What you need to know
- Parallels Desktop 17 is optimized to run Windows 11 on macOS Monterey.
- The software supports Mac devices with either Intel or Apple M1 chips.
- Parallels Desktop 17 promises significant speed and performance improvements.
Parallels announced the newest version of its cross-platform software, Parallels Desktop 17. The program promises significantly faster speeds and better performance than its predecessor. It's optimized to run Windows 11 on Macs running either Intel or Apple M1 chips. Parallels Desktop 17 starts at $80 per year and ranges up to $100 per year for its pro and business editions. People with previous versions of Parallels Desktop can upgrade for $50.
All supported Macs will see up to 38% faster performance when resuming Windows, Linux, and macOS. Parallels Desktop 17 also brings an OpenGL graphics performance boost of up to six times and up to 25% faster 2D graphics in Windows.
If you're on a Mac with an M1 chip, you'll have up to 33% faster startup and up to 20% faster disk performance for Windows 10 on ARM Insider Preview. M1 Macs will also get up to 28% better DirectX 11 graphics performance. It's important to note that M1 Macs can only emulate Windows on ARM. That comes with some limitations, though it has improved since its launch.
Those with Macs running Intel processors will benefit from up to 60% faster network connection on macOS Big Sur and newer virtual machines.
Parallels highlights that its latest software enhances gaming and video playback, thanks to an improved display driver. It also adds advanced experience and support for USB devices, including support for USB 3.1. People can also drag and drop content between Windows and macOS with the latest version of Parallels.
Parallels Desktop 17 handles system resources better than its predecessor as well since it can enable battery saving mode and work with a new Automatic Resource Manager feature.
Parallels provides a complete list of everything that's new on its website. Parallels Desktop 17 is available starting today, August 10, 2021.
| Version | Price |
|---|---|
| Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac | $79.99 per year |
| Parallels Desktop for Mac Perpetual license | $99.99 |
| Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro Edition | $99.99 per year |
| Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition | $99.99 per year |
| Upgrade from any previous version of Parallels Desktop to Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac | $49.99 |
| Upgrade from any previous version of Parallels Desktop Pro Edition | $49.99 per year |
The latest version of Parallels Desktop is optimized for Windows 11 and macOS Monterey. It brings a long list of new features and significantly better performance and speed than its predecessor.
