What is New in Parallels Desktop 20?

Run Windows on any Mac—Intel or Apple Silicon

Parallels Desktop 20 for Mac: New Features

 

Parallels Desktop continues to be the premier virtualization solution for macOS users, allowing seamless operation of Windows, Linux, and other OS environments on a Mac. With each iteration, Parallels Desktop refines its feature set, performance, and compatibility, and version 20 is no exception. As the demand for cross-platform functionality grows, Parallels Desktop 20 focuses on enhancing its integration with macOS Sonoma, providing smoother workflows, and boosting overall performance.

In this article, we’ll explore what’s new in Parallels Desktop 20 across its four editions: Standard, Pro, Business, and Enterprise. Each edition comes with unique features designed to cater to individual users, developers, businesses, and enterprises.

Here’s a summary of key updates across the Standard, Pro, Business, and Enterprise editions:

Parallels Desktop 20 New Features

Standard Edition:

  • macOS Sonoma & Windows 11 compatibility: Fully optimized for latest OS updates.
  • Improved performance: Faster file access, better 3D performance via OpenGL updates (up to version 4.3).
  • Simplified interface: Easier setup and management of virtual machines.

Pro Edition:

  • Development Tools: Enhanced support for Docker and Kubernetes, integrated CLI.
  • Increased VM configuration: Up to 128 GB RAM and 32 CPU vCores.

Business Edition:

  • Centralized management: Improved Microsoft Intune integration.
  • Mass deployment: Simplified deployment with preconfigured VMs.

Enterprise Edition:

  • Advanced security: Enhanced encryption and compliance features.
  • Streamlined workflows: API access for automation and custom setups.

What's New in Parallels Desktop 20

Parallels Desktop 20 introduces a host of new features aimed at optimizing the experience for both general users and IT professionals. Below are the overarching updates and improvements found across all editions of the software.

Enhanced macOS Sonoma & Windows 11 Compatibility

One of the most significant updates in Parallels Desktop 20 is its full compatibility with macOS Sonoma and Windows 11 24H2. As macOS Sonoma brings new updates to Apple's desktop ecosystem, Parallels Desktop 20 ensures that users experience smooth integration between macOS and their virtual machines. The latest features of Windows 11, including Widgets, Snap Layouts, and the redesigned File Explorer, are now better supported within virtual environments, offering a more native-like experience.

Improved Performance

Parallels Desktop 20 has taken another leap forward in performance optimization. Users will notice faster file transfers between their Mac and VMs, along with reduced resource usage, ensuring that multiple VMs can run concurrently without hampering system performance. Updates to OpenGL 4.3 ensure better graphical rendering, benefiting users who run design software or other graphics-heavy applications. Additionally, virtual machines now load and shut down more quickly, further reducing downtime.


Parallels Desktop 20: Standard Edition

The Standard Edition of Parallels Desktop 20 is tailored for individual users looking for a reliable, user-friendly solution to run different operating systems on their Mac. Whether you're a student, a professional, or someone seeking seamless access to Windows or Linux, the Standard Edition offers a set of core features that simplify virtualization without overwhelming the user.

macOS and Windows Compatibility

With full support for macOS Sonoma and Windows 11 24H2, users can enjoy a seamless experience running the latest versions of both operating systems. The Standard Edition makes it easy to install and manage these VMs while ensuring that the user’s macOS environment remains fully operational. New optimizations ensure that features like Windows Widgets, the new Start Menu, and the revamped File Explorer work flawlessly on Mac devices.

Simplified Interface

The user interface in Parallels Desktop 20 has been refined to make it easier than ever to navigate between macOS and virtual machines. The setup assistant guides users through the process of creating new VMs, configuring hardware preferences, and even installing Windows or Linux in just a few clicks. Additionally, the VM management dashboard has been redesigned for clarity, giving users quick access to all running virtual machines and their statuses.

Virtual Machine Performance

Performance enhancements in the Standard Edition ensure that even everyday users can experience faster VM operation. Parallels Desktop 20 optimizes RAM and CPU usage dynamically, meaning the resources allocated to each virtual machine are balanced according to the needs of both the guest and host systems. This is particularly beneficial for users running multiple applications across platforms simultaneously.

 

Parallels Desktop for Mac

 


Parallels Desktop 20: Pro Edition

The Pro Edition of Parallels Desktop 20 is designed for developers, testers, and power users who need more robust tools and configuration options. It builds on the features of the Standard Edition while adding enhanced capabilities for resource management, virtual machine configurations, and development environments.

Development Environment Optimization

For developers, Parallels Desktop 20 offers a range of tools that make it easier to manage virtual machines in complex development setups. The integration of Docker and Kubernetes within virtual machines has been further refined, allowing users to develop and test containerized applications with ease. In addition, improvements to the command-line interface (CLI) mean that advanced users can automate tasks more efficiently. The Pro Edition also supports Visual Studio and other integrated development environments (IDEs), helping to streamline coding, debugging, and testing workflows.

Customizable Virtual Machine Configuration

One of the standout features of the Pro Edition is the ability to configure virtual machines with higher resource limits. With Parallels Desktop 20, you can assign up to 128 GB of RAM and 32 CPU vCores to your virtual machines. This is especially beneficial for users running resource-intensive applications such as large databases, complex simulations, or heavy-duty development environments. The increased performance capacity ensures that VMs can handle demanding workloads without compromising speed or stability.

