parallels@18
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Description:
Desktop virtualization software
Type: Cask  |  Latest Version: 18.3.4-53630@0  |  Tracked Since: Dec 28, 2025
Links: Homepage  |  formulae.brew.sh
Category: System utilities
Tags: virtualization windows linux macos vm desktop
Install: brew install --cask parallels@18
About:
Parallels Desktop is a powerful hardware virtualization solution for macOS that enables users to run Windows, Linux, and other operating systems simultaneously with macOS. It provides seamless integration features like Coherence Mode, allowing Windows applications to run as if they were native Mac apps. The platform is optimized for performance, supporting DirectX 11, OpenGL 3.0, and up to 32 vCPUs and 128GB of RAM per virtual machine.
Key Features:
  • Seamless Coherence Mode integration
  • Performance-optimized with DirectX 11 and OpenGL 3.0 support
  • Snapshots and rollback for safe testing
  • One-click migration from physical PCs and Boot Camp
  • Retina display and 5K resolution support
Use Cases:
  • Running Windows-only development tools and IDEs on macOS
  • Testing software across multiple operating systems
  • Enterprise application compatibility without dual-booting
  • Cross-platform software development and QA testing
Alternatives:
  • VMware Fusion – Similar enterprise-grade virtualization with different licensing model
  • UTM – Free, open-source alternative with QEMU backend, less polished UI
  • VirtualBox – Free, cross-platform, but lacks macOS-specific optimizations
Version History
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