Frequently Asked Questions
+ Why do I need Parallels® Desktop for Mac?
Parallels Desktop allows you to run almost every native Windows application (plus other operating systems) quickly and easily on your Mac, supporting even the most demanding applications, games, and more.
As a student taking courses that rely on industry standard PC applications, you can seamlessly work across operating systems on your MacBook, MacBook Pro, iMac, iMac Pro, Mac mini, or Mac Pro. If you are a gamer, you’ll be thrilled about the possibilities of playing your favorite PC games on your Mac as well.
+ What programs can I run with Parallels Desktop for Mac?
For Intel Macs, Parallels Desktop for Mac lets you run macOS, Windows, Linux and other x86-based operating systems as virtual machines. On Apple Silicon Macs, Parallels® Desktop for Mac supports the Arm editions of the most popular operating systems including Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise editions.
Parallels® Desktop for Mac supports more than 200,000 applications that run on these systems. Programs can range from common business administration applications, like Microsoft Office, PowerBI, and Visio to graphics-intensive programs such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks, as well as custom applications.
+ Who qualifies for Education discount pricing?
Currently enrolled students who would like to run Windows on Mac.
+ Will I have to purchase a Windows license key?
Yes. Parallels Desktop for Mac requires the installation of an operating system in order to function. The operating system is not included with the purchase of Parallels Desktop for Mac. To run a Windows virtual machine, you must have a licensed copy of that Windows operating system or purchase a new Windows license. Note: You can purchase Microsoft Windows directly from Parallels or in the product itself.
+ What versions of Microsoft Windows can I run on the Mac with Parallels Desktop?
Microsoft Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11 are the most popular OSs run within Parallels Desktop. Additionally, Linux, Google Chrome OS, and other OSs are also supported. You can find a full list of guest operating systems that are supported on our Resources page.
+ Which editions of Windows has Microsoft confirmed will be officially compatible with Apple M-series Mac?
Microsoft has confirmed that Parallels Desktop for Mac used with Arm versions of Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise editions is an officially compatible solution for customers on Apple M-series based Mac computers.
+ Can I use the Windows operating system that came with my PC?
Whether you can legally use a copy of Windows from an existing physical machine (typically delivered as an 'OEM' license) depends on the license terms surrounding that installation of Windows. Please consult the license agreement that came with the version of Windows included with your PC or the PC manufacturer for more details.
+ Can I play 3D games on a virtual machine?
Yes, Parallels Desktop for Mac for Intel Macs has 3D hardware-accelerated graphics support. On Apple Silicon Macs, Windows 11 graphics are rendered using the host CPU, while Linux VMs can use 3D hardware acceleration. For Windows VMs on Intel Macs, Parallels Desktop for Mac supports DirectX 11 (with Shader Model 5.0) and earlier. For Linux guests on Intel or Apple Silicon Parallels Desktop for Mac provides OpenGL 4.3 capabilities.