Parallels Desktop is a Mac application that allows the Windows OS on any Mac. Like the, the Parallels Desktop also is a virtualization software where you could install the Windows or its applications seamlessly.

• Using Windows 8.1 With Parallel Desktop For Mac

It supports almost any Windows applications to run on your Mac. You don’t have reboot the Mac or select a different partition to install the extra OS.

The automated processes can help you to run Windows applications as running a Mac application. No hassles or problems will be there in the setup or the maintenance. So today, we decided to review the Parallels Desktop which will help thousands of people who are still in search of the perfect way to run Windows applications on Mac Osx. In this review, we will analyze the software top to bottom and will provide some of the most noticeable features alongside our final verdict. If you are one of those who wanted to run Windows applications on Mac, you should take a look at this review. So, let’s start.

How to Install Windows 8.1 on a Mac. One way to do this is to install Windows in a virtual machine on your Macintosh using Parallels Desktop.

What is Parallels Desktop? As mentioned before Parallels Desktop is a Mac program that helps to run Windows applications on Mac. In other words, it is a virtual engine like many other softwares we already have seen on the market (like VMware.) It comes with very nice power management features to provide a better power consumption control throughout the usage. It reduces the resource usage of the virtual engine as much as possible resulting in the minimum power consumption. From our tests, there was only a slight difference in the power usage of the Mac even after running the Parallels Desktop software.

This makes it possible to enjoy the even on low battery or long journeys. Parallels Desktop Interface The Parallels Desktop interface is very easy to use where the necessary buttons and links are placed. There is also a wizard mode available on the software to make it even simpler to create and run virtual machines where any of the Windows or Linux programs running. The latest version of the software also includes many other platforms varies according to the edition. Even though, to create a virtual machine you have to sweat a little especially if you are a beginner.

There are no exact documentations available with the software that describes the setup and maintenance process of the Windows or Linux virtual machines. If you are familiar with such virtualization tools, the software will be quite easier to use, and you will never face an issue in any part of the software. Parallels Desktop is also coming with the support to add existing virtual machines in case you saved it earlier on any other storage medias.

• I have Parallels Desktop For Mac 11 & Windows 8.1 installed on my Apple iMAC OS High Sierra 10.13.1. After installing the last Mac OS my Parrelles no longer opens. It appears it can not locate my MS Windows 8.1 software.
• You can even combine the two desktops, if you want, and run Windows software right on your Mac desktop from your Mac’s dock. Virtual machines are complicated, but Parallels makes it reasonably simple to set one up and use it.

All in all, the interface and first look at the software will surely make you an impression. Parallels Desktop Features Here are some of the most noticeable features of the Parallels Desktop application. Having a look at them will help you in determining what you will get with it.

One-touch Tools The One-touch tools in the Parallels desktop makes it easier to fulfill various tasks in the virtualized OS. To take a screenshot, cast your screen, access the internet, download videos, all you have to do is simply clicking some buttons. It is no more difficult to control your virtual machine. Run Windows on your Mac without rebooting You don’t have to reboot your Mac to run Windows on it. Simply open the Parallels software and create a virtual machine. Then start using it seamlessly until you get bored. At any point, the Windows needs to be restarted; you just restart the virtual machine instead of the Mac.

Use any Windows applications It can run almost any windows application without any trouble. You can enjoy using any Windows applications on Mac like using a Mac program.

No problems or bugs were found in our tests. Optimized for Windows 10 and ready for MacOS Sierra The Parallels Desktop is no more older. The software supports all the popular platforms including Windows 10 and the MacOS Sierra. So the compatibility will be no longer questioned. 500 GB of online backup storage for 1 year To sweeten the features, the Parallels offers 500GB of online storage for the users.

This is available with any edition of the program. If you have any of your important files to store from the virtual machine and you have access to the internet, you are so lucky. Also Run other operating systems If you bored of running just the Windows OS on the Parallels, it could also run various other platforms including Linux and Google Chrome OS. The supported platforms are ranging as, OS X, Windows 10, 8.1 & 7, Linux, and Google Chrome OS. Easily switch between the operating systems It is very easy to switch between the operating systems. For example, if you want to copy something from your virtual machine or to the virtual machine, the setup assistant is always there for you.

Good performance Parallels Desktop runs quite good when compared to other softwares to run Windows on Mac. It uses very low resources except in high usage conditions like gaming on the virtual machine. Retina Support The new versions of the software are coming with Retina support independent on the resolution or other display features. Non-Compromised Security Even if you are using a virtual machine, the security of the OS will be non-compromised.

