Parallels: run Windows on your Mac, with 50% off Pro for students

Shopping at Parallels? See all current Parallels discount codes and deals, checked regularly.

Parallels makes Parallels Desktop, the software that lets you run Windows, Linux and other versions of macOS inside a window on your Mac. It's authorized by Microsoft, and it lets Mac owners keep using Windows-only apps for work, study or gaming without buying a second computer. It suits students whose coursework needs Windows software, developers who test across several operating systems, and businesses that have moved staff onto Macs but still rely on older Windows tools.

What's worth a look

Here are the six plans and pages to compare before you buy.

Most home users will start with Parallels Desktop Standard Edition. It runs the latest versions of macOS, Windows and Linux, includes 3D acceleration for DirectX and OpenGL, and lets each virtual machine use up to 8 GB of vRAM and 4 vCPUs. Subscriptions also include Parallels Toolbox and 24/7 support.

If you need more power, the Pro Edition raises the limits a long way, with up to 128 GB of vRAM and 32 vCPUs per VM on supported Macs (Parallels lists lower limits for Apple silicon). Pro also adds developer tools such as command-line control, a Visual Studio Code extension and integrations with Vagrant, Packer and Jenkins, plus the option to run several VMs at once in headless mode.

For organizations, the Business Edition adds central license management and deployment through Jamf and Intune, while the Enterprise Edition adds Golden Images and mass deployment through MDM tools. Enterprise pricing is by quote from the sales team.

Prices on the Parallels site load in your browser and depend on the plan and term you choose, so check the buy page for today's figures.

Current offers

• 50% off Parallels Desktop Pro Edition for students and educators. Parallels says the discount needs no coupon: you verify your academic status at checkout with your student or faculty ID, and it renews each year.
• A free trial of Parallels Desktop for Mac. The trial gives you Pro for 14 days from activation, and no purchase is needed to start it.
• All purchases made directly from parallels.com come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

How to save more

• Use the trial to test your own apps first. Parallels notes that DirectX 12 apps and games may not run, so it's worth checking any must-have software before you pay.
• Pick the edition you actually need. Standard covers everyday Windows apps, so only step up to Pro if you need the extra memory, CPU cores or developer tools.
• Compare the 1-year and 2-year terms on the buy page. Parallels labels the longer term as a saving, which helps if you know you'll use it for a while.

Products, prices and offers checked on the store's own website on 4 Nov 2026. Prices and stock can change.

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