How can you run Windows on a Mac these days? Fifteen years ago, the answer was simple: install Windows using Boot Camp. Today, you have loads of other options — even though Boot Camp itself no longer works.
You can use a virtual machine, pay to access Windows in the cloud from a web browser, use special software to get access to a couple essential apps or simply Remote Desktop in to a PC. Which path forward is right for you? I’ll run through them all.
Real-world experiments with the new MacBook Air show Apple’s latest can use Parallels 18 to run Windows 11 faster than a Dell XPS Plus.
It’s a tribute to the performance of the Apple M2 processor in the latest Air.
Microsoft has dashed hopes that Windows 11 might one day be available on Apple Silicon machines. The company says running its newest operating system on an M1 Mac is “not a supported scenario.”
The statement comes after Parallels Desktop 17 users ran into hardware compatibility errors when running Windows 11 on newer Apple devices.
Parallels, the excellent virtualization software that makes it easy to run Windows and other operating systems on your Mac, just got a major update that adds a whole bunch of brilliant new features.
The version 17 release adds support for Windows 11 and macOS Monterey virtual machines. It also greatly enhances gaming performance inside Windows, with big improvements to OpenGL and DirectX 11.
You’ll be able to run the recently revealed Windows 11 on your Mac. Eventually. Parallels is working on adding support for Microsoft’s next operating system to its macOS app, Parallels Desktop.
It’s going to be a while, though. All that’s available from Microsoft now is a Windows 11 Insider Preview, and there’s not even an official release date for the full OS.
Parallels Desktop 16.5 for Mac debuted Wednesday, bringing full native support for computers with Apple Silicon. It allows users to run Windows 10 ARM Insider Preview and its applications on Macs with an Apple M1 processor.
Running a virtual version of Windows 10 on Apple Silicon is up to 30% faster than in an Intel-based Mac, according to Parallels. And it uses 2.5x less power.
Apple has confirmed that Boot Camp, the tool that allows Mac users to boot into Windows, will not be available on upcoming machines powered by custom ARM chips. Users will need to rely on virtualization software instead.
Parallels Toolbox just got a massive update on Mac that adds a whole bunch of useful new tools.
The version 3.5 release brings the ability to access clipboard history, an energy saving mode, and a sleep timer. It also allows you to hide menubar icons you don’t always need access to.
Corel Corp. has acquired Parallels Desktop, software that enables Macs to run Windows, as well as the company that produces it. This shouldn’t make fans of this app nervous, as Corel promises to make “significant investment” in the business.
Corel is best known for its graphics applications for Windows, like CorelDRAW and PaintShop Pro. It also offers multimedia apps. And now it makes desktop virtualization software.
It pays to stock up on utilities for Mac, whether to record desktop video, clean up drives, or boost productivity. Unfortunately top shelf Mac tools also come with a cost. So this bundle of more than 30 Mac utilities for $10 a year is a can’t-miss opportunity.
