Parallels 11 for Mac: The Ultimate Guide to Download, Install, and Use
Download Parallels 11 for Mac Free
Do you want to run Windows applications on your Mac without rebooting? Do you want to enjoy the best of both worlds with the latest features of Windows 10 and OS X El Capitan? Do you want to boost your productivity, creativity, and performance with the most powerful virtualization software for Mac?
Download Parallels 11 For Mac Free
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need Parallels 11 for Mac. Parallels 11 for Mac is the #1 choice of customers worldwide for running Windows applications on Mac. It allows you to run Windows and Mac applications side by side, seamlessly switch between them, and share files and folders between them. It also supports the latest technologies, such as Cortana, Force Touch, Travel Mode, Quick Look, and more.
In this article, we will show you how to download Parallels 11 for Mac free, how to install it, how to use it, and what are its features and benefits. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about Parallels 11 for Mac. By the end of this article, you will be ready to enjoy the best of both worlds with Parallels 11 for Mac.
How to download Parallels 11 for Mac free
There are two ways to download Parallels 11 for Mac free: from the official website or from the Mac App Store. Here are the steps for each option:
Option 1: Download from the official website
To download Parallels 11 for Mac free from the official website, follow these steps:
Go to https://www.parallels.com/blogs/introducing-parallels-desktop-11/ and click on the "Download Free Trial" button.
Enter your name and email address and click on "Start Your Trial".
You will receive an email with a link to download Parallels Desktop Installer.dmg file.
Click on the link or copy and paste it into your browser to start downloading.
Save the file to your Downloads folder or any other location of your choice.
Option 2: Download from the Mac App Store
To download Parallels 11 for Mac free from the Mac App Store, follow these steps:
Go to https://apps.apple.com/us/app/parallels-desktop/id1085114709?mt=12 and click on the "View in Mac App Store" button.
The Mac App Store will open and show you the Parallels Desktop app page.
Click on the "Get" button and then on the "Install" button.
You may need to enter your Apple ID and password to confirm the installation.
The app will start downloading and installing on your Mac.
How to install Parallels 11 for Mac
Once you have downloaded Parallels 11 for Mac, you need to install it on your Mac. The installation process is easy and fast. Here are the steps to install Parallels 11 for Mac:
Step 1: Launch the installer and follow the instructions
If you downloaded Parallels 11 for Mac from the official website, locate the Parallels Desktop Installer.dmg file in your Downloads folder or any other location where you saved it. Double-click on the file to open it. A window will appear with the Parallels Desktop icon and a message saying "Drag this icon to the Applications folder". Drag and drop the icon to the Applications folder as instructed. Alternatively, you can right-click on the icon and choose "Open".
If you downloaded Parallels 11 for Mac from the Mac App Store, locate the Parallels Desktop app in your Applications folder or use Spotlight to search for it. Double-click on the app to launch it.
In both cases, you may see a warning message saying that the app is from an unidentified developer or that it was downloaded from the internet. Click on "Open" or "Continue" to proceed. You may also need to enter your Mac administrator password to allow the installation.
The Parallels Desktop installer will start and show you a welcome screen. Click on "Install" to begin the installation. You may need to agree to the license agreement and enter your Mac administrator password again.
Step 2: Choose your edition and activate your license
After the installation is complete, you will see a screen asking you to choose your edition of Parallels 11 for Mac. You can choose between three editions: Standard, Pro, or Business. Each edition has different features and pricing options. You can compare them here.
If you want to try Parallels 11 for Mac for free, you can choose any edition and click on "Start Trial". You will get a 14-day free trial with full functionality. You will need to enter your name and email address to start the trial.
If you have already purchased a license for Parallels 11 for Mac, you can choose your edition and click on "Activate". You will need to enter your license key that you received by email after your purchase. You can also sign in with your Parallels account if you have one.
Step 3: Create or select a virtual machine and install Windows
A virtual machine is a software simulation of a computer that runs inside your Mac. You can create multiple virtual machines and run different operating systems on them, such as Windows, Linux, or macOS.
Parallels 11 for Mac makes it easy to create or select a virtual machine and install Windows on it. You will see a screen with several options:
If you have an existing virtual machine that you want to use with Parallels 11 for Mac, you can click on "Locate Manually" and browse for the file.
If you have a Windows installation disc or USB drive, you can click on "Install Windows or another OS from DVD or image file" and follow the instructions.
If you have a Windows product key, you can click on "Download Windows 10" and Parallels 11 for Mac will download and install Windows 10 for you automatically.
If you want to try Windows 10 for free, you can click on "Get Windows 10 from Microsoft" and Parallels 11 for Mac will download and install a trial version of Windows 10 for you automatically.
