Parallels Desktop for Mac lets you run Windows and Windows apps on your Mac, shoulder to shoulder with OS X.
In order to hide or show WIndows Taskbar in Coherence view mode, please follow the steps below: Press and hold the Option (alt) key Click on the Parallels Icon in the Mac menu bar. Parallels Desktop 13 is optimized for macOS High Sierra and Windows 10 Fall Creators Update. Run Windows and Mac applications side-by-side Experience as much or as little Windows as you want.
Pros
VM setup choices: With Parallels Desktop for Mac, you can set up a virtual machine by using a Windows 10 disc image; by migrating Windows from a PC, either over a network or from an external hard drive; or by using the version of Windows you installed with Apple's Boot Camp, if you previously went through that process. Or you can run a second copy of OS X, earlier versions of Windows, or Chrome OS in the Parallels virtual machine.
Choice of views: After setup, select how you want to see and work with Windows. If you choose the Coherence view, Parallels folds Windows into OS X, placing a collection of Windows controls in the OS X menu bar and dock, giving you access to the Start menu, Action Center, and System Tray icons. Exiting the Coherence view presents the traditional Windows desktop and apps gathered in a separate window. Either way, it's easy to move between OS X and Windows environments.
Solid integration: Through Parallels, you have quick access to the Windows 10 Store and the Edge browser and the ability to call on Cortana for help. Copy and paste works seamlessly between environments.
Cons
Almost too well integrated: The Coherence view sweeps away the Windows desktop, but the way it merges the Windows and OS X environments can feel cluttered, with Windows and OS X controls crowded into the menu bar, for example.
Bottom Line
Parallels Desktop for Mac does a good job of letting you work in the OS X and Windows environments simultaneously, switching between Mac and Windows apps. You have several options for how to blend Windows into OS X, although at times the merged OSes can feel a bit crowded.
What do you need to know about free software?
Like the idea of running macOS and Windows 10 simultaneously on your Mac? If yes, follow this quick guide to install Windows 10 on your Mac using Parallels Desktop 13—a smart virtual machine. The best thing about it is that you won't need to partition the hard drive and it functions pretty neatly!
Recently, I thought of using Windows 10 but without having to switch my loyalty. I tried Apple’s Boot Camp software to install Windows on my Mac. But I didn’t find the software much user-friendly as I had to partition the hard drive to make space for the new operating system. Hence, I thought of giving a chance to an efficient virtual machine like Parallels Desktop 13. Much to my surprise, running Windows 10 on Mac using Parallels Desktop 13 is a lot easier, and you will really like using it!
For those unfamiliar, a virtual machine is basically a virtual simulation of a real machine, which allows you to run a full-fledged operating system on your computer without needing to partition the hard drive. More significantly, you are able to run both the macOS and Windows on your Mac at one go. More after the jump:
How to Install Windows 10 on Mac Using Parallels Desktop 13
Want to have a go at Parallels Desktop? Great! But before jumping ahead with the process, you need to ensure your Mac meets the requirements. As always, make sure to back up your computer so that you remain on the safer side of the fence in case of any untoward incident.
Your Mac Must…
- Your Mac must have 850 MB of disk space on the boot volume.
- It must have an Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, Intel Core M or Xeon processor.
- It must have minimum 4GB of memory; though 8GB would a preferable option.
- It needs to have an additional disk space.
- SSD drive would come very handy especially for boosting performance.
- Your Mac must be running OS X Yosemite 10.10.5 or later.
Ensure your Mac is compatible with Windows 10
- MacBook Pro (2012 and later)
- MacBook Air (2012 and later)
- MacBook (2015 and later)
- iMac (2012 and later)
- iMac Pro (2017 and later)
- Mac mini (2012 and later)
- Mac mini Server (Late 2012)
- Mac Pro (Late 2013)
More About the Software…
- Parallels Desktop comes at $79.99 for a standard license. Its Pro Edition and Business Edition are priced at $99.99 per year.
- The company offers a free two-week trial. Hence, I would suggest you to first try out the free version of the software to ensure it ideally meets your needs before upgrading to the premium version.
- Make sure you have a copy of Windows 10. If you don’t have Windows 10, you can get its copy from within Parallels Desktop.
Once you have checked all the requirements, head over with the process:
Step #1. First off, you have to download Parallels Desktop 13 on your Mac.
After the program has been downloaded, double-click on the ParallelsDesktop.dmg file to open it.
Step #2. Now, double-click on Install in the Parallels Desktop window.
Click Open to confirm that you want to install Parallels Desktop.
Step #3. Next, you need to accept the License Agreement.
Step #4. Next up, enter Administrator Name and Password for your Mac.
After you have successfully installed Parallels Desktop installed, you will be directed to a page where you will get the option to download Windows 10.
Just in case you already have a copy of Windows 10, you have the option to skip the step. Just in case you don’t have it, click Install Windows.
Click Skip, if you have it.
Next, you have to click New from the Parallels Desktop drop-down menu. Then, choose your copy of Windows 10 from the available options.
Step #5. Now, you need to sign into your Parallels Desktop account. You get the option to create one if you don’t have an account. Once you have signed up for Parallels Desktop account, Windows 10 will appear in a new window.
Talking about the functionality, it seems very much like you are using a web browser with a virtual simulation of Windows 10 on top. Go ahead and give it a long spin! And don’t forget to let us know your valuable feedback as well as whether or not you’d like to go for its premium version.
That’s pretty much it, folks!
Wrap up:
Yes, macOS is widely considered to be more secure and efficient than Windows. But the gap between the two most popular operating systems has shrunk thanks to the arrival of several imposing features in Windows 10. What do you think of the competition between the two?
Download Parallels Desktop For Mac
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