Get Windows 10 Free For Mac Using Parallels

Parallels Desktop for Mac lets you run Windows and Windows apps on your Mac, shoulder to shoulder with OS X.

After Windows 10 has installed on your Mac, you'll be directed to sign into your Parallels Desktop account. If you don't already have one, you can create one right now. After signing in or signing up for a Parallels Desktop account, Windows 10 will pop up in a new window.

Pros

VM setup choices: With Parallels Desktop for Mac, you can set up a virtual machine by using a Windows 10 disc image; by migrating Windows from a PC, either over a network or from an external hard drive; or by using the version of Windows you installed with Apple's Boot Camp, if you previously went through that process. Or you can run a second copy of OS X, earlier versions of Windows, or Chrome OS in the Parallels virtual machine.

Choice of views: After setup, select how you want to see and work with Windows. If you choose the Coherence view, Parallels folds Windows into OS X, placing a collection of Windows controls in the OS X menu bar and dock, giving you access to the Start menu, Action Center, and System Tray icons. Exiting the Coherence view presents the traditional Windows desktop and apps gathered in a separate window. Either way, it's easy to move between OS X and Windows environments.

Solid integration: Through Parallels, you have quick access to the Windows 10 Store and the Edge browser and the ability to call on Cortana for help. Copy and paste works seamlessly between environments.

Cons

Almost too well integrated: The Coherence view sweeps away the Windows desktop, but the way it merges the Windows and OS X environments can feel cluttered, with Windows and OS X controls crowded into the menu bar, for example.

Bottom Line

Parallels Desktop for Mac does a good job of letting you work in the OS X and Windows environments simultaneously, switching between Mac and Windows apps. You have several options for how to blend Windows into OS X, although at times the merged OSes can feel a bit crowded.

What do you need to know about free software?

Up to Date

Optimized for the latest Windows 10 updates and ready for macOS Catalina (10.15).

Ultimate Flexibility

Works with OS X, Windows 10, 8.1, and 7, Google Chrome^™,Linux and Unix, and macOS Server. No more having to choose between PC or Mac.

Touch Bar

Add Windows applications to Touch Bar^™ for instant access and customization.

Connect Devices

USB, USB-C, Thunderbolt and FireWire devices connect with Windows. Pair your Bluetooth^® devices—including Xbox One controller, stylus pen and printer—to work with both Windows and macOS.

Retina^® Display Support

Smart resizing and independent screen resolutions for separate displays.

Get Windows 10 Free For Mac Using Parallels

One-Click Tuning

Select productivity, games, design, software testing, or development, and Parallels Desktop will optimize your VM settings and performance for you.

Instant Access

Launch and access Windows applications right from the Mac Dock.

Save Disk Space

Get the most out of your Mac with automatic Disk Space optimization.

Office 365 Integration

Allows Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents in Safari to open in their native Windows Office application.

Works with Boot Camp

Reuse your existing Boot Camp installation. Converting a virtual machine from Boot Camp is easy—just follow our installation assistant at startup.

Volume License Key

Unified volume license key, centralized license management, and advanced security features are available in Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition.

Travel Mode

Extend battery life while away from a power source.

Macbook Parallels Windows 10

Bonus! Parallels^® Toolbox

Over 30 one-touch tools—clean your drive, take screenshots, download a video, and more, all with just a single click.

Bonus! Remote Access

Windows 10 Free For Assistive Technologies

Remote access to your Mac from any iOS device, Android device, or browser with Parallels Access^®.