Parallels
Parallels Desktop 9
Free Upgrade to Parallels 10 included with this purchase!
Eco-Packed | No Retail Box
The Mac you Love. The Windows you Need.
OWC Note: All purchases of Parallels 9 dated August 1st, 2014 through October 15th, 2014 are entitled to a
FREE online upgrade to Parallels 10 when it is released on August 26th, 2014.
Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac is the #1 choice of OWC customers who want to seamlessly run Windows and Mac applications side-by-side, without rebooting or compromising performance.
Powerful performance lets you run windows productivity applications, even graphic-intensive ones, with ease. Use Internet Explorer, Office for Windows, AutoCAD, QuickBooks, Visio, OneNote and other applications not available on the Mac without leaving the Mac OS.
If you are new to Mac, you can maintain a comfort level with the familiar Windows experience on your Mac. If you love the Mac OS interface, make Windows invisible. Launch and access Windows applications directly from the Mac Dock and Copy & Paste, drag & drop between Mac and Windows.
Seamless Integration
Full support of Mountain Lion features like Launchpad, Mission Control and gestures for Windows applications. Launch and access Windows applications directly from the Mac Dock and copy & paste, drag & drop between Mac and Windows.
Versatile for Home, Work and School
Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac enables one Mac to handle all of your computing needs. Run the PC programs you need for work or play and the Mac applications you need and love side-by-side without rebooting.
A Must-have in the Mac-based Business
An office full of Macs can still run the business-critical Windows applications that you, your customers and your partners need.
Mac OS X Mountain Lion Support
Run Windowns applications like they were made for Mac. Experience Mountain Lion's intuitive features like Dictation, Launchpad and Mission Control even while running Windows applications.
Need More than Windows?
Run Google Chrome, Linux and many other operating systems simultaneously. With Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac, you've made the leap to anywhere, anytime, any platform computing. Unite your Mac and Windows world into one harmonious universe.
Features
- Support for cloud services: Sync iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, SkyDrive etc., with your Mac and your Windows virtual machine without unnecessary duplication of files locally
- Enhanced Windows 8 & 8.1 support: Parallels Desktop brings back the real Start menu and lets customers use Metro apps in a window instead of full screen
- Security Center: Easily access and install complimentary security software subscriptions to keep the Mac and Windows virtual machines safe from viruses and malware, all from one location
- Enhanced new Virtual Machine Wizard: It is easier than ever to set up a new virtual machine, especially on computers that don't have DVD drives
- Power Nap support: On a Retina MacBook Pro or a MacBook Air, the Power Nap feature now extends to Windows and Windows apps, so virtual machines and all Windows applications are always up-to-date
- Mac gestures inside Windows apps: Parallels Desktop now includes the addition of the Dictionary lookup gesture in Windows applications
- Thunderbolt and FireWire storage device support: Connect Thunderbolt and FireWire devices to either your Mac or your virtual machine - just like you do with USB devices
- PDF printer for Windows: Lets people print from any Windows application to a PDF on the Mac desktop even if the application doesn't have that functionality
- Sticky multi-monitor setup: When using Windows in Full Screen mode and connecting to an external monitor, Parallels Desktop will remember settings and put the Windows virtual machine back in full screen mode on the remote monitor
- Custom keyboard: Editable keyboard shortcuts help customize the Windows experience
- Linux guest integration: Parallels Desktop customers who use Linux now have additional and enhanced integration with the Mac OX
System Requirements
- Main Operating System: Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.8, Mac OS X 10.7.5 Lion or later, Mac OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.4 or later, Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks
- CPU: Intel-based Mac with Intel Core 2 Duo processor (Intel Core Solo and Core Duo processors are no longer supported)
- RAM: Minimum of at least 2 GB of memory, 4GB, 8GB, or more can substantially improve performance.
See OWC memory options for your Mac here
- Hard Drive: At least 700 MB of disk space on the boot volume (Macintosh HD) for Parallels Desktop installation plus space to allocate to your virtual machine.
- Internet connection required for product download, activation, updates, and select features
- Requires Windows or other host operating system (not included)
Reviews
"I have been using Parallels Desktop now for several years and version 9 is very fast and responsive. This is the best version yet - great job!" - Jeff N.
