Parallels Desktop for Mac App Store Edition provides a seamless way for Mac users to run Windows and other operating systems directly on their Apple devices. Designed with macOS compatibility and convenience in mind, it offers an efficient virtual machine solution tailored for both personal and professional environments. This guide aims to help you understand what sets this version apart, how to get started, its features, limitations, and whether it’s right for your needs.
TLDR: Parallels Desktop for Mac App Store Edition is a simplified, streamlined version of the regular Parallels Desktop software, available exclusively through the Mac App Store. It allows users to run Windows on a virtual machine directly from their Mac. While it lacks some advanced features found in the standard version, it provides all the essential tools for casual and light professional use. Ideal for users who prefer the security and convenience of App Store purchases.
What is Parallels Desktop for Mac App Store Edition?
Parallels Desktop for Mac App Store Edition is a specialized variant of the widely-used Parallels virtualization software. It’s designed for users who prefer installing and managing software through the Apple Mac App Store, which provides tighter integration with macOS and additional layers of privacy and system control.
This edition allows Mac users to install and run a wide range of operating systems, most commonly Windows, in a virtual machine environment alongside macOS. It’s particularly useful for those who need access to Windows-only applications while working in a macOS environment.
Main Features
The App Store Edition includes many of the core features that Parallels is well-known for:
- Windows on Mac: Run Windows-based applications without rebooting your Mac.
- macOS Integration: Share files, folders, clipboard, and even printers between Windows and macOS environments.
- Fast Performance: Optimized to use your Mac’s processing power efficiently, ensuring a smooth experience even with demanding applications.
- Simple UI: User-friendly interface designed for non-experienced users.
- Trusted Purchase Method: Download and manage through the Mac App Store, with automatic updates and Apple-endorsed security.
Limitations Compared to Standard Edition
While the App Store Edition is convenient and safe, it does come with certain limitations designed to comply with Apple’s App Store policies:
- No Direct Hardware Access: Restrictions on USB and device passthrough for certain hardware components.
- Limited Feature Set: Lacks more advanced capabilities like Nested Virtualization, Linked Clones, and support for some developer tools.
- No Direct Business Licenses: Not suitable for large scale corporate environments or enterprise rollouts.
- Version Lag: May not always be updated in real-time along with the standard Parallels Desktop editions.
These restrictions may make the App Store Edition unsuitable for power users or IT professionals. However, for students, casual users, or small business owners, it often provides more than enough functionality.
System Requirements
To run Parallels Desktop for Mac App Store Edition effectively, your Mac should meet the following minimum requirements:
- Operating System: macOS 11 Big Sur or later
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or higher, Apple Silicon M1/M2 supported via Rosetta 2
- RAM: Minimum 8 GB, 16 GB recommended for running Windows alongside macOS
- Storage: At least 15 GB of free storage for the virtual machine
Note that while Apple Silicon machines are supported, there are additional compatibility considerations for the ARM-based version of Windows.
Installation and Setup
Getting started with Parallels Desktop for Mac App Store Edition is straightforward:
- Open the Mac App Store and search for “Parallels Desktop”.
- Click Get and install the edition marked as “Mac App Store Edition”.
- Launch the application and follow the on-screen instructions to create a new virtual machine.
- Choose how you want to install Windows – from an ISO file, existing Boot Camp partition, or through downloading a Windows ARM image (for Apple Silicon).
- Once the setup ends, configure shared folders, display preferences, and other integration settings as needed.
Windows Installation and Compatibility
You can install either the Intel-based or ARM-based version of Windows, depending on your Mac’s hardware. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Intel Macs: Compatible with full x86/x64 versions of Windows 10 and 11.
- Apple Silicon (M1/M2): Requires Windows on ARM. Microsoft provides a downloadable version to install, but some legacy apps may not run.
- Licensing: You must acquire your own valid license for any OS you plan to run.
Performance is generally responsive, though hardware-intensive tasks (like 3D rendering or advanced gaming) may not be ideal due to virtualization limits.
Managing and Using Virtual Machines
Once installed, managing VMs is simple. From the main dashboard, you can:
- Start, Pause, or Shut Down your virtual machine with one click.
- Create Snapshots before making major changes.
- Adjust CPU and RAM settings to allocate more resources for performance tuning.
- Enable Coherence Mode to run Windows apps directly on the macOS desktop.
These features allow for a highly customized experience and ensure smooth interoperability between systems.
Software Updates and Support
Because the App Store Edition is distributed by Apple, all updates are handled via the App Store interface. This means:
- No external downloads or installers needed for updates
- Applications are vetted more thoroughly by Apple
- Automatic notifications when new updates are available
Support, however, is more limited as this version doesn’t include Parallels’ premium support options. You can still consult the Parallels Knowledge Base and user forums for assistance.
Ideal Use Cases
The App Store Edition is best suited for:
- Students needing Windows for specific coursework or software
- Small business owners using productivity software unavailable on macOS
- Casual users looking to run light Windows apps like Microsoft Office or simple games
- Developers needing to test software across Windows and macOS (to a limited extent)
For heavy development, enterprise use, or advanced virtualization needs, the standard version of Parallels Desktop is more appropriate.
Pricing
Parallels Desktop for Mac App Store Edition is available as a subscription-based product, with current pricing usually around $79.99/year. This includes all updates within the subscription period.
Be sure to factor in the cost of a separate Windows license, which is not included with the Parallels software itself.
Final Thoughts
Parallels Desktop for Mac App Store Edition strikes a balance between functionality, ease of use, and security. It provides an accessible way for everyday users to run Windows and other operating systems on their Macs without the complexity of dual-booting or using external devices.
Although it lacks some advanced features, its tight integration with macOS and easy App Store access make it an appealing choice for those with moderate computing needs. Whether you’re a student, freelancer, or small business owner, this edition delivers reliable performance within a clean, reliable framework.
Before making your decision, assess whether the limitations affecting USB, network integration, and performance will influence your workflow. If not, you’ll find Parallels Desktop for Mac App Store Edition to be a valuable and trustworthy tool in your software toolkit.