Parallels Desktop 18 Version 1.8.0

Published: Friday 14th October 2022

Parallels have been working hard to make improvements for all of their users, so check out the update they have made.

GRAPHICS

For Apple M series chip Mac computers:

• On Mac computers with a ProMotion display, Windows will now adopt display refresh rate changes automatically if it has been changed in macOS.

USABILITY

For all supported Mac computers:

• Parallels Tools update will be installed upon Windows restart to prevent unwanted interruptions.

• Safari will now use Parallels account credentials previously created in Parallels Desktop.

• Editing Parallels Desktop network preferences is now much easier and protected from both human errors and conflicts with the macOS network.

• Redesigned virtual machine Sharing options for better usability.

For Intel-based Mac computers:

• Download and install Windows 11 via the in-product offer.

COMPATIBILITY

For Apple M series chip Mac computers:

• Parallels Tools driver responsible for Shared Folders functionality has been re-built to ARM architecture to provide better compatibility with Intel applications in Windows running on Apple M series Mac.

• On Mac computers with a ProMotion display, the macOS menu bar remains visible for virtual machines in full-screen mode when configured accordingly.

DEVICES

For all supported Mac computers:

• A new virtual controller device is automatically created in Windows when a Bluetooth controller is connected to the Mac, allowing users to play Windows games with Xbox, DualSense, and other game controllers.

• The Virtio network driver used in Windows and Linux by default now supports jumbo Ethernet frames.

• Improved USB 3.0 support: Works with live data streaming devices (webcams, game capture devices, and a range of other video and audio streaming devices, including Elgato HD60 S, SOCT Copernicus REVO, and more).

• Improved mouse precision in Windows when the mouse is in gaming mode.

For Apple M-series chip Mac computers:

• Added the ability to use network boot with Linux ARM virtual machines.

DESIGN

For all supported Mac computers:

• Updated the Parallels Desktop menu bar icon design.

• New navigation, search functionality, and feedback forms have been introduced to Parallels online documentation.

OTHER

For all supported Mac computers:

• Downloadable Linux virtual machines have been updated with the latest OS versions (also known as virtual appliances or free systems).

For Apple M-series chip Mac computers:

• Added the ability to select Windows 11 edition before installing via the in-product offer.