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Sure, you could set up your Mac to run Windows with Boot Camp, but that means restarting your computer every time you need to use Windows. Parallels runs Windows within macOS, using what’s called a Virtual Machine. This allows you to quickly switch between the Mac and Windows desktops. You can even combine the two desktops, if you want, and run Windows software right on your Mac desktop from your Mac’s dock.

I bought and installed Parallels Desktop on my Mac.
I installed Parallels Transporter Agent on my Windows machine that runs Windows 7.
I migrated my windows machine to my Mac, took about 36 hours. I can see on my mac desktop all of the files and folders that are on my windows desktop.
After that was done, the virtual machine says 'Upgrading Windows', and below that, per the title of this post, it says 'Preparing to configure your virtual machine..'
It chugs for about a minute, and the progress bar gets about 1/5 of the way.
It stops and now the virtual machine screen is black, except for: 'Windows. Click to Start.' If I click on that, it goes back to step 4.

Parallels is one of the most popular virtualization options for Mac users wishing to run Windows, and the latest version, Parallels 13, makes it ridiculously easy to get up and running. By contrast, the upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 totally broke Coherence Mode in Parallels 10 last year, and Parallels decided not to update the then-year-old version of its software to fix it.

Alternative: On step 4 above, there is a little icon, and if I click on it, it asks me: 'Are you sure you want to switch to the manual configuration mode for the 'Windows' virtual machine? If I click 'Yes' to that, something else happens each time! One of the following 3 things happens:

(a) I get a screen that says 'Starting Windows'. But after a few seconds, a get a blue screen, and it jumps back to step 4 above.

(b) I get a black screen that says at the bottom 'Windows is loading files' that lasts a few seconds; then a progress bar at the bottom that also lasts a few seconds; then I get a blue screen (not the blue screen of death) with what looks like a little black dos popup which lasts just a second; then I get a little wizard popup entitled 'Startup repair' which also lasts just a second; then another little popup that lasts less than a second, then back to step 6 above.

(c.i) Launch Startup Repair (Recommended). Choosing this does the same as (b) above.

(c.ii) Start Windows Normally. Choosing this does the same as (a) above.

Mac OS X Yosemite Version 10.10 iMac 27-inch

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After Update Mac Has Black Screen

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Effectiveness
5 out of 5
Responsive integrated Windows experience

ease of use
5 out of 5
Runs like a Mac app (absolutely intuitive)

support
4.5 out of 5
Multiple ways to contact support

Quick Summary

Parallels Desktop lets you run Windows apps on your Mac. That can be very handy if you rely on certain Windows apps for your business, or have switched to Mac and can’t find alternatives for everything you need.

Is it worth it? If you have Mac apps for everything you need you won’t need Parallels, and if you need just a few non-critical Windows apps a free alternative may meet your needs. But if you rely on Windows apps to get your work done, you’ll need the premium Windows performance that Parallels Desktop provides.

What I Like

Windows is very responsive
Pauses when not in use to save resources
Coherence mode lets you run Windows apps like Mac apps
Also run Linux, Android and more

What I Don't Like

My mouse became unresponsive once
macOS and Linux are less responsive than Windows

Parallels Desktop for Mac

macOS, $79.99+

Quick Navigation

Parallels For Mac Has Black Screen For Windows 10

// Why Should You Trust Me?
// What Is Parallels Desktop for Mac?
// Parallels Desktop for Mac: What's in it For You?
// Reasons Behind My Reviews and Ratings
// Alternatives to Parallels Desktop
// Conclusion

Why Should You Trust Me?

My name is Adrian Try. After using Microsoft Windows for over a decade, I made a deliberate move away from the operating system in 2003. I enjoyed the change, but still needed certain Windows apps on a regular basis. So I found myself using a combination of dual boot, virtualization (using VMware and VirtualBox) and Wine. See the Alternatives section of this review.

Parallels for mac activation keygen for parallels. Users can mount Windows, Linux, or other operating systems on electronic machines and work with them and the applications as they do with programs running on Macintosh OS X. The most recent version is available today and supports the latest types of macOS and glass windows.

I hadn’t tried Parallels Desktop before. I was provided a review license, and installed version 12 on my macOS Sierra-based iMac. For the last week I’ve been putting it through its paces, installing Windows 10 (purchased just for this review) and several other operating systems, and trying just about every feature in the program.

Version 13 was released last night, so I immediately upgraded. This review reflects my use of both Parallels Desktop 12 and 13, and all of the screenshots are from version 13. Third-party reviews that I reference are all of version 12.

In this review I’ll share what I like and dislike about Parallels Desktop. The content in the quick summary box above serves as a short version of my findings and conclusions. Read on for the details!

What Is Parallels Desktop for Mac?

Parallels Desktop allows you to run Windows apps on your Mac. It does this by allowing you to install Windows on a virtual machine — a computer emulated in software. Your virtual computer is assigned a portion of the RAM, processor and disk space of your real computer, so it will be slower and have less resources.

Other operating systems will also run on Parallels Desktop, including Linux, Android and macOS — even older versions of macOS and OS X (El Capitan or earlier).

What’s New in Parallels Desktop 13?

Parallels has added a number of new features to version 13. According to the release notes from Parallels, those include speed improvements, making GIFs, presentation mode, Picture-in-Picture, Retina display enhancements, etc. Watch this 3-minute video for more.

Is Parallels Desktop Safe?

Yes, it is. I ran and installed the app on my macOS Sierra based iMac and scanned it for viruses. Parallels Desktop 13 doesn’t contain any virus or malicious processes.

Be aware that when you install Windows in Parallels, you become vulnerable to Windows viruses (on the virtual machine and the files it can access), so make sure you protect yourself. A trial version of Kaspersky Internet Security is included, or install your security software of choice.

During my use of the app, my mouse froze once when switching between Windows and Mac. This required a reboot to fix. Your mileage may vary.

Is Parallels Desktop Free?

No, it isn’t freeware though a full-featured 14-day trial is available. There are three versions of the app to consider:

Parallels Desktop for Mac ($79.99 for students): Designed for home or student use.
Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro Edition ($99.99/year): Designed for developers and power users who need the best performance.
Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition ($99.99/year): Designed for IT departments, it includes centralized administration and volume licensing.
You’ll also have to pay for Microsoft Windows and your Windows applications if you don’t already own them.

How to Install Parallels Desktop for Mac

Here is an overview of the full process of getting the app up and running:

Download and install Parallels Desktop for Mac.
You’ll be asked to choose an operating for your new virtual machine. To install Windows, you have three choices: purchase it online, install it from a US stick, or transfer it from a PC. Enter the Windows product key when prompted.
Windows will be installed along with some Parallels tools. This will take some time.
Your new Windows desktop will be displayed. Install any W