Top 4 Features of Parallels: The Best Way to Run Windows on Mac

Running Windows on a Mac used to be a juggling act with Boot Camp, but those days are long gone—especially with Apple Silicon cutting off the Boot Camp route. Enter Parallels, the virtualization software that’s carved out its niche as the go-to solution for seamlessly and swiftly running Windows on macOS. Let’s dive into four standout features that set Parallels apart from the competition and make it the best VM choice for Mac users.

1. Effortless Setup—A Breeze for New Windows Users​

One of Parallels’ most celebrated features is its incredibly streamlined installation process. Gone are the days of hunting down a Windows ISO, painstakingly configuring settings, or wrestling with Microsoft accounts. With Parallels:

• Automatic Windows Download: Parallels handles the download of Windows 11 for you, removing the guesswork from the equation.
• Simplified Installation: The setup process is user-friendly, with the software skipping the lengthy out-of-box experience (OOBE). Instead of being bombarded with multiple steps and prompts, you’re greeted with a lean installation that gets you up and running in no time.
• Automatic Local Account Creation: Forget about the unsolicited nudges to create a Microsoft account. Parallels automatically creates a local Windows account for you, which means no unnecessary sign-ups or ad clutter.

This level of simplicity is particularly refreshing compared to competitors, where tools like VMware Fusion still require you to go through all the standard Windows setup stages. For anyone looking to avoid the hassle of traditional installations, Parallels makes the process almost invisible—a true win for productivity and simplicity.
Summary: Parallels transforms the traditionally complex Windows installation process into an intuitive, automatic operation that saves users time and stress.

2. High Refresh Rates—Smooth Graphics for the Modern User​

Performance matters, especially when your Mac boasts a high-refresh-rate display. Parallels shines in this arena by supporting refresh rates that keep pace with modern hardware, enhancing the overall Windows experience. Here’s how it stands out:

• Optimized for High-Refresh Displays: Whether you’re using a MacBook or an external monitor, Parallels allows your Windows VM to tap into high refresh rates. Users have reported reaching up to 120Hz on a 144Hz display—an impressive benchmark that outperforms many competing solutions.
• Seamless Resolution Adjustments: Unlike some virtualization tools where resolution changes can be clunky or require additional guest tools, Parallels adjusts smoothly when you resize the window. This means your workflow remains uninterrupted even when transitioning between different display settings.
• Enhanced Visual Fluidity: For video playback, gaming, or design work, the enhanced fluidity and responsiveness of a high-refresh-rate display can make a significant difference. Parallels’ ability to maintain smooth performance elevates the user experience, making it an ideal choice for both casual and power users.

By ensuring that Windows runs with visuals that match the native capabilities of the Mac, Parallels guarantees that performance isn’t left behind. It’s a thoughtful integration that blurs the line between virtualized and native experiences in a way that competitors like VMware Fusion struggle to match.
Summary: Parallels not only supports high-refresh-rate monitors but does so gracefully, ensuring that visual performance and usability get an upgrade right out of the box.

3. Seamless macOS Integration—A Unified Desktop Experience​

The beauty of virtualization lies in the ability to work within multiple operating systems as if they were parts of one. Parallels does this exceptionally well by integrating deeply with macOS. Here’s what this means for users:

• Unified File Access: With Parallels, your macOS and Windows environments aren’t isolated silos. Instead, both systems share the same file structure, making it incredibly easy to access and work on files regardless of which OS you’re in. Need to edit a file in Windows while working in macOS? It’s as simple as a right-click.
• Cross-Platform Application Sharing: Parallels blurs the boundaries between Mac and Windows applications. With integrated file systems, you can open Windows apps from within macOS, and even see your native macOS applications appear in the Windows Start menu, ensuring that no matter where you are, the tools you need are at your fingertips.
• Streamlined Workflow: This level of integration transforms the virtual machine from a separate system into a seamless extension of your main desktop. The friction of switching contexts disappears, letting you focus on your tasks without the overhead of managing two disjointed environments.

This seamless bridging of two worlds is particularly useful for professionals who rely on specific Windows applications but prefer the macOS interface for everyday work. Parallels makes it possible to harness the best of both operating systems simultaneously.
Summary: By integrating macOS and Windows into a single, cohesive workspace, Parallels removes the typical barriers between operating systems, fostering a smoother, more efficient workflow.

4. Coherence Mode—Turning Windows Apps into Mac Apps​

Perhaps the crown jewel of Parallels’ feature set is its Coherence mode. This innovative functionality dissolves the traditional boundaries of a virtual machine, enabling Windows applications to operate indistinguishably from native macOS apps. Consider these benefits:

• Elimination of the Windows Desktop: Coherence mode removes the standard Windows desktop interface, allowing individual Windows applications to run directly on the Mac desktop. This means no more juggling separate desktops or toggling between full-screen windows.
• Native-Like App Experience: Windows apps behave as if they were designed for macOS. They can be launched from the Dock, integrated into macOS’s notification center, and positioned alongside native Mac applications seamlessly.
• Enhanced Compatibility and Performance: While alternatives like Wine or CrossOver promise to run Windows apps natively, they often rely on translation layers that can cause compatibility issues. Parallels, however, runs a full-fledged Windows environment but offers the convenience of a native app appearance. This ensures that even demanding applications run without the hiccups sometimes experienced in emulation/translation scenarios.
• Flexibility in Usage: Whether you need the full Windows desktop for more cumbersome or isolated tasks, or simply want Windows applications woven into your macOS environment, Parallels gives you the flexibility to switch modes effortlessly.

This level of integration nudges virtualization beyond a mere technical workaround—it creates a unified experience where the operating systems complement rather than compete with each other. It’s a feature that many power users will find invaluable, as it marries performance with practicality.
Summary: Coherence mode transforms traditional virtual machine usage by letting Windows applications appear and behave as native macOS apps, offering unparalleled integration and flexibility.

Wrapping It Up: Why Parallels Stands at the Top​

From its out-of-the-box simplicity to its nuanced support for high refresh rates and deep integration with macOS, Parallels emerges as a standout option for anyone needing to run Windows on a Mac. Its innovative features like Coherence mode aren’t just gimmicks—instead, they redefine how desktop environments can blend, offering users the best of both worlds without compromise.
For professionals who depend on specific Windows-only applications, or for tech enthusiasts looking to leverage the full power of their Apple Silicon Macs, Parallels delivers on all fronts. Its balanced blend of performance, ease of use, and intelligent integration effectively makes it the top contender in the VM software market for Macs.
In an era where the distinction between operating systems is increasingly blurred, Parallels paves the way for a truly hybrid computing experience—a solution that not only adapts to modern hardware trends but also anticipates the evolving needs of its users. Whether you’re a designer, a developer, or simply someone who appreciates the synergy of well-integrated software, Parallels offers an impressive suite of features that ensure Windows runs as smoothly on Mac as any native application ever could.
Final Thought: In the relentless march toward more integrated and efficient computing environments, Parallels stands out by transforming virtual machine technology into a seamless extension of the macOS experience.

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Source: XDA Developers https://www.xda-developers.com/features-parallels-best-vm-software-mac/