Parallels Desktop 18 for Mac now out with some key tweaks to make Windows 11 better on Macs

Parallels Desktop 18 for Mac, the latest version of the popular virtualization software for macOS is available today with several new features under the hood. First up is the enhanced support for the macOS Venture. The gameplay experience has also been enhanced where users will be able to connect controllers to their Macs. Moreover, users will also be able to run Windows applications easily on Parallels Desktop 18 as it has simplified the process and enhanced workflows. It also features enhanced support for ProMotion displays.

Parallels Desktop 18 comes in three different variations, so let’s dive in and see what’s in store for you.

First up is the Standard Edition

which comes with enhanced compatibility of Intel (x86) when you want to run Windows on ARM when saving and reading files from the Mac Disk. The standard edition comes optimized for the macOS Ventura release, this way it is able to support new features and enhance functionality. What’s more, is that it also includes full support for Apple’s ProMotion display with automatic refresh rate changes and increased Apple M1 Ultra performance which allows the users to make use of the available resources effectively, ultimately allowing them to run Windows 11 up to 96% faster. As for the gamers, they will now be able to share Xbox or DualShock Bluetooth game controllers with Windows and Linux automatically. And finally, Parallels Desktop 18 comes with enhanced USB 3.0 support for live data streaming devices such as Startech USB 3.0 Video Capture. That said, once macOS Ventura reaches general availability, users will be able to access the Windows app via Stage Manager.

The second variation is the Pro Edition,

which features a network conditioner on Apple M1 Macs that is in place to assist users to adjust various network conditions such as packet loss and delay for the virtual machine on both Windows and Linux. With this edition, you will be able to isolate the VM network from Mac on Apple M1 Mac computers for better security and start a Minikube cluster with Parallels Desktop as a virtualization provider. You will also be able to analyze the performance of an application using the enhanced Parallels plugin for Visual Studio in a separate VM.

And finally, the Business Edition

comes with all the features presented in the Standard and Pro Edition. On top of that, it also features SSO/SAML authentication where employees will be able to sign in and activate Parallels Desktop with a corporate account. Admins will also be able to deploy, provision, and transfer a Windows 11 VM across the staff’s Mac computers, thus making the provisioning of licenses easier. Last up, is the ability to manage Parallels Customer Experience Program participation from a convenient point, Parallels My Account.

Parallels Desktop 18 for Mac is available

today at $99.99 for a perpetual license, you can also opt for a perpetual license for $129.99. As for the Pro Edition and Standard Edition they are available as a perpetual license for $129.99 and $149.99 per year respectively. Owners of a previous Standard edition can upgrade for just $69.99 while the Pro Edition upgrade can be made at $69.99 per year. If you made the upgrade to Parallels Desktop 17 you can also check out their Tech Guarantee to see if you qualify for a free upgrade.   If you’ve never tried Parallels Desktop before, Parallels also offers 14-day trials for Mac users.