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How to Use Parallels for Beginners (2026)

door | Last updated Sep 10, 2026

Snelstart

This guide covers every Parallels feature:

Benodigde tijd: 5 minuten per film

Ook in deze handleiding: Professionele tips | Veelgemaakte fouten | Probleemoplossing | Prijzen | Alternatieven

Waarom zou je deze gids vertrouwen?

I have run Parallels Desktop on both Intel and apple silicon Macs for two years.

Every step here comes from my own machine, not from vendor screenshots.

How to use Parallels

Parallels is the best known desktop virtualization app for mac computers.

Maar de meeste gebruikers benutten slechts een fractie van de mogelijkheden.

Deze handleiding laat u zien hoe u alle belangrijke functies kunt gebruiken.

Stap voor stap, met screenshots en professionele tips.

Parallels Tutorial

This how to use Parallels tutorial walks you through each feature, from first install to power user tricks.

Parallellen

Run Windows on your Mac without rebooting. Over 7 million mac users open windows apps beside macOS every day. It works on Intel and apple silicon. Standard Edition starts at $49.99.

Getting Started with Parallels

Voordat u een functie kunt gebruiken, moet u deze eenmalige installatie voltooien.

It takes about 15 minutes, most of it download time.

Here is my own experience with the app first:

Introducing Parallels Desktop 19 for Mac! | What's New & Exciting

Laten we nu elke stap eens doornemen.

Stap 1: Maak uw account aan

Go to the Parallels website and click “Try Now” or “Buy Now.”

Enter your email and create a password for your Parallels account.

Controlepunt: Controleer uw inbox for the confirmation email and licence key.

Stap 2: Download of open de app.

Download the installer for your Mac and open the .dmg file.

Check the system requirements first, since Windows 11 needs roughly 40 GB of disk space.

Here is what the setup assistent ziet eruit als:

Parallels Belangrijkste voordelen Afbeelding

Controlepunt: You should see the Parallels installation assistant on your desktop.

Stap 3: Voltooi de eerste installatie

Let the assistant install Windows 11 for you, or point it at your own ISO.

Parallels handles TPM and secure boot automatically on apple silicon.

When the windows desktop appears, install Parallels Tools from the Actions menu.

✅ Klaar: You now have a working virtual machine with an operating system installed.

How to Use Parallels Desktop Business

Parallels Desktop Bedrijf lets you hand the same windows environment to an entire team.

Hieronder leggen we stap voor stap uit hoe je het gebruikt.

Step 1: Activate the Business Licence

Sign in to the Parallels My Account portal with your business key.

Invite each mac user by email from the licence page.

Step 2: Build a Master Virtual Machine

Set up one windows machine with your approved apps and settings.

Zo ziet het eruit:

Parallels Desktop Business Image

Controlepunt: The VM shows as compliant in the management console.

Step 3: Push Policies to Staff

Lock USB access, clipboard sharing and shared folders from the same console.

✅ Resultaat: Every laptop runs one approved windows vm under central control.

💡 Pro-tip: Export the master VM as a template before rollout. New hires then skip the whole install.

How to Use Parallels Desktop for Mac

Parallels Desktop voor Mac lets you run windows applications without rebooting into Boot Camp.

Hieronder leggen we stap voor stap uit hoe je het gebruikt.

Stap 1: Open het Control Center.

Click the Parallels icon in the menu bar to list your virtual machines.

Press play on the windows vm you built earlier.

Step 2: Switch to Coherence Mode

Choose View, then Enter Coherence to hide the windows desktop completely.

Zo ziet het eruit:

Parallels Desktop voor Mac-afbeelding

Controlepunt: Windows apps now sit in your Mac dock beside mac apps.

Step 3: Share Files Between Both Systems

Open Finder and drag files straight into any Windows window.

✅ Resultaat: Mac and Windows now share one clipboard, one Downloads folder and one screen.

💡 Pro-tip: Pin Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Edge to the dock for faster launches.

How to Use Parallels Desktop Pro

Parallels Desktop Pro gives you the advanced features that software development work needs.

