Parallels Desktop for Mac: Run Windows 11 on Your Mac (2026 Guide)

When we first covered Parallels Desktop for Mac in July 2006, it was a $79.99 app that let Intel Macs run Windows XP at the same time as Mac OS X, instead of restarting into Boot Camp. Today Parallels is the main way to run Windows on Apple silicon Macs, and it’s the virtualization option Microsoft authorizes for Windows 11 on M-series Macs. Here’s how it works in 2026.

Quick answer: Parallels Desktop is a virtual machine app that runs Windows 11 (and Linux) inside a window on your Mac, alongside macOS apps. Install Parallels, and its Installation Assistant downloads and sets up Windows 11 for you. It’s a paid subscription with a free trial; you’ll also need a Windows license for long-term use.

How Parallels Desktop works

Parallels creates a virtual PC on your Mac. On Apple silicon (M1 and later) it runs Windows 11 for Arm, which can run most regular x86 Windows apps through Microsoft’s built-in emulation. On Intel Macs it runs standard Windows. You can copy and paste, drag files between Mac and Windows, and share folders.

How to install Windows 11 with Parallels

1. Download Parallels Desktop from parallels.com and install it.
2. Open the Installation Assistant and choose to get Windows 11 from Microsoft.
3. Parallels downloads and installs Windows automatically.
4. Sign in or create a Parallels account, then activate Windows with a license key or buy one from Microsoft.

Features worth knowing

• Coherence mode: hides the Windows desktop so Windows apps appear like Mac apps in your Dock.
• Snapshots: save the state of Windows and roll back if something breaks.
• Resource settings: choose how many CPU cores and how much memory Windows gets.
• Other systems: run Linux distributions or another copy of macOS for testing.

Limitations

• Some games with anti-cheat software and apps that need kernel drivers don’t run on Windows for Arm.
• Virtual machines use extra memory; 16GB or more of Mac RAM is comfortable.
• Parallels is a subscription, not a one-time purchase like in 2006.

Alternatives

• VMware Fusion: free for personal use.
• UTM: free, open source, more technical.
• CrossOver: runs some Windows apps without Windows.
• Windows 365: a cloud PC streamed to your Mac.

FAQ

Is Parallels Desktop free?

No, but there’s a free trial. Plans are sold as annual subscriptions.

Does Parallels slow down my Mac?

Windows uses some CPU and memory while running. Pause or shut down the virtual machine when you don’t need it.

Can I play Windows games with Parallels?

Many games work, especially older or less demanding titles. Games with anti-cheat software often don’t.