Using Windows OS & apps on Mac can come handy when you are using both the platforms frequently. Now, you must think how is this possible, as Mac is said to be user hostile. Well, there are apps which can make it possible. One of the most popular ways to get Windows on Mac is by using Parallels.

Well if you have an Intel powered Mac running a Mac OS X 10.4.6 or later operating system you can run a complete Windows operation system such as Windows XP in parallel with your normal Mac operating system. With the Windows operating system installed on your Mac you can than play those Windows Game in fact you can run any Windows program.

Simple Steps To Get Windows On Mac using Parallels

If you have a Mac computer and want to run some of the important Windows app on the same screen, Parallels solve the purpose. In this post, we have listed steps to install Windows on Mac using Parallels. Let’s get started!

Step 1 : Get Parallels on Mac

1. Sure, you could set up your Mac to run Windows with Boot Camp, but that means restarting your computer every time you need to use Windows. Parallels runs Windows within macOS, using what’s called a Virtual Machine. This allows you to quickly switch between the Mac and Windows desktops. You can even combine the two desktops, if you want,.
2. A friend of mine is considering switching to Mac and I mentioned to him that Parallels lets you run Windows on Mac.

Download Parallels Desktop for Mac from here.

If you already have Parallels, then move on to next step.

Step 2: Get Windows

In case you don’t have Windows, you can download Windows 10 easily with Parallels Desktop for Mac 14.

• Go to Parallels Desktop start.
• Click Parallels icon from the menu bar, then click New.
• You will get Windows 10 from Microsoft, click on it and then click on Download Windows 10.

Note: If you have an older version of Parallels Desktop for Mac, then you need to get Windows 10 from Microsoft. Also, you need to have a Windows license key to run Windows on Parallels Desktop. In case you don’t have it, you can buy it from Microsoft Store.

We have provided links to purchase:

Step 3: Create a virtual machine

Once you have Windows key and copy of it, the next step is to create a virtual machine. Locate Parallels Desktop from app folder, then click File and select New

Click Install Windows or another OS using image file or DVD. Click Continue.

Step 4: Choose the mode of Installation

You can use DVD, bootable USB or .iso disc image to get Windows.

Note: If you have Windows installation files with .exe extension, then you can only upgrade current Windows VM. However, it will not work for new Windows installation.

Parallels app window will discover the installation media for installing Windows on its own. Alternatively, you can switch to manual mode and select the Windows installation source.

Step 5: Input Windows product key

Once the media to install Windows is selected, you need to click Continue. You will get Windows product key window, check if Express installation is selected.

Note: In case you have removed the checkmark beside Express installation, you will have to install Parallels Tools manually after Windows installation is finished.

Once you are ok to proceed, click Continue.

Step 6: Choose For What Purpose You Want To Run Windows

Choose for what purpose, you want to run Windows in Parallels Desktop for Mac Home Edition-

• Games only
• Productivity
  

Can You Play Windows Games On Mac Using Parallels Windows 10

Also, Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro and Business Editions will be used for:

• Software development
• Design
• Software testing

Step 7: Specify Location and Name

Nam e your virtual machine and choose a location for Parallels Desktop VM

In case you want to modify default settings of virtual machine, then choose Customize settings before installation. You can also change the settings easily after installation.

Step 8: Initiate the installation

Click Continue and installation will start. As Windows is installed, launch it by opening a Windows app or by clicking the Power button from the Parallels Virtual Machines list.

Can You Play Windows Games On Mac Using Parallels 7

Step 9: Install Tools Of Parallels

When you launch Windows for the first time, Parallels Tools will be installed to enable the effortless operation between macOS and Windows. As the tools are installed, you will be asked to Restart Windows.

So, in this way, you can run Windows on Mac using Parallels. Follow these steps and get Windows apps on your Mac and switch between both the operating system seamlessly.

Despite all of Apple’s success over the last few decades, the Windows software ecosystem is undeniably larger. That’s particularly true if you’re a gamer. Many AAA titles never launch on Mac, and those that do often arrive late. Parallels just announced a new version of its Mac software that makes gaming performance better, so you might not have to wait for a buggy Mac port.

Until the early 2000s, using a Mac meant locking yourself away from the Windows software ecosystem. Apple’s PowerPC architecture ensured that any emulation or virtualization would be slow as molasses. Then, Apple switched to the Intel x86 architecture in 2006, and Parallels was ready a few months later with its Windows virtualization suite for OS X (as it was known at the time). Parallels lets you run Windows applications on macOS side-by-side with Mac apps, and the new v15 release marks the first major update in a few years.

In the latest build, Parallels Desktop 15 adds DirectX 11 support inside Windows applications and games. That’s thanks to the use of Apple Metal, a low-overhead 3D graphics API used on all Apple platforms. Parallels says the new version of its software can render 3D graphics 15 percent faster when they implement DX 11. Past versions of Parallels were a bit too sluggish for 3D games, but the promo video (below) shows the software running Overwatch reasonably well. You’d probably have to keep the graphics settings modest, but it’s better than not playing at all.

Can You Play Windows Games On Mac Using Parallels Download

Parallels 15 includes support for the new Sidecar feature coming to macOS Catalina. With Sidecar, you can use an iPad as a secondary display on your Mac. Therefore, you will soon be able to run Windows programs (an even games) seamlessly on your iPad. You’ll just need a Mac computer nearby.

Parallels also claims the new version is 80 percent faster when opening Microsoft Office apps, and it works with many non-gaming applications the rely on 3D rendering like Autodesk 3ds Max. There’s also support for sharing files between the Mac and Windows sides in apps like Windows Mail, Safari, Photos, and other macOS apps.

Parallels desktop is available as a one-time purchase for $99.99, but some of the features are locked behind the Pro and Business subscription. That’s $99 per year. If you have an older version of Parallels, you’ll need to buy the new version, but the upgrade price is a bit more reasonable at $49.99.

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