Parallels Desktop 17 M1: A One-Time Fee for Limited Features

When it comes to virtualization software, Parallels Desktop is one of the most popular options available. However, with the release of Parallels Desktop 18, users are left wondering about the differences between the two versions. Available for a one-time fee, Parallels Desktop 17 M1 offers fewer features compared to its subscription-based counterpart.

One of the key differences lies in the pricing model. While Parallels Desktop 18 is available through a yearly subscription model, Parallels Desktop 17 M1 requires a one-time payment upfront. This means that users must pay for the software only once and can enjoy updates for the current version without any additional costs.

Despite these differences, both versions offer impressive features. For instance, Parallels Desktop 18 allows users to configure virtual machines with up to 62GB of memory and 18 CPU cores on Apple M1 Max and Ultra chip-based machines. Additionally, purchasing and downloading Windows ARM from within the app has become seamless with Parallels 18.

In my tests, I found that Windows 11 performed flawlessly through Parallels Desktop 18 on my 14-inch MacBook Pro (M1 chip). This means that users can now run ARM versions of Windows 11 without any issues. However, it's worth noting that Microsoft has introduced Windows On ARM (WoA), which may affect the use of Bootcamp on M1 and M2 Macs.

One of the earliest drawbacks of using an Apple silicon Mac was the inability to run Intel versions of Windows through virtualization software such as Parallels or a Bootcamp partition. However, with Parallels Desktop 18, this issue has been resolved. The company claims that 99.9% of Intel apps run successfully on Windows ARM, including resource-heavy titles like AutoCad.

Furthermore, the latest version of Parallels Desktop offers improved file saving and reading capabilities, as well as support for games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, which didn't work in Parallels Desktop 17. Additionally, the software now provides better USB 3.0 support, enabling connected webcams, video capture devices, and audio streaming devices.

Overall, while Parallels Desktop 17 M1 offers a one-time fee for limited features, it's essential to consider the subscription-based model of Parallels Desktop 18, which provides access to more features and regular updates. With its improved performance and compatibility with Intel apps on Windows ARM, Parallels Desktop 18 is an attractive option for those looking for a reliable virtualization solution.

Parallels desktop 17 m1