Hieronder leggen we stap voor stap uit hoe je het gebruikt.

Step 1: Raise the Resource Limits

Open VM settings and lift CPU and RAM allocations well past the Standard caps.

Pro Edition allows up to 32 vCPUs and 128 GB of memory.

Step 2: Connect Your Development Tools

Link Docker, Kubernetes, Vagrant or Visual Studio through the built-in integrations.

Zo ziet het eruit:

Parallels Desktop Pro-afbeelding

Controlepunt: Your development tools now reach the VM over a private network.

Step 3: Take a Snapshot

Use Actions, then Take Snapshot, before any risky build or driver test.

✅ Resultaat: You can roll a broken windows os back to a clean state in seconds.

💡 Pro-tip: Run Power BI in the VM. Keep the Mac side free for design work.

How to Use Parallels RAS

Parallellen RAS publishes single apps to phones, tablets and browsers from one server.

Hieronder leggen we stap voor stap uit hoe je het gebruikt.

Step 1: Install the RAS Console

Install the console on a Windows Server host inside your network.

Step 2: Publish an Application

Pick Publish, choose the app, then select which groups can access it.

Zo ziet het eruit:

Parallelle RAS-afbeelding

Controlepunt: The app appears in the user portal within a minute.

Step 3: Test From a Client

Open the RAS client on a Mac or iPad and launch the published app.

✅ Resultaat: Staff run windows applications on any device without a local windows machine.

💡 Pro-tip: Publish one heavy app instead of a full desktop. Bandwidth use drops sharply.

How to Use Parallels Browser Isolator

Parallels Browserisolatie opens untrusted links away from the computer you are sitting at.

Hieronder leggen we stap voor stap uit hoe je het gebruikt.

Step 1: Add Your Users

Import staff accounts into the isolation portal from your identity provider.

Step 2: Set the Browsing Policy

Choose which categories open in the remote browser instead of the local one.

Zo ziet het eruit:

Parallels Browser Isolatie Afbeelding

Controlepunt: Blocked sites now load inside a remote session, not on the endpoint.

Step 3: Review the Session Logs

Check the activity report weekly for downloads and blocked file types.

✅ Resultaat: Malware never touches the local system, on macOS or on Windows.

💡 Pro-tip: Route webmail attachments through isolation first, since that is where most infections start.

How to Use Parallels Secure Remote Workspace

Secure Remote Workspace bundles apps, desktops and browser isolation into one login.

Hieronder leggen we stap voor stap uit hoe je het gebruikt.

Step 1: Connect Your Directory

Link Active Directory or Entra ID so people sign in once.

Step 2: Assign Workspace Resources

Give each group a windows desktop, a few apps, or both.

Zo ziet het eruit:

Parallels Secure Remote Workspace-afbeelding

Controlepunt: Each user sees only the resources you assigned them.

Step 3: Turn On Multi-Factor Sign-In

Enable MFA in the beveiliging tab before you invite anyone outside the office.

✅ Resultaat: Remote staff reach work files from home with no VPN client.

💡 Pro-tip: Set session timeouts to 30 minutes, because idle sessions burn licences fast.

How to Use Parallels DaaS

Parallels DaaS hosts full desktops in the cloud with no server room.

Hieronder leggen we stap voor stap uit hoe je het gebruikt.

Step 1: Pick Your Cloud Region

Choose the region closest to your team for the lowest lag.

Step 2: Create a Desktop Pool

Select an image with the windows os and software your team needs.

Zo ziet het eruit:

Parallels DaaS-afbeelding

Controlepunt: The pool status turns green once the first desktop boots.

Share the web link so staff connect from any browser.

✅ Resultaat: New starters get a windows desktop in minutes, not days.

💡 Pro-tip: Shut idle pools down overnight, since cloud desktops bill by the running hour.

How to Use Parallels Toolbox

Parallels-toolbox packs dozens of one-click utilities into a single menu bar app.

Hieronder leggen we stap voor stap uit hoe je het gebruikt.

Step 1: Install Toolbox

Download Toolbox for macOS or for Windows and sign in.

