Leader in Mac Virtualization (Run Windows on Mac)

Parallels.com, the official site of Parallels International GmbH, serves as the hub for one of the world’s leading virtualization and remote access software providers. Best known for Parallels Desktop — the top-rated solution for running Windows on Mac — the company continues to innovate in 2026, with its latest Parallels Desktop 26 release optimized for macOS Tahoe and featuring enhanced enterprise tools.

Owned by Alludo (formerly Corel), Parallels empowers millions of users to bridge operating systems seamlessly, whether for personal productivity, development, gaming or large-scale IT deployments. Recent surveys from the company highlight shifting priorities in hybrid cloud and end-user computing, with 94% of IT leaders expressing concerns over vendor lock-in amid AI adoption.

Here are 10 essential facts about Parallels.com and its ecosystem, drawing on the latest developments as of February 2026.

1. Company Origins and Ownership Founded in 1999 by Serg Bell, Parallels International GmbH is headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. It specializes in virtualization software for macOS, enabling users to run Windows, Linux and other OSes on Apple hardware. The company became a subsidiary of Corel (now rebranded as Alludo) after a 2015 acquisition. Alludo positions Parallels as part of its portfolio of productivity and graphics tools, serving over 2.5 million paying customers globally.
2. Core Product: Parallels Desktop for Mac Parallels Desktop remains the flagship offering, allowing seamless integration of Windows apps alongside macOS without rebooting. Features include Coherence Mode (Windows apps appear native on Mac), shared folders, clipboard sharing and high-performance graphics. It supports Apple silicon Macs natively, making it the Microsoft-authorized solution for Windows 11 on M-series chips.
3. Latest Version: Parallels Desktop 26 Released in August 2025 and updated through February 2026 (version 26.2.2 build 57373), Parallels Desktop 26 aligns versioning with Apple’s macOS scheme. It delivers full compatibility with macOS Tahoe 26 as both host and guest OS, accurate disk space visibility in Windows VMs to prevent crashes, refreshed icons and adherence to Apple’s tightened background process rules. Enterprise editions introduce Declarative Deployment for Microsoft golden images, Intune enrollment and centralized management via the Parallels Management Portal.
4. Performance and Compatibility Highlights The 2026 updates ensure smooth support for Windows 11 25H2, improved stability on Apple silicon and better handling of large installations. Users benefit from preserved Coherence Mode, USB device enhancements in macOS VMs and SOC 2 Type II compliance for security. Recent patches address stability, security and Linux compatibility issues like Parallels Tools with Debian 13.
5. Enterprise and Business Focus Parallels offers dedicated Business and Enterprise editions with IT management tools, including Jamf script support for VM updates, SSO activation in Single Application Mode and policy enforcement for shared resources, USB access and network modes. These features cater to organizations deploying virtual machines at scale while maintaining security compliance.
6. Broader Portfolio Beyond Desktop Parallels.com hosts solutions like Parallels RAS (Remote Application Server) — recently updated to version 21.0 with hybrid cloud management, enhanced security and platform reliability — for virtual desktops and app delivery. Other products include Parallels Toolbox for file security and utilities, Parallels Client for mobile access to RAS environments, and cloud-based options for browser or online Windows VMs.
7. Market Leadership and Recognition Parallels frequently ranks as a top virtual machine provider, especially for Mac users needing Windows access. In 2024, it was named a Major Player in IDC MarketScapes for virtual client computing. The company’s 2026 Cloud Survey revealed key trends: organizations prioritizing flexibility in end-user computing amid AI integration, with many resetting strategies to avoid lock-in.
8. User Base and Applications Millions rely on Parallels for development (running Windows tools on Mac), gaming (3D titles via DirectX/OpenGL support), testing multiple OSes and professional workflows. It excels in scenarios like running legacy Windows software, accessing Microsoft-exclusive apps or creating isolated environments for security. Educational and public sector users leverage it for cross-platform learning and remote access.
9. Recent Research and Industry Insights Parallels’ February 2026 survey of over 500 IT professionals found widespread concern about vendor lock-in in cloud and AI-driven environments. The data informs webinars and reports on VDI, SaaS and hybrid IT trends, positioning Parallels as a thought leader advocating multi-cloud and flexible strategies. Blogs on parallels.com regularly cover topics like the best VMs for 2026 and online Windows options.
10. Future Outlook and Accessibility With ongoing updates — including AI-ready features from prior versions evolving into enterprise-grade tools — Parallels continues prioritizing performance, security and ease of use. The website offers free trials, detailed knowledge bases, press releases and direct downloads. As macOS and Windows evolve, Parallels Desktop remains essential for users unwilling to abandon one ecosystem for another.

Parallels.com stands as a gateway to versatile computing in a multi-OS world. Whether for individual Mac owners running Windows side-by-side or enterprises managing hybrid fleets, the platform delivers reliable, high-performance virtualization backed by continuous innovation.