Update, Aug 23: Parallels 12 and the free trial is now available to all. We’ve also started announcing our giveaway winners below.
Parallels Desktop for Mac, the popular software that lets you easily run Windows and other Intel operating systems (including other images of macOS) as virtual machines on your Mac, is today releasing the latest upgrade to version 12. Those who buy Parallels 11 today (or bought through the Tech Garantee after August 1st) are eligible for a free upgrade.
Hi guys, in this video I'll show you how to install Windows 10 in your Mac with Parallels Desktop 13 and also how to activate it. Link to Microsoft Page.
On top of getting Parallels ready for the release of macOS Sierra, version 12 introduces a number of great new features and an over 25 percent performance improvement, according to the company…
A new standalone app called Parallels Toolbox for Mac is a set of 20 utilities that offer one-click functions for things like screen casting, media downloads, and file management (unzipping, archiving, and password protecting files). In other words, many of the handy utilities and apps you’d normally have to download to a new Mac from a long list of third-party/shareware sources, all in one location, paid for and simplified for ease of use. The Toolbox will be included for Parallels 12 users and also available standalone for $10/year. Here’s what’s included:
- Distraction-free presentation modes for both Mac and Windows VMs, including: Hide Desktop Files, Do Not Disturb, Keep Mac Awake.
- Archive, encrypt and password protect all of your files.
- Simply capture screen shots or record video of a screen, window or area.
- Download videos from YouTube, Facebook and other websites with a single click.
- Time management tools—an alarm, timer, date countdown and stopwatch.
- Unpack files from ZIP, RAR and many other formats.
Here’s a look at the new Toolbox with the utilities launching initially:
Parallels also says it’s worked with Blizzard to enable support for popular PC and Xbox game Overwatch, and the Windows 10 Xbox app is now supported, allowing streaming of Xbox games to your Mac via Parallels if your Mac can handle it.
You can also now buy Windows 10 and install it directly via a redesigned installer wizard (pictured above), and the company is including Acronis True Image 500GB cloud backup storage for free to all users.
You can eventually try Parallels Desktop 12 for free for 14 days, or buy it for $79.99 or $99/year for Pro and Business subscriptions.
Parallels Desktop 12 For Mac Recycle Desktop Files Organizer
You can upgrade for $49 from Parallels Desktop 10 or 11. Upgrades from 10 and 11 to 12 are available today and version 12 will become available on Aug 23rd for those who purchase new. Those who purchased version 11 from Aug. 1 or later will automatically get an upgrade to version 12.
Business and Pro subscriptions offer support for additional pro and business apps, 24/7 tech support, and includes Parallels’ $99/year mobile Access service (review).
In addition, we’ll be giving out 4 separate Parallels 12 Pro codes, a $100 value, 1 each to readers who retweet on Twitter or like this post on Facebook, or new newsletter or Youtube subscribers.Update: Winners announced below.
GIVEAWAY WINNERS:
- Twitter: @_flowg
- Facebook: Donald Hutchinson Jr
- YouTube: ItsInnk
- Newsletter: Ervins Strauhmanis
A full list of what’s new in Parallels version 12 below:
Parallels Desktop 12 What’s New:
- Parallels Toolbox for Mac:20 tools that simplify everyday tasks on your Mac.
- Simplified backup: One year of Acronis True Image 500GB cloud backup storage, which can backup new incremental changes to a VM,instead of having to resave an entire VM and changes every time changes are made.
- Support for Blizzard Entertainmentís Overwatch PC game.
- Support for Windows 10Xbox app, for streaming and playing all Xbox games on a Mac
- Schedule Windows updates for an appropriate time at night to avoid time-consuming disruptions during your day.
- Control storage space used by VMs directly from the Optimized Storage in macOS Sierra.
- Store Microsoft Edgeôand Internet ExplorerÆpasswords in Mac KeychainÆ.
- Assign special behaviors to Windows apps, such as Always Open Full Screen or Always Hide Other Apps, so they play even better on your Mac.
- Easily cancel time-consuming VM actions.
- Open documents from SharePointÆand Office 365Æin MicrosoftOffice for Windows desktop applications directly from your favorite Mac browser.
- Keep Windows ready in the background, instead of suspending the VM,to instantly open Windows applications and documents.
- OutlookÆfor Windows now features your recently accessed documents, both Mac and Windows, so they are conveniently available to select when you add attachments to your emails.
- Improved RetinaÆsupport for resizing Windows VMs.
- Archive VMs to save space in the Pro Edition
- Set resource usage limits for VMs in the Pro Edition.
- Network Conditioner in the Pro Edition now features preconfigured network profiles (Edge, 100 percent loss, 3G, DSL, Very Bad Network and Wi-Fi)to make testing a breeze, as well as customizable settings.