Step 2: Pin Your Favourite Tools

Drag record screen, clean drive and archive tools to the favourites row.

Zo ziet het eruit:

Parallels Toolbox-afbeelding

Controlepunt: Your picked tools open from the menu bar in one click.

Step 3: Free Up Storage

Run Clean Drive monthly to reclaim disk space your VMs keep eating.

✅ Resultaat: You replace half a dozen small paid apps with one licence.

💡 Pro-tip: The Do Not Disturb tool mutes both operating systems at once during calls.

Parallels Pro Tips and Shortcuts

After two years of daily use, these are the tricks I keep coming back to.

They squeeze more Parallels speed out of the same Mac.

Toetsenbord sneltoetsen

ActieSnelkoppeling
Enter or exit coherence modeCtrl + Cmd + C
Enter full screen modeCtrl + Cmd + F
Release mouse from the VMCtrl + Alt
Open Windows Start menuCmd (mapped)

Verborgen functies die de meeste mensen over het hoofd zien

  • Reis Modus: Actions, then Travel Mode, caps power draw when you work on battery.
  • Free trial VMs: The download wizard installs Linux, Windows and other OSs at no cost.
  • Game controller support: Pair a controller and play windows spellen like Rocket League and Fall Guys.

Parallels Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Giving the VM every core you own

❌ Fout: Assigning all CPUs and RAM, which starves mac os and slows both sides.

✅ Rechts: Give the virtual machine half your cores and roughly a third of your memory.

Mistake #2: Skipping Parallels Tools

❌ Fout: Running windows without Tools, so drag-and-drop and screen resolution scaling never work.

✅ Rechts: Install Parallels Tools right after setup and reboot the guest once.

Mistake #3: Expecting Intel software on apple silicon

❌ Fout: Buying old x86 software and hoping it installs on an M-series Mac.

✅ Rechts: Check the vendor page first, since Intel applications run through emulation and can stumble.

Parallels Troubleshooting

Problem: The VM will not start after a macOS update

Oorzaak: The kernel extensions no longer match the newest Mac OS build.

Repareren: Update to the latest versions of Parallels, then restart your computer once.

Problem: Windows keeps asking for activation

Oorzaak: Parallels supplies the installer, but not the windows license itself.

Repareren: Buy a key from Microsoft and enter it under Settings, then Activation.

Problem: Shared folders are missing inside Windows

Oorzaak: Sharing was switched off, or Parallels Tools failed during install.

Repareren: Open Configure, then Sharing, and set Mac folders to Share All Disks.

📌 Opmerking: If none of these fix your issue, contact Parallels support.

Wat is Parallels?

Parallellen is a desktop virtualization tool that runs Windows and Linux inside macOS.

Think of it like a second computer living in a window on your desktop.

It is built by Parallels International GmbH and used by over 7 million mac users.

Bekijk dit korte overzicht:

Het omvat de volgende belangrijke kenmerken:

  • Parallels Desktop Business: Deploy and manage licensed Windows VMs across a whole team.
  • Parallels Desktop for Mac: Run Windows apps beside your mac apps every day.
  • Parallels Desktop Pro: Unlock advanced features for software development and heavy virtual machine work.
  • Parallels RAS: Publish windows applications to any device from one server.
  • Parallels Browser Isolation: Open risky links inside a sandboxed remote browser session.
  • Secure Remote Workspace: Give staff a locked-down windows desktop from anywhere.
  • Parallels DaaS: Host desktops in the cloud without buying more mac computers.
  • Parallels Toolbox: Run dozens of small utilities across mac and windows.

The App Store Edition runs in an Apple sandbox, so it drops some network features.

Voor een volledige recensie, zie onze Parallels review.

Parallellen Wat is een beeld

Parallels Pricing

Here’s what Parallels costs in 2026:

PlanPrijsHet beste voor
Standaardeditie$49.99Everyday users running Microsoft Office and a few windows apps
Pro-editie$59.99Developers who need bigger VMs and deeper development tools

Gratis proefperiode: Yes, 14 days with no card required.

Geld-terug-garantie: Yes, 30 days on direct purchases.

