parallels ☆
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Description:
Desktop virtualization software
Type: Cask  |  Latest Version: 26.2.2-57373@0  |  Tracked Since: Dec 28, 2025
Links: Homepage  |  formulae.brew.sh
Category: System utilities
Tags: virtualization windows vm macos linux parallels
Install: brew install --cask parallels
About:
Parallels Desktop is a hardware virtualization solution for macOS that allows users to run Windows, Linux, and other operating systems simultaneously with macOS without rebooting. It provides tight integration between host and guest OSes, enabling features like Coherence Mode for running Windows apps as if they were native Mac applications. The software is optimized for high performance, including support for DirectX 11, OpenGL 3.3, and Apple's M-series silicon.
Key Features:
  • Coherence Mode for running Windows apps alongside macOS apps
  • Optimized for Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) and Intel processors
  • One-click installation of Windows and other OSes
  • DirectX 11 and OpenGL 3.3 support for gaming and graphics
  • Snapshot and rollback capabilities for system states
Use Cases:
  • Running Windows-only software and games on a Mac
  • Software development and testing across multiple operating systems
  • Creating isolated environments for security testing
Alternatives:
  • VMware Fusion – Free for personal use, more enterprise-focused features
  • VirtualBox – Open source and free, but less optimized for macOS integration
  • UTM – Free alternative with QEMU backend, less polished UI
Version History
Detected Version Rev Change Commit
Feb 5, 2026 7:20pm 26.2.2-57373 0 VERSION_BUMP c82694d4
Jan 14, 2026 4:38pm 26.2.1-57371 0 VERSION_BUMP 983a1647
Aug 7, 2025 4:31pm 20.4.1-55996 0 VERSION_BUMP 2be1c42e
Jun 27, 2024 3:00pm 19.4.1-54985 0 VERSION_BUMP 122c74b3
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