"This new version is even better than its predecessors. And I can’t wait to find out how it works with the newest OS X coupled with the next Windows." - Mike W.
"Parallels Desktop 9 is lightening fast, it’s a very nice upgrade for the always supreme product for my adorable Mac." - Ray C.
Customer Ratings
Write a Review
4.5 / 5
36 out of 42 (86%) reviewers would recommend this product
Verified Buyer
Reviewer: Anonymous
Location: Marco Island, FL
Age: 45-54
Experience Level: IT Professional
Owned Product: over 6 months
Rating: 5/5
A solid VM environment
March 16, 2015
Having been a Parallels user for years, each new version brings better performance and other refinements - v10 continues this tradition. I've explored alternative VMs, but for me, the features and ease of use Parallels provides makes it the clear choice. I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from Parallels Desktop 10 for Mac - Use Windows Applications alongside your Mac Apps!.
Verified Buyer Top 250 Contributor
Reviewer: Anonymous
Location: Antioch,CA
Age: 55-65
Experience Level: IT Professional
Owned Product: 1-3 months
Rating: 5/5
An Easy way to run Multiple OS
February 19, 2015
I was looking for an easy way to run multiple OS's on my MBP. I do computer repair and personally have used Linux for years but I like the Apple OS as well. I tend to fix many Windows computers so I needed that one too. Now instead of haveing to carry 3 Laptops to locations I can carry one and take care of all 3 OS's at once.
This software makes installing another OS as easy as getting the Distro or OEM Disk and installing it. Its so simple anyone can do it.
I have tried several Windows software titles and all run well. As do all the Linux software apps I have tried and believe me I really tried to cause a problem.
Great Software...
I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from Parallels Desktop 10 for Mac - Use Windows Applications alongside your Mac Apps!.
Verified Buyer Top 100 Contributor
Reviewer: Anonymous
Rating: 5/5
Best Version Yet
February 1, 2015
I was a Parallel's version 3 user but left for VMware when I ran in to support issues when version 4 was released. I returned to Parallel's when 8 was released and happy that I did. I haven't noticed a considerable difference going from 8 to 10, but took advantage of the upgrade offer when I purchased a Mercury SSD. I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from Parallels Desktop 10 for Mac - Use Windows Applications alongside your Mac Apps!.
Verified Buyer Top 50 Contributor
Reviewer: Anonymous
Location: central VA
Age: 55-65
Experience Level: Home User
Owned Product: less than a month
Rating: 5/5
Works as advertised.
January 5, 2015
Love it. Installed this and XP Pro. No need to partition a certain amount of space, Parallels does this automatically, I guess. I only have one program I use, so it's easy, but you (I) open to FireFox and go from there. I open Parallels, click on FF, enter the site I want and I'm there. The site I want to go to has "only IE 8 and Windows 7 will work." in their requirements page, I have neither and the site opens as usual. Had to jump through hoops for that, but Parallels 10 made it happen. Very easy.
Can't add any durability info, too new.
I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from Parallels Desktop 10 for Mac - Use Windows Applications alongside your Mac Apps!.
Verified Buyer
Reviewer: Anonymous
Location: Zurrieq, Malta
Age: 18-24
Experience Level: Hobbiest
Owned Product: less than a month
Rating: 5/5
Great software!
December 27, 2014
Being a student, and much of the software is available only on this platform, this software helped me work and browse seamlessly on both operating systems. I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from Parallels Desktop 10 for Mac - Use Windows Applications alongside your Mac Apps!.
Verified Buyer Top 250 Contributor
Reviewer: Anonymous
Location: Spain
Age: 25-34
Experience Level: IT Professional
Owned Product: 1-3 months
Rating: 5/5
Good price!
December 12, 2014
Parallels Desktop is the best OS virtualization software for Mac and at OWC we can get it at a fraction of the official price. That's great! I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from Parallels Desktop 10 for Mac - Use Windows Applications alongside your Mac Apps!.
Verified Buyer
Reviewer: Anonymous
Location: New York
Age: 55-65
Experience Level: IT Professional
Owned Product: less than a month
Rating: 4/5
Parallels Continues To Be The Best Virtualization System
October 27, 2014
Thank you to OWC for a kind Parallels upgrade discount! I continue to be pleased with the work Parallels has put into Parallels desktop. It offers more features and functionality that all the other options, at least for my needs. It continues to rule the speed and functionality tests. I keep waiting for a moment of regret that I didn't choose the competition instead, and that moment never happens. Please keep up the great work! I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from Parallels Desktop 10 for Mac - OWC Customer Exclusive New Version Special.
