For nearly two decades, Parallels has been one of the go to solutions for running Windows on the Mac, and with version 26 the company is doubling down on both sides of that equation while making it easier to deploy at work. Parallels Desktop 26 arrives with day one support for macOS 26 Tahoe and Windows 11 25H2, along with a strong set of IT focused improvements that make it easier to manage virtual machines at scale.
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What is new with Parallels Desktop 26?
For end users, Parallels Desktop 26 is all about making the experience of running virtual machines easier and more reliable. One of the biggest changes is accurate disk visibility inside Windows. In previous versions of Parallels Desktop, Windows would sometimes show incorrect available storage on the Mac. That could lead to freezes or slowdowns during large installations. With Parallels Desktop 26, Windows now sees the actual disk space on the Mac.
Another improvement is support for the new background process restrictions in macOS 26. Apple tightened how apps can run in the background, and Parallels has modified itself so key features like Coherence Mode continue to work without interruption.
“With Parallels Desktop 26, we’re delivering compatibility with Apple’s latest macOS, and powerful new tools for the IT teams and developers who rely on Parallels every day,” said Prashant Ketkar, Chief Technology and Product Officer at Parallels. “This release reflects our ongoing commitment to Apple innovation and our focus on enabling enterprises and IT admins to securely manage and scale their Mac environments.”
What is new for IT teams?
Parallels Desktop 26 also brings a set of features built for IT teams deploying the software across a fleet. One of the most notable is the addition of granular policy controls through the Parallels Desktop Enterprise Management Portal. These controls let IT teams enforce settings like shared folders, USB access, clipboard sharing, and network modes across all virtual machines. That means IT can ensure VMs follow the same security standards as the rest of the organization.
Parallels has renewed a SOC 2 Type II audit, which gives enterprise customers more confidence that the platform meets internal and external security requirements.
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Another new resource is a deployment guide that walks teams through how to install and manage a single Windows app on a Mac. With this feature, users get access to the Windows app they need without ever seeing the full Windows or Parallels interface.
IT teams can now also monitor and manage Windows updates inside virtual machines using their device management service. Scripts from Parallels on GitHub allow admins to check update status, run scans, and even trigger installations without needing to touch the virtual machine directly.
Wrap up on Parallels Desktop 26
Parallels Desktop 26 does not include many new end user features outside of support for the latest macOS and Windows versions, but it continues to make the experience better year over year. A key part of this update is the increased visibility and control for IT teams. Between SOC 2 compliance, device management service integration, and granular policy controls, Parallels is positioning itself as a core part of the Apple in the enterprise story when teams need access to Windows apps.
For end users, the improvements around disk space visibility and background process support will make daily use more reliable. Parallels Desktop 26 is available now in Standard, Pro, Business, and Enterprise editions starting at $99 per year for the standard edition.