Windows 11 in a Mac window
The Windows Start menu opens right above the macOS Dock, with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Edge pinned and ready. Parallels Desktop is authorized by Microsoft to run Windows 11 on Apple silicon Macs.
Parallels
Parallels Desktop
Windows apps beside your Mac apps
TRY FREE14 daysFree Parallels Desktop trial
- 14-day free trial, no purchase to download
- Windows 11 on M1 to M5 Macs
- 30-day money-back on parallels.com purchases
14 daysStart free
Mac files open in Windows
A Finder window with Documents sits next to the Windows desktop, and an .xlsx file lies on the desktop itself. Files stay in one place, so you do not keep two copies or spend extra disk space.
Excel starts like any Mac app
Excel launches from its own splash card without showing the Windows desktop at all. Windows-only add-ons for Excel and PowerPoint work because it is the real Windows build.
Windows games on a Mac
An Age of Empires III scene runs inside a Windows 11 window on a Mac desktop. The official page says Parallels Desktop supports DirectX 11 titles, and lists Minecraft and Half-Life 2 among the games people play.
Windows, Linux and macOS together
One MacBook screen shows Windows 11, macOS, Ubuntu 22.04 ARM64 and Kali Linux side by side, with a Control Center list of every virtual machine. Switching between systems takes a click instead of a restart.
Engineering software for class
A student works in MATLAB on an iMac while a Windows 11 laptop sits beside it. The education page names MATLAB, Ansys, SolidWorks and Altium Designer as Windows software a Mac can run this way.
FAQ
Does Parallels Desktop run on Apple silicon Macs?
Yes. On M1 through M5 Macs it runs Arm versions of Windows, and Microsoft authorizes it for Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise on Arm. Intel Macs are supported too, with x86 guests.
How long is the free trial?
14 days. Download the installer, sign in with a Parallels account and activate the trial. Using it after day 14 needs a license or subscription.
What is the difference between Standard and Pro?
Standard gives each virtual machine up to 8 GB of vRAM and 4 vCPUs. Pro raises that to 128 GB and 32 vCPUs and adds a command line interface and built-in developer tools.
Can I get a refund?
Initial purchases made on parallels.com have a 30-day money-back guarantee. Renewals and purchases from other stores follow different terms.
Will every Windows app or game work?
No. Software that needs special drivers, anti-cheat systems or nested virtualization may fail. Parallels advises checking the publisher's requirements and testing in the trial.
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