Integration with Version Control Systems

Parallels Desktop 20 Pro Edition now includes better support for version control systems like Git, allowing developers to test code in isolated environments without affecting their main system. This makes it easier to set up, test, and debug applications across different operating systems and configurations, ensuring that code runs correctly before it’s pushed to production.

 

Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro

 


Parallels Desktop 20: Business Edition

The Business Edition of Parallels Desktop 20 is tailored for organizations that need a comprehensive solution for managing multiple virtual machines across teams or departments. This edition is perfect for IT administrators, offering enhanced tools for centralized management, deployment, and security.

Centralized Administration and Management

A key feature of the Business Edition is its improved centralized management console, which allows IT teams to manage and control virtual machines across multiple users from a single interface. In Parallels Desktop 20, this system is further integrated with popular enterprise management tools like Microsoft Intune and Jamf Pro, making it easier to oversee virtual machine deployment and ensure compliance with corporate policies. Administrators can monitor VM usage, configure settings, and even deploy updates remotely.

Mass Deployment of Preconfigured VMs

One of the most valuable time-saving features for IT teams is the ability to deploy preconfigured virtual machines in bulk. Parallels Desktop 20 simplifies the process of rolling out virtual machines to employees, whether they're in the office or working remotely. IT administrators can create preconfigured VMs with all the necessary software and settings, ensuring that new employees or remote teams can start working immediately without delays caused by manual setup.

Enhanced Security Features

Security is paramount in any business environment, and Parallels Desktop 20 introduces several new security features aimed at protecting company data. The Business Edition now supports data encryption, allowing organizations to encrypt VMs and ensure that sensitive information is secure. It also includes features for controlling access to VMs, ensuring that only authorized personnel can use certain configurations. This is especially important for industries with strict compliance requirements, such as finance, healthcare, or legal services.


Parallels Desktop 20: Enterprise Edition

The Enterprise Edition of Parallels Desktop 20 is built for large-scale deployments, offering advanced security, resource management, and automation features. This edition provides enterprise-level control and customization, allowing businesses to tailor their virtualization environment to their specific needs.

Advanced Security and Compliance

For large organizations handling sensitive data, security and compliance are critical. Parallels Desktop 20 introduces advanced encryption standards and access control mechanisms that help organizations comply with regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and other industry-specific standards. In addition to these compliance features, the Enterprise Edition includes centralized logging and audit trails, ensuring that every action taken within a virtual machine is recorded and can be reviewed by IT security teams.

Automation and API Access

Parallels Desktop 20 also introduces powerful API access for automating virtual machine management tasks. This is especially useful for enterprises that need to integrate Parallels Desktop into their existing infrastructure or automation pipelines. By using these APIs, IT teams can automate processes such as VM deployment, software installation, and resource allocation, reducing the time and effort required to manage large virtual environments.

Improved Resource Management

Resource management is crucial in an enterprise setting where multiple teams and departments might be running virtual machines simultaneously. Parallels Desktop 20 allows IT administrators to have greater control over how resources are allocated across VMs, ensuring that different departments or projects receive the necessary CPU, RAM, and disk space without impacting overall system performance. This flexibility helps enterprises optimize their hardware usage and reduce costs.


Performance Benchmarks and Testing

Benchmarking Against Previous Versions

One of the key improvements in Parallels Desktop 20 is the significant boost in performance compared to previous versions. Benchmark tests show that virtual machines in Parallels Desktop 20 can perform tasks like file transfers, application launches, and multitasking with up to 20% greater speed compared to version 19. Additionally, OpenGL 4.3 updates provide improved performance for graphic-intensive applications, enabling smoother performance in design and engineering software.

Use Cases and Testing Scenarios

To demonstrate the performance improvements in Parallels Desktop 20, several testing scenarios were conducted. Users running Windows 11 reported faster boot times, reduced lag when switching between macOS and Windows applications, and smoother operation when running multiple VMs simultaneously. Developers running resource-heavy environments like Docker and Kubernetes also noted a significant reduction in memory usage and faster build times for containerized applications.


How Parallels Desktop 20 Benefits Users

Simplified Workflows

Parallels Desktop 20 introduces several features aimed at simplifying workflows for all user types, from casual users to developers and IT administrators. By optimizing macOS and Windows integration, users can run both operating systems simultaneously without sacrificing performance. Developers benefit from the enhanced support for containerized environments, while IT teams enjoy easier deployment and centralized management tools. These improvements lead to significant time savings across all workflows, whether you’re switching between platforms, managing multiple virtual machines, or testing software.

Competitive Edge in Virtualization

In a crowded virtualization market, Parallels Desktop 20 continues to stand out thanks to its seamless integration with macOS, superior performance, and extensive feature set. Competing solutions like VMware Fusion and VirtualBox may offer some of the same core functionality, but Parallels Desktop is often favored for its user-friendly interface, speed, and optimized resource allocation. Additionally, Parallels Desktop 20’s full support for the latest versions of macOS and Windows ensures that users stay ahead of the curve, maintaining a competitive edge in their work.


Conclusion

Parallels Desktop 20 brings a host of significant improvements to the virtualization experience on macOS. Whether you’re an individual user looking for a simple way to run Windows applications, a developer in need of advanced tools for testing and coding, or an IT administrator managing virtual machines across an organization, there’s a version of Parallels Desktop 20 tailored to your needs. With better performance, enhanced compatibility, and more powerful resource management, Parallels Desktop 20 ensures that users can work faster and smarter, all while enjoying a seamless cross-platform experience.

 

Compare Parallels Desktop Editions