Parallels Desktop 14 days TRY FREE

Parallels

Ubuntu, Fedora and Kali on your Mac

Keep several operating systems open at once and switch with a click.

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
Start free
14 daysStart free
Ubuntu, Fedora and Kali on your Mac

Developers, students and security testers often need a Linux machine next to their everyday Mac. Parallels Desktop lets you run Linux in a virtual machine instead of dual booting or renting a cloud server.

The official overview shows a single MacBook screen with Windows 11, macOS, Ubuntu 22.04 ARM64 and Kali Linux 2022.2 ARM64 in separate windows, and its Control Center list also includes Fedora 36 ARM64. Each one is a separate virtual machine.

On Apple silicon, Linux guests are Arm builds, which is why the names carry the ARM64 label. Intel Macs can run supported x86 versions of Windows, Linux and macOS, depending on the Mac model and macOS version.

Pro adds a command line interface, built-in developer tools and automation of CI/CD workflows through the Business plan, so scripts can create and start machines without clicking. Standard keeps to the essentials.

Linux costs nothing to install, so the free 14-day trial is a cheap way to confirm that your toolchain behaves before you pay for a license.

Deals you can use now

DealCodeConditions
14 daysFree Parallels Desktop trial—A Parallels account is needed to activate; no purchase to download.
See Parallels Desktop in detailWindows apps beside your Mac appsWindows 11 in a Mac window · Mac files open in Windows · Excel starts like any Mac app · Windows games on a Mac

FAQ

Which Linux distributions appear on the official page?

The overview shows Ubuntu 22.04 ARM64, Fedora 36 ARM64 and Kali Linux 2022.2 ARM64.

Can I run macOS in a virtual machine too?

Yes. macOS appears as one of the virtual machines in the official Control Center screenshot.

Is a command line available?

Pro includes a command line interface and built-in developer tools.

Do Intel Macs get the same options?

Not exactly. Available guest systems depend on your Mac model, macOS version and processor.

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