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Virtualization specialist Parallels today released Parallels Desktop 17, bringing native support for Windows 11 and macOS Monterey to Intel and Apple Silicon Macs, as well as a number of performance and compatibility improvements.
New for Parallels Desktop 17 is native performance on Intel and M1 devices, meaning users will benefit from a variety of speed improvements while running Windows 10 and Windows 11 Preview. On both Intel and M1 systems, Parallels boots Windows and Linux up to 38% faster, offers up to 25% more 2D graphics, and a six-fold increase in OpenGL graphics processing. M1-centric stats include 33% faster Windows boot times, up to 28% faster DirectX 11 performance, and up to 20% better disk performance on Windows 10 Insider Preview. It should be noted that Parallels calculates the M1 attributes on Windows Preview builds.
New graphics driver improves video and game playback
Like the last Parallels Desktop build, the virtual machines are limited to ARM-based operating systems, which is true of ARM previews of Windows 10 and 11. Parallels says its software will offer full support for Windows 11 when the operating system is released. Intel Macs, on the other hand, will get the usual support for Windows builds dating back to Windows XP and Windows 2000, as well as compatibility with Mac operating systems dating back to OS X Lion. Parallels Desktop 17 offers a number of new features, including a new graphics driver that improves video and game playback and increases the responsiveness of the Windows interface. An improved Coherence mode allows users to run Windows apps within the Mac environment, reducing disruptive appearance changes during Windows login, shutdown, and software updates.
Parallels Desktop 17 offers many small improvements
Drag-and-drop operations have also been improved, with support for text and graphics between Mac and Windows applications. This feature works well with macOS Monterey's Quick Note feature, which can accept content from any Windows app. USB support, disk management, copying and pasting of unformatted text, and automatic virtual machine optimization also receive upgrades. Parallels Desktop 17 will sold as a subscriptiont. The standard version costs 79.99 euros per year, while the Pro and Business editions are available for 99.99 euros per year. Anyone who already has a license for an earlier version of Parallels Desktop can upgrade for around 49.99 euros. (Image: Parallels)
