Parallels is well known for its virtualization software that has been enabling Apple computer owners for years with Windows on macOS (or on other platforms like Chrome OS). It was already the first virtualization software to hit the market to support the Intel x86 architecture when Apple abandoned PowerPC, and now the new version of Parallels Desktop 18 improves its performance on new Macs with custom ARM chips.

We have already told you that virtualization is the ideal method for testing software, and in this special we offer you the option of installing Windows 11 on x86 architecture with several applications for free. It’s not so easy on new ARM Macs. Microsoft’s latest operating system wasn’t officially supported by Apple, and it seemed to leave out users who — by choice or necessity — also installed Windows on their Macs.

Parallels Desktop 18

Parallels already announced support for Windows 11 and now introduced a new version that improves execution in various parts such as:

• Installing Windows 11. Parallels Desktop 18 provides the ability to download, install and configure Windows 11 with a single click. In addition, the application can download a set of ready-to-use Linux distributions for free.
• Windows games on Mac. Users can pair a compatible Xbox or DualShock controller with a Mac, launch Parallels Desktop 18 and start playing. The performance improvement also results in higher FPS and a smoother Windows user interface.
• Performance in the M1 Ultra. The release includes optimizations and performance improvements on all Apple Silicon computers, but especially on the M1 Ultra, as they practically double the performance of Windows 11 compared to the previous version.
• USB 3.0. Parallels has improved support for USB ports and access to external streaming devices such as the Elgato HD60, Startech USB 3.0 Video Capture and more.
• x86 applications. x86 apps running on Windows 11 on ARM now benefit from compatibility and performance improvements, especially when saving and reading files from SSDs on Macs.

Other improvements to Parallels Desktop 18 include Apple ProMotion display support, networking improvements, optimizations for the upcoming macOS 13 Ventura, and more, which you can see in this release announcement.

Parallels Desktop 18 is available in several versions for home users, developers or other professional environments €99 and with a test trial version. If you are looking for another alternative, not so advanced, but completely free, you can try the latest beta version of WMware Fusion, which recently introduced virtual TPM support and improved compatibility with Windows 11.