You could set separate passwords for any of the virtual machines or folders to secure it from external access. This is a unique feature that we can’t see on other competitors. Pros. Run Windows and Linux Virtual Machines on Mac. Improved integration between Mac and Windows programs. Even some games are supported.

Very power efficient. Supports macOS Sierra and Windows 10 Anniversary Update Cons. Not completely free. Sometimes, uses high resources (Especially for gaming). No much guidance for the new users Verdict Parallels Desktop is an unquestioned Windows emulator for Mac. With its features and the ability in running almost any Windows programs, Parallels Desktop dominating the virtual machine industry on Mac.

A new license of the software starts from $79.99 and varies according to the editions. If you would like to give a try to the software before going to buy it, you could do that from the following link. Thousands of people already using Parallels Desktop to run Windows on Mac, you also give it a try.

Parallels Desktop is an invaluable tool for those who use a Mac at work, but who need to run legacy apps accessible only via Windows. Desktop 9 is the latest annual refresh – packing support for Windows 8.1 and Mac OS X Mavericks as well as performance tweaks. It's the best version of the software to-date, but few headline-grabbing features mean existing users don't need to rush out and update. Windows 8.1 Support Desktop 9 allows you to download the Windows 8.1 Preview from within the program and use this to create a virtual machine. Running 8.1 as a virtual machine allows you to experiment with the preview software without affecting the host Mac.

This advantage also applies to Chrome OS and Linux, which are supported by Parallels Desktop. Installing and uninstalling the Windows 8.1 Preview on a PC is a tedious affair. The process is quicker using Parallels Desktop to install it as a virtual machine. You can have multiple virtual machines on your Mac too. So you can run a stable Windows 7 virtual machine for your main work applications and explore Windows 8.1 on another. Remember your Mac will need plenty of RAM – preferably 8GB or more to run these virtual machines at a decent speed. Windows 7 Look Apple hasn’t added touch-screens to Macs, so you won’t be tapping away on the Start screen of your Windows 8.x virtual machines.

Using Windows 8.1 With Parallel Desktop For Mac

It is possible to try ‘Windows 7 Look’ – a feature bringing the traditional Windows 7 Start Menu back into Windows 8.x. This allows ‘modern’ Windows 8 apps to run within a window on the desktop rather than in full-screen mode. However, these features are added to the virtual machine by using separate third-party utilities called Start8 and ModernMix, which are developed. These utilities have been well-reviewed, but Parallels points out any updates or technical issues relating to this software will be handled by Stardock. This isn't ideal for large organisations which may have site licenses for the Enterprise Edition of Parallels Desktop and will expect technical support directly from Parallels.

Cloud (Virtual) Computing Desktop 9 introduces a 'shared cloud' feature into the software. This allows users to sync files with cloud services such as Dropbox, SkyDrive and Google Drive.

The shared folders for these services appear within the Windows File Explorer, providing instant access to your files without needing to install Dropbox (or any other service) directly onto the virtual machine. You can even share photos from your iCloud Photostream with your VM. We were able to duplicate this feature in Parallels Desktop 8 on another Mac, simply by using the existing ‘shared folder’ option to connect a Windows 7 virtual machine to the Dropbox folder.

This makes cloud share a refinement and not a new feature. The same applies to the ‘new’ Security Centre window, which simply curates existing security features. Performance Improvements Parallels has fine-tuned performance of virtual disks and this makes startup and shutdown 25 per cent faster by our calculations - so is noticeable. 3D performance is 15 per cent faster, Parallels claims, but Desktop 9 is not at the point where you can run Windows games like Skyrim on your Mac. Thunderbolt and Firewire external drive support has been added. You can specify a default setting which determines whether a drive connects to the Mac or to the virtual machine each time you plug it in. This was already available for USB devices.

Purchasing Parallels Desktop 9 also provides you with a six-month subscription to the for the iPad. This excellent remote access app allows you to control either a Mac or PC from an iPad without needing a copy of Parallels Desktop.

Parallels Access is impressive, but overpriced. The six month trial will allow you to make up your own mind. You can also try out, as there’s a 14-day trial version available.

Overall, Parallels Desktop 9 is competitively priced at £64.95 for new users – or £34.95 to upgrade. Pricing for volume licensing is available on request. If you're looking for virtualisation software then this is worth the investment, but if you're on Parallels 8 already we upgrading is not essential.