Verified Buyer Top 50 Contributor
Reviewer: Anonymous
Location: Indiana
Age: 55-65
Experience Level: IT Professional
Owned Product: 1-3 months
Rating: 4/5
Not the easiest product to configure
August 3, 2014
Parallels works for running my old Microsoft apps on the new Mac system, but it takes a lot of room and wasn't the easiest install. I think it would have been easier to make a separate boot partition with a separate install of Windows. On the other hand Parallels had good chat support to get me up and running, and it's nice to be able to punch up an app without rebooting. Just be patient and you should be able to get things working fine. I would recommend this item to a friend!
Verified Buyer
Reviewer: Anonymous
Location: SoCal
Age: 55-65
Experience Level: Power User
Owned Product: 1-3 months
Rating: 3/5
Ok I guess
May 22, 2014
You will only want this if you moved to Mavericks and still run a PC on your Mac. I was happy with the earlier version and only upgraded because OWC gave me a good discount. I have moved almost completely away from the PC side so I don't really feel like I wanted to make the switch and I'm not sue it was worth it except for the compatibility with 10.9.x. I would recommend this item to a friend!
Verified Buyer
Reviewer: Anonymous
Location: Miami, FL
Age: 35-44
Experience Level: Home User
Owned Product: 3-4 months
Rating: 5/5
Fantastic - Whoever thought of this should get an award!
May 12, 2014
If you want to work on Windows because software in your business only lets you use Windows, but love your Mac, then install this on your Mac and have the best of both worlds. My friend recommended this to me and as much as he raved about it, I think I can go on a tour promoting this product - simply amazing. I would recommend this item to a friend!
Verified Buyer
Reviewer: Anonymous
Location: Central NY
Age: Over 65
Experience Level: IT Professional
Owned Product: 1-3 months
Rating: 5/5
Works well running a Windows 7 VHD
February 26, 2014
As much as I like iMacs, I need to do professional Windows based programming using Visual Studio 2013. I decided to eliminate my Windows workstation and virtualize it using Parallels 9. I virtualized my existing computer using Parallels tools and was amazed how smoothly it went. I can't tell the difference in performance between the virtual machine and my old workstation. All my Windows apps have worked with no problems. As they point out in their instructions, I did have to reauthorize the Windows installation I do allocate it 16 GB of memory which is probably overkill. I find Coherence Mode very useful. I would recommend this item to a friend!
Reviewer: Anonymous
Location: Rochester NY
Age: 35-44
Experience Level: Power User
Owned Product: over 6 months
Rating: 4/5
Paralells Customer Review
October 29, 2013
I've been using Paralells on multiple Macbook and Macbook Pro 13" machines for over 7 years. I like the software very much. It's stable and allows me to run older Microsoft XP Pro applications. Currently running Paralells on my late 2011 Macbook Pro Core 2 Duo 2.8GHZ. I'm writing this as I check out with OWC's offer of Paralells 9 for $39.00 and saw there was only one review of this product and thought I should share my experience with Paralells. I am a professional photographer and run intensive Photoshop and other intensive imaging software on both sides of my Mac simultaneously. Paralells gives me the best of both worlds. I would recommend this item to a friend!
Verified Buyer
Reviewer: Anonymous
Location: Tri-Cities, WA
Age: 55-65
Experience Level: Home User
Owned Product: less than a month
Rating: 5/5
Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac - Ready for Mavericks Release
October 7, 2013
Parallels 9 installed without incident. The installation process offered additional software that allows remote control of my iMac using an iPad. Bring on Mavericks!!! I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac - Use Windows Applications alongside your Mac Apps!.
Reviewer: Jesse
Location: Tulsa, OK
Age: 25-34
Experience Level: IT Professional
Owned Product: over 6 months
Rating: 3/5
I love Parallels, but they got cocky
September 9, 2013
I am writing this review and rating it only 3 stars, but I continue to love Parallels. I actually hope that others will buy Parallels 9 and then call, write, and chat with the support team to complain about the loss of Parallels Mobile and its replacement with a more expensive, but more functional version called Parallels Access. Hopefully, people reaching out and complaining will push them to re-visit their idea.
