Parallels Desktop 20: Run Windows on Mac Without Compromise

Need Windows apps on your Mac but don’t want to reboot constantly? Parallels Desktop 20 makes running Windows feel native on macOS, whether you’re gaming, using business software, or accessing Windows-only tools.

What Is Parallels Desktop and Why Choose It

Parallels Desktop is virtualization software that runs Windows alongside macOS without restarting. Unlike Boot Camp, you can use both operating systems simultaneously with near-native performance.

Key Benefits:

• Switch between Mac and Windows apps instantly
• Share files seamlessly between systems
• Run Windows games and software on Mac
• Perfect for professionals needing cross-platform tools

Real Performance: Parallels achieves 95% of native Windows performance for office work and 85% for gaming – impressive for virtualization.

Parallels Desktop 20: What’s New in 2025

AI-Ready Virtual Machines: The biggest addition is the Parallels AI Package with 14 pre-installed AI development tools, perfect for developers experimenting with AI applications.

Apple Intelligence Integration: Writing Tools now work in Windows apps – select text and use Command+Shift+W to access macOS writing features from any Windows application.

Enhanced Compatibility: Full support for macOS Sequoia and Windows 11 24H2, ensuring you’re always running the latest operating systems.

Performance Improvements:

• Better Apple Silicon optimization for M-series chips
• Enhanced graphics performance for gaming
• Improved battery life during virtualization

Parallels Desktop Editions: Which One Do You Need?

Standard Edition – €89.90 (Lifetime)

Best for: Home users, casual gaming, basic productivity

What you get:

• Run Windows and 30+ other operating systems
• 8GB RAM support per virtual machine
• Basic technical support
• Snapshots for easy rollback

Perfect if: You need Windows occasionally for specific apps or light gaming.

Pro Edition – €89.90 (Lifetime)

Best for: Developers, power users, creative professionals

Additional features:

• 128GB RAM support per VM
• Advanced networking tools
• Integration with Visual Studio, Jenkins
• Priority technical support
• Docker and Kubernetes support

Perfect if: You develop software, run demanding applications, or need professional tools.

Business Edition – €109.90 (Lifetime)

Best for: Companies, IT administrators, enterprise users

Business-specific features:

• Centralized license management with new Enterprise Management Portal
• Mass deployment tools
• Advanced security controls and SSO integration
• Single Sign-On (SSO) support
• Volume licensing discounts available

Perfect if: You’re deploying across an organization or need enterprise security and management features.

Common Use Cases: Who Benefits Most

Mac Users Who Need:

• Microsoft Office advanced features (Access, Project)
• Windows-only business software
• PC gaming without buying a gaming PC
• Legacy applications for work
• Testing websites in Internet Explorer
• CAD software like AutoCAD or SolidWorks

Industries That Rely On Parallels:

• Finance: Trading platforms, specialized banking software
• Healthcare: Medical imaging, practice management systems
• Architecture: AutoCAD, Revit, 3ds Max
• Education: Windows-specific academic software
• Creative: Adobe tools with Windows-only plugins

Performance Expectations: Real Numbers

Office Applications: Excel, Word, PowerPoint run at 95% native speed Creative Software: Photoshop, AutoCAD perform excellently with proper RAM allocation Gaming Performance:

• Indie games: 90-95% performance
• Strategy games: 85-90% performance
• Modern AAA games: 70-80% performance (playable but not optimal)

Resource Recommendations:

• 8GB Mac: Can run basic Windows apps
• 16GB Mac: Smooth for most professional work
• 32GB+ Mac: Handles demanding creative and development tasks

Parallels vs Alternatives

Parallels vs VMware Fusion

Parallels wins: Better Apple Silicon support, superior gaming performance, more Mac integration VMware wins: One-time purchase option, slightly better Linux support

Parallels vs Boot Camp

Parallels wins: Use both systems simultaneously, better for productivity Boot Camp wins: 100% native gaming performance, no virtualization overhead

Bottom line: Parallels for productivity workflows, Boot Camp only if you need maximum gaming performance.

Is Parallels Desktop Worth It?

Yes, if you:

• Need Windows apps regularly but love macOS
• Want to game occasionally without buying a PC
• Work with clients who send Windows-specific files
• Develop cross-platform applications
• Need access to Windows-only business tools

Skip it if you:

• Only need Windows once or twice a year
• Primarily game (Boot Camp or PC might be better)
• Have basic needs that web apps can solve
• Want to avoid subscription costs

Getting Started: Key Considerations

Hardware Requirements: Any Mac from 2018+ works, but 16GB RAM recommended for smooth performance.

Windows License: You’ll need a separate Windows license (~$139 for Windows 11 Home).

Storage: Plan 64GB minimum for Windows, 128GB for comfortable use with applications.

Trial Period: 14-day free trial lets you test performance with your specific apps before purchasing.

The Bottom Line

Parallels Desktop 2025 excels at making Windows feel native on Mac. If you regularly need Windows applications but prefer macOS, the subscription cost pays for itself through productivity gains and hardware savings.

The Standard edition handles most users’ needs, while Pro offers better performance for demanding work. Business edition makes sense only for companies deploying multiple licenses.

Best alternative if budget is tight: VMware Fusion offers similar functionality with a one-time purchase, though with slightly less polish and Mac integration.

Ready to run Windows apps without compromise? The 14-day trial shows exactly how Parallels performs with your specific workflow before you commit.

Contact our virtualization experts:

Email: [email protected]

Get personalized recommendations for your Mac setup Compare Parallels vs VMware Fusion for your specific needs Understand which edition matches your actual workflow Optimize performance for your hardware configuration

Don’t waste money on features you won’t use—or miss out on productivity tools that could transform your Mac experience. Get the right virtualization solution that matches your actual needs and budget.

Need more virtualization guidance? Check out our Windows 11 activation guide for Parallels users and explore our Parallels Desktop and VMware categories for more professional virtualization solutions.