Parallels Desktop is often included among the best virtual machine software options for users who need to run Windows on a Mac. Its main appeal is convenience. Rather than presenting virtualization as a technical task, Parallels tries to make Windows feel like part of the Mac environment, which is still its biggest advantage over more manual alternatives.
This matters more on Apple Silicon Macs, where running Windows is no longer as simple as installing the standard x86 version of the operating system. Parallels focuses on Windows 11 Arm, and it handles much of the setup process for the user. That makes it especially useful for people who need Windows-only apps but do not want to manage installation media, drivers, or configuration details manually.