Parallels Desktop, a go-to program for anybody wanting to run Windows on a Mac, just got more powerful and convenient to use. The Parallels Desktop 12 update, brings increased speed as well as a suite of handy new tools that simplify everyday tasks.
“This is the best Windows-on-Mac performance in the history of Parallels,” said John Uppendahl, Parallels’ vice president of communications, during a briefing about the new software, which will be available Thursday for subscribers and upgraders. (New users must wait until Aug. 23.)
While web-based tools are on the rise, many people still find themselves relying on the thousands of platform-specific programs still in existence. Increasingly sophisticated virtualization software like Parallels Desktop and Parallels Access (which lets you access home or work computers via iPhone, iPad or Android phone) makes it easier than ever to use any file or program, whenever and wherever you want.
“Everybody’s straddling OSes,” Uppendahl said. “We make it possible for you to have everything you need.”
The upgrade offers a claimed 25 percent performance boost over the previous version of Parallels Desktop. During the demo, Windows apps loaded instantly.
“We are on the bleeding edge of performance,” said Uppendahl. “It feels native.”
Mac Cosmetics Recycle
Tiny tweaks make a big difference
The developers of Parallels Desktop also came up with simple ways to make the experience better than before. You can, for instance, buy Windows 10 directly from within Parallels Desktop or schedule Windows updates so they don’t bring your presentation to a screaming halt. Recently used files will be readily available on both your Mac and your Windows virtual machine, and all internet passwords can be saved to your Mac Keychain.
“It’s just all these little thoughtful things,” Uppendahl said.
There’s good news for early adopters who want to run Windows on Mac, too: Parallels Desktop 12 fully supports the upcoming macOS Sierra as either a host or a guest OS. Parallels’ virtual machines will even show up in macOS Sierra’s new Optimized Storage feature.
A virtual machine wizard makes it simple to add Windows and other operating systems to all versions of Parallels Desktop. Pro and Business editions of the virtualization software also add various features, like network simulators and various presets, that will be useful for developers and enterprise deployments.
Parallels Desktop 12 adds Parallels Toolbox
One of the slickest new features in Parallels Desktop 12 is Parallels Toolbox, which brings 20 single-purpose utilities to Mac. From muting your Mac’s mic or grabbing the perfect screenshot to downloading or converting a video, the tools are straightforward and convenient.
Some of the functionality included in the handy software suite can be found by digging into the Mac’s operating system, but Parallels Toolbox puts everything at your fingertips. The tools include, per Parallels’ press release:
- Distraction-free presentation modes for both Mac and Windows VMs, including Hide Desktop Files, Do Not Disturb,
Keep Mac Awake. - Archive, encrypt and password-protect all of your files.
- Simply capture screenshots or record video of a screen, window or area.
- Download videos from YouTube, Facebook and other websites with a single click.
- Time management tools (an alarm, timer, date countdown and stopwatch).
- Unpack files from ZIP, RAR and many other formats.
Parallels Toolbox is included in all new versions of Parallels Desktop, with Pro and Business edition subscribers gaining access to planned rollouts of additional tools. A standalone subscription to Parallels Toolbox is also available for $9.99 a year.
Parallels Desktop is good for gamers
If you want to play PC or Xbox games on your Mac, you’re in luck, too. Parallels worked with Blizzard Entertainment to optimize Parallels Desktop 12 for hit game Overwatch. Parallels Desktop also lets you load the Windows 10 Xbox app on Mac.
Parallels Desktop pricing and availability
Since Parallels Desktop 12 comes in three editions, and existing users and upgraders have a variety of licenses, pricing info gets thorny fast. It’s probably best to let Parallels’ press release lay out the details:
Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac, Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro Edition and Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition are available today for subscribers and upgraders from Parallels Desktop 10 and 11, and general availability is Aug.23 online and at local retail and online stores worldwide.
The recommended retail price (RRP) of Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac is $79.99. Upgrades for existing Parallels Desktop 10 and 11 for Mac perpetual license customers are $49.99, with an introductory offer to upgrade to a Parallels Desktop Pro Edition subscription for $49.99 per year for life. Parallels Desktop Pro Edition and Parallels Desktop Business Edition are available to new customers for $99.99 per year. Parallels Desktop Pro Edition and Business Edition include a complimentary Parallels Access subscription to remotely access up to five Mac or Windows PCs from any device.
Parallels Toolbox for Mac is a feature of all versions of Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac whic hwill also be available as a stand-alone subscription product for $9.99 per year, including all new tools and updates planned for release every few months. Starting Aug. 23, a 14-day full-featured free trial can be downloaded and subscription purchased.