Note that Parallels offers the app itself only, so budget for a windows license too.

Buy Parallels direct from the vendor if you want that refund window.

Parallels prijsafbeelding

💰 Beste prijs-kwaliteitverhouding: Standard Edition — it covers almost every mac user for under fifty dollars.

Parallels vs Alternatives

How does Parallels compare? Here’s the competitive landscape:

HulpmiddelHet beste voorPrijsBeoordeling
ParallellenFastest way to run windows on a Mac$49,99 eenmalig⭐ 4.4
VMware FusionIT teams already on VMwareGratis voor persoonlijk gebruik⭐ 4.2
UTMHobbyists testing other operating systemsVrij⭐ 3.9
Oracle VM VirtualBoxCross platform lab workVrij⭐ 3.8
CrossOverSingle windows apps with no VM$74/year⭐ 3.9
Windows 365Cloud PCs managed by Microsoft$31/user/mo⭐ 4.1

Snelle keuzes:

  • Beste overall: Parallels — smoothest support for windows versions on apple silicon.
  • Beste budget: UTM — free, open source, and fine for light testing.
  • Het meest geschikt voor beginners: Parallels — the wizard installs Windows 11 without any manual steps.
  • Het meest geschikt voor softwareontwikkeling: Parallels Desktop Pro — snapshots, bigger VMs and Docker support.

🎯 Parallels Alternatives

Looking for Parallels alternatives? Here are the top options:

  • 🚀 VMware Fusion: Mature virtualization with strong networking, now free for personal use on Intel and Apple chips.
  • 💰 UTM: Free and open source, and it happily boots Windows and Linux images.
  • 🔧 Oracle VM VirtualBox: Long-running free option for developers who juggle many operating systems.
  • CrossOver: Runs windows applications directly on macOS with no operating system installed inside.
  • 🏢 Windows 365: A cloud PC from Microsoft, billed monthly and streamed to any browser.

Voor de volledige lijst, zie onze Parallels alternatives gids.

⚔️ Parallels Compared

Here’s how Parallels stacks up against each competitor:

  • Parallels versus VMware Fusion: Parallels wins on speed and polish; vmware fusion wins on price.
  • Parallels versus UTM: UTM costs nothing, but Parallels handles graphics and full screen far better.
  • Parallels vs Oracle VM VirtualBox: VirtualBox suits Intel labs; Parallels suits daily work on new Macs.
  • Parallellen versus kruisingen: CrossOver skips the windows vm, but breaks on plenty of other software.
  • Parallels versus Windows 365: Windows 365 needs constant internet; Parallels keeps windows running offline.

Start Using Parallels Now

You learned how to use every major Parallels feature:

  • ✅ Parallels Desktop Business
  • ✅ Parallels Desktop for Mac
  • ✅ Parallels Desktop Pro
  • ✅ Parallels RAS
  • ✅ Parallels Browser Isolation
  • ✅ Secure Remote Workspace
  • ✅ Parallels DaaS
  • ✅ Parallels Toolbox

Volgende stap: Kies één functie en probeer die nu uit.

Most people start with Parallels Desktop for Mac.

It takes less than 15 minutes, and new features land with each release.

Veelgestelde vragen

Can Parallels be trusted?

Yes. Parallels International GmbH has shipped this software since 2006. Over 7 million mac users run it. Apple notarises the app, and it sells through the Mac App Store.

What is the purpose of Parallels?

It runs windows and linux inside a virtual machine on your Mac. You get access to windows apps without rebooting into Boot Camp or buying a second computer.

Is Parallels free or paid?

Paid. Standard Edition costs $49.99 and Pro Edition costs $59.99. A free trial is available, but Windows itself still needs its own licence key.

How do you use Parallels?

Install the app, create a virtual machine, then install Windows 11 and Parallels Tools. After that you launch windows apps straight from the Mac dock.

Do I have to buy Windows when using Parallels?

Usually yes. Parallels installs Windows for you, but activation needs a key from Microsoft or a reseller. Unactivated Windows still runs, with cosmetic limits.

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