So, here's my review of the actual software.
Parallels makes upgrading easy. I just popped in the Desktop 9 CD, then realized that they will let me download it. I prefer to download as the CD will never survive in my house. If I ever needed to re-install, then I will have to have it. So, I downloaded the software and hit install. It found my Parallels 8 and replaced it. All of my OS's are still there.
Now my Dropbox and Google drive docs are available on the Windows machine. This may seem like nothing, but I can access my Photo Stream, my iCloud Docs (which I don't use), and my Google Drive docs straight from my Windows machine without having to create shares and links or by installing and mirroring the same data on the Windows machine. This is very nice and makes it much easier for me to update a file and know it will be pushed to Google Drive or Dropbox.
The last time I upgraded my Mac, I had an issue because Parallels stopped working. Apparently, Parallels Desktop 7 worked for Lion (10.7), but not Mountain Lion (10.8). That was a frustration that I wanted to avoid. When Mavericks (10.9) comes out, I can upgrade my laptop without worrying that all of my Parallels Operating Systems will shut down. I use the windows side for some of the work that I do and that was frustrating to realize that I couldn't access Windows until I upgraded Parallels. In their defense, they notated this on their website and had sent emails that I must have missed. I was pleased that the issue was documented and easy to see if I searched.
Parallels has replaced Parallels Mobile with Parallels Access as of this version. First off, what are these things, you might ask. These are Apps that you run on your iPhone/iPad which allows you to takeover your remote machine. I can sit at the coffee shop and remember I needed to hit send on an email. I grab my phone, open the Parallels Mobile app, and it connects to my laptop at home, shows me the desktop, and lets me do what I need to do. You don't have to setup your router or anything. Just have Parallels running and you're good to go. * The downside, Parallels Mobile worked for iPhone and iPad. This meant that if I just had my phone, I was still good. Parallels Mobile was introduced around version 7 and now it's being phased out. It's being phased out in favor of Parallels Access, which does the same thing, but costs $79.99/yr and doesn't currently work on the iPhone. When you connect with Parallels Access, the computer you takeover gets all funky as Parallels us tweaking the desktop resolution so that it can show you one Mac/Windows application at a time. * The upside, Parallels Access is pretty sweet. You can takeover just one Mac/Windows Application at a time. You don't have to re-size the application to perfectly fit in the screen. They have taken the iPad finger strokes and made them work when you are taking over a remote computer. It's pretty amazing and has allowed me to get more done faster.
Parallels Access might be worth $20/yr to me, but not $79.99. It's worth even less to me because I don't have a choice. Parallels Mobile is End of Purchase. http://www.parallels.com/support/desktop-virtualization/mobile/ This means that you can't get it anymore and those of us that have been with them for years can't use it if we want to upgrade. If the next Mac upgrade to Mavericks works the same, then once I upgrade my Mac, I will have to upgrade Parallels and lose access to Parallels Mobile. (This is what I was talking about on the first paragraph. Please phone, chat, Skype, and email support. Please push for Parallels Mobile to come back or Parallels Access to be reasonably priced.)
I love Parallels and they have always come out with something new and some reason that it's worth it to me to upgrade. This is the first time I wouldn't want to give 5 stars. I still love them and want to stick with them. If you are choosing between Parallels and Fusion, I'd still say to go with Parallels. We just need them to get a little less cocky and be more open with us the consumers.
I would recommend this item to a friend!
Verified Buyer
Reviewer: Anonymous
Location: Northern Ontario, Canada
Age: 45-54
Experience Level: Home User
Owned Product: less than a month
Rating: 5/5
Ordered but not installed
January 3, 2013
Good product no doubt many of you know that already...what I wasn't clear on when I ordered it was the need to do a complete install of Win8 and possibly allow sharing of my file structure with Windows. Not prepared to do that so I uninstalled. No complaints with product though I just wasn't exactly clear on how much integration was expected to have it work smoothly. I don't need the one Win8 app I was looking to use enough to justify the install. I would recommend this item to a friend! This review is from (*) Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac - Use Windows Applications alongside your Mac Apps! *Free v9 Upgrade!*.
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