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Apple @ Work: Christmas comes early for people running Windows on macOS

Parallels 19

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While macOS continues to grow in popularity, there still are countless reasons to use virtualization. From testing Windows applications to playing Windows-only games to using Linux for daily development. For Parallels Desktop users, version 19.2 brings several new features that are pretty amazing for a mid-cycle release.

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Parallels Desktop 19 brings a new Password-less Sign-in with Touch ID, refreshed design, and macOS Sonoma support

Parallels 19

Right in lockstep with Apple’s fall updates, Parallels Desktop 19 is here right on schedule with some exciting enhancements around macOS Sonoma integration, a new design, and a new Password-less Sign-in with Touch ID. If you use virtualization for your daily work on macOS, it’s a great update, so stay ready as we dive into all the latest features.

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How to install Windows 11 on M1/M2 Macs with Parallels Desktop 18 [Video]

A person holding a MacBook Pro with Apple Silicon running Windows 11 with Parallels Desktop 18.

Are there Windows-exclusive apps that you need to run but don’t have access to a dedicated Windows machine? If you’re still using an Intel-based Mac, Boot Camp remains a popular option, but if you’ve transitioned to Apple Silicon Macs, Boot Camp, a native method for running Windows on a Mac, is no longer an option.

Fortunately, Microsoft has put considerable effort into developing Windows 11 for ARM architecture, which Apple uses for its M-series chips in today’s Macs. Parallels Desktop for Mac — optimized for Apple Silicon — emulates PC hardware, allowing users to deploy a Windows 11 virtual machine in just a few clicks.

In this step-by-step walkthrough, we’ll show you how easy it is to get Windows 11 running on your Mac and also discuss some of the potential caveats and configuration notes. Be sure to subscribe to 9to5mac on YouTube for more videos like this.

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Microsoft announces full support for virtualization of Windows on ARM through Parallels Desktop 18

Parallels on ARM

While there have been various workarounds, there’s always been a bit of tension in building workflows and enterprise activities around running Windows through virtualization software on Apple Silicon powered Macs. Today, Alludo (parent company of Parallels) has announced full support from Microsoft on virtualized versions of Windows on ARM platforms.

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Parallels Desktop 18 simplifies installing Windows 11 on Apple Silicon, adds new SSO licensing, and improves Xbox and PS4 controller support

Parallels on ARM

Today, Parallels announces the release of Parallels Desktop 18 for Mac. Parallels Desktop 18 includes substantial enhancements to the core, changes to enable IT managers to deploy Parallels and Windows across their environments, and support for the latest macOS operating systems. For Mac users who need to run Windows applications, Parallels 18 aims to simplify the process and speed up workflows. Users can run over 200,000 Windows apps and classic games on macOS using Parallels 18. This new version comes in three different flavors depending on your business (or gaming) needs. Let’s dive into what’s new.

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The super-easy guide for installing Windows on M1 Macs using Parallels Desktop 16 for Mac [Video]

Although M1 Macs lack support for traditional Boot Camp x86 Windows installations, it’s super-easy to install Windows for ARM on your M1 Mac. Parallels recently released Parallels Desktop 16 for Mac, and with it comes out-of-the-box support for M1 Macs.

Watch our hands-on video walkthrough for step-by-step instructions for installing Windows 10 for ARM on your M1 MacBook, Mac mini, or iMac, and be sure to subscribe to 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple-centric guides and tutorials.

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Parallels Access 6 now supports iPad mice and trackpads; password-free option

Parallels Access 6

Parallels Access 6, the latest version of the remote control software for Windows and Macs, now offers full mouse and trackpad support on iPad.

Bluetooth support for mice, trackpads, and gestures in iPadOS 13.4 or later: Now these gestures work with your remote computer connections! When a mouse or trackpad is detected, the cursor transforms into a native cursor depending on the content available on the screen—such as a pointer, I-beam or arrows—for an improved user experience.

There’s also a password-free option to make it easier to remotely help family and friends with their computer problems …


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Parallels Mac Management 8.5 adds iPad and iPhone Management to Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager

Many people only know Parallels for their virtualization software to run Windows on macOS, but they make a suite of tools for server management as well. They have a popular plugin to add Apple support to Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager that allows enterprises to have a unified management system for all of their devices. Today, the company is releasing Parallels Mac Management 8.5 which includes free management of Apple iPads and iPhones in Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager until the end of 2020.


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Parallels 15 review: Key refinements for DirectX 11 and Catalina lead the way for Windows virtualization on macOS

Parallels 15 Windows Review

When Parallels 15 was released a few weeks ago, I realized that there are two types of people when it comes to virtualization software: those that care deeply and those that cannot fathom why people still run Windows/Linux on top of macOS. The more people I talk to about this, the more I realize that the market might have been broader for running Windows on macOS back during the initial Intel transition, but that today, the market is more in-depth. The people who use this software rely on it for essential tasks related to their jobs and or hobbies. The good thing for them is that Parallels 15 continues to go deeper with Windows integration on macOS. What’s the verdict on Parallels 15? After using it for a few weeks, let’s dive into my Parallels 15 review.
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Parallels 15 lands ready for macOS Catalina including Sidecar on iPad, DirectX 11 expands Windows game support using Apple Metal

Parallels 15 landed this week as a major new version of the Windows virtualization software for Mac. The latest update brings support for macOS Catalina, Apple’s next OS update for Mac coming later this fall, including support for features like Sidecar external display functionality with iPad and Apple Pencil. Parallels 15 also now uses Apple’s Metal API for improved graphics and DirectX 11 to allow compatibility with new CAD apps, PC games, and more.


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A long time VMware Fusion user tries Parallels Desktop 14

Parallels Desktop

I wrote about the release of Parallels Desktop 14 a few weeks ago. I’ve been spending some time with it since then, so I wanted to take the time to write about it in more detail. One thing to note (and I think it makes gives my review an interesting perspective) is that I’ve used VMware Fusion (and supported it at my day job) since 2009. I had certainly heard of Parallels Desktop before, but I jumped on the Fusion train and kept on upgrading over the years. When I read about Parallels Desktop 14, I decided that it was time to try something new. 
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Parallels Desktop 14 for Mac brings optimized storage, enhanced Touch Bar support, and more

If you love running macOS, but find yourself needing to virtualize other operating systems (Windows, Linux, or even multiple copies of macOS), you’ll want to take note of this article. Parallels Desktop 14 for Mac was released a few hours ago. Since version 1 in 2006, Parallels Desktop has been a staple on many Mac users’ computers. Year after year, it’s been back with upgrades to enhance the experience for those that need to live in a dual OS world. So what’s new in version 14? Well, a lot actually…
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Parallels Desktop 13 + over $450 worth of FREE Mac apps: $80 or upgrade for $50

Parallels is one of our favorite ways to run Windows and other operating systems on the Mac (without rebooting), and today the company is running quite a notable promotion. Anyone who upgrades to Parallels 13 (the latest version) or buys a brand new license will also get a hold of 8 additional apps for free, worth over $450. Head below for more details.
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