Mac OS. Initially released in 2006 under the name Parallels Workstation was then changed to Parallels Desktop.

This one-click tuning application allows switching between Mac and Windows without the requirement of rebooting. It is ideal for those who want to run applications or games that are exclusively available on Windows. Parallels keeps on updating its software to make sure everything runs smoothly.

How does it work? Download Parallels Desktop on a Mac computer and create a new virtual machine. The Parallels RAS (Remote Application Server) allows running Windows alongside Macintosh Operating System. You can even run 3D applications on a Mac computer using Parallels Desktop.

Let’s dive in to read Parallels features…

Parallels Features

In this section TheNerdSeries is going to explain the features of Parallels RAS that sets it apart from other virtualization software:

Flexibility: Parallels Mac is compatible with almost every OS available on the web including Windows 7 Windows 10 Google Chrome Unix and Linux. There’s no requirement to buy both Windows and Mac computers as the software allows you to run Windows on the Mac computer side-by-side with control speed and confidence. Parallels Desktop for Mac is even compatible with the Mac’s latest OS i.e. BigSur 11

Quick and Easy Installation: Setting up Parallels Desktop for Mac is quick easy and takes not more than 10 minutes. You can either use your existing virtual machine or set up a new one to install Parallels on your Mac computer.

You’ll get three options if you opt to create a new Parallels virtual machine and which are-

1. Purchasing Windows directly from Microsoft
2. If you have a license key install Windows directly
3. Importing Windows from computer

Split Screen: The application allows you to run both Mac and Windows OS side-by-side using the split screen feature. You can divide the screen into halves to use both operating systems together. You can work on both the screens together and the changes made on one screen will not affect the other. Increasing and decreasing the screen resolution can be done with ease.

Boot Camp Compatibility: For the older versions of Parallels Desktop it was required to uninstall the Boot Camp. This however is the not case with the newer Parallels version as it is compatible with Boot Camp. You can port data from Boot Camp to the Parallels Desktop. Shifting the virtual machine from Boot Camp to Parallels will do the work.

Microsoft 365 Integration: Parallels Desktop comes with 365 integration that makes it easy for you to run Excel Word or PowerPoint. The virtual OS supports all the functionalities and features of Microsoft Office that are available in normal Windows.

Quick Access with Mac Dock: You can run any Windows application or feature on Mac easily and quickly from Mac Dock. There’s no need to launch Windows every time you want to run or launch a Windows application or feature.

Remote Access from Smartphone: Parallels Access is another cool feature that allows you to access your Mac computer from Apple or Android smartphone. The feature allows you to access any file from your computer on your mobile device. However this feature is only available with yearly subscription plans.

Parallels Toolbox: You get 30 additional tools with Parallels Desktop to make the tasks less complicated. Downloading videos buying media cleaning drives and taking screenshots are such additional features that come with Parallels Toolbox.

Please note that this feature is only available with yearly subscription plans.

System Requirements: To take full advantage consider these system requirements before purchasing Parallels Desktop for Mac.

1. At least 600 MB of space on the hard drive
2. 4 GB RAM
3. Intel Core M or Xeon Processor

Compatibility: The following versions of Mac OS are supported by Parallels Desktop:

1. BigSur 11
2. Catalina 10.15
3. Mojave 10.14
4. High Sierra 10.13
5. Sierra 10.12

Pros and Cons of Parallels Desktop

Pros

1. Easy-to-setup
2. Smooth and fast
3. Allows usage of Windows and Mac OS side-by-side
4. Bootcamp compatibility
5. Relief to the pocket

Cons

1. Takes too much memory
2. Overwhelming features

Pricing: Standard Pro and Business are the three plans available for Parallels Desktop. There’s a trial version of all the plans for FREE that is valid for 14 days.

1. Standard Plan- $99.99/yr
2. Pro Plan- $119.99/yr
3. Business Plan- $149.99/yr

Conclusion: The NerdSeries Take on Parallels Desktop

Parallels Desktop is a great software to run Windows on Mac Operating System. It allows using Mac and Windows simultaneously without the requirement to reboot the device. The yearly subscription plans offer many amazing features. There are slight limitations but they may not hamper your experience as much.

Overall it is an amazing choice for those who regularly require switching between two operating systems as you don’t need to purchase another system.