If you want to install another operating system, such as Linux or macOS, you can click on "More Options" and choose from the list of supported operating systems.
Once you have chosen your option, follow the instructions on the screen to create or select your virtual machine and install Windows or another operating system on it. The process may take some time depending on your internet speed and computer performance.
How to use Parallels 11 for Mac
Congratulations! You have successfully installed Parallels 11 for Mac and created or selected your virtual machine. Now you are ready to use Parallels 11 for Mac and enjoy its features and benefits. Here are some tips on how to use Parallels 11 for Mac:
Features and benefits of Parallels 11 for Mac
Paralle ls 11 for Mac is the most advanced and powerful virtualization software for Mac. It has many features and benefits that make it the best choice for running Windows applications on Mac. Here are some of them:
Improved performance and optimization
Parallels 11 for Mac delivers up to 50% faster performance than previous versions. It also optimizes your battery life, memory usage, disk space, and network speed. It supports the latest hardware and software technologies, such as Retina display, Force Touch, Metal graphics, DirectX 11, and more. It also integrates with OS X El Capitan features, such as Split View, Mission Control, Launchpad, and Spotlight.
Features that deliver the best user experience
Parallels 11 for Mac offers features that make your user experience smooth and seamless. You can run Windows and Mac applications side by side in Coherence mode, or switch between them with a single click in Full Screen mode. You can also use Mac gestures, keyboard shortcuts, and touch bar controls in Windows applications. You can share files and folders, copy and paste text and images, drag and drop objects, and print documents between Mac and Windows. You can also access your iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and other cloud services from both Mac and Windows.
Designed by developers, for developers
Parallels 11 for Mac is not only for casual users, but also for developers, testers, designers, and power users. It supports a wide range of development tools and environments, such as Visual Studio, Xcode, Eclipse, Docker, Vagrant, Jenkins, and more. It also supports multiple operating systems, such as Windows 10, 8.1, 7, XP, Linux, Chrome OS, Android, and macOS. You can create and manage multiple virtual machines with different settings and configurations. You can also test your applications on various devices and browsers with Parallels Access and Parallels Toolbox.
Enhanced security and management for businesses
Parallels 11 for Mac is also ideal for businesses that need to run Windows applications on Mac securely and efficiently. It offers features that enhance security and management for business users and IT administrators. For example, you can encrypt your virtual machines with BitLocker or FileVault. You can also use Parallels SmartGuard to create snapshots of your virtual machines and restore them in case of any issues. You can also use Parallels Business Edition to centrally manage and deploy Parallels 11 for Mac to multiple Macs in your organization.
Tips and tricks for using Parallels 11 for Mac
To help you get the most out of Parallels 11 for Mac, here are some tips and tricks that you can use:
How to switch between Mac and Windows modes
You can switch between Mac and Windows modes by using the View menu in the Parallels Desktop menu bar or by using the keyboard shortcut Control + Option + Return. There are four modes to choose from:
Window mode: This mode shows your virtual machine in a separate window on your Mac desktop.
Full Screen mode: This mode shows your virtual machine in full screen on your Mac monitor.
Coherence mode: This mode shows your Windows applications as if they were native Mac applications on your Mac desktop.
Modality mode: This mode shows your virtual machine as a transparent window on top of your Mac desktop.
How to share files and folders between Mac and Windows
You can share files and folders between Mac and Windows by using the Shared Folders feature in Parallels Desktop. To enable this feature, go to the Parallels Desktop menu bar > Devices > Shared Folders > Configure... > Options > Share Folders. You can choose to share all or specific folders on your Mac with your virtual machine. You can also choose to enable or disable read-only access or mount network folders.
To access the shared folders on your virtual machine, go to Start > Computer > Network > Shared Folders on 'Mac Name'. You will see a list of shared folders that you can open or copy from.
How to customize your virtual machine settings
You can customize your virtual machine settings by using the Configuration Editor in Parallels Desktop. To open the Configuration Editor , go to the Parallels Desktop menu bar > Actions > Configure... or use the keyboard shortcut Command + ,. You will see a window with various tabs and options that you can adjust according to your preferences. For example, you can change the name and description of your virtual machine, the amount of CPU and memory allocated to it, the network and sound settings, the security and backup options, and more. You can also add or remove devices, such as USB drives, printers, cameras, etc. to your virtual machine.
How to use Cortana on your Mac
Cortana is Microsoft's digital assistant that can help you with various tasks, such as searching the web, setting reminders, checking the weather, playing music, and more. Parallels 11 for Mac allows you to use Cortana on your Mac, even when Windows is not in the foreground. To enable this feature, go to the Parallels Desktop menu bar > Devices > Microphone > Always On. You will also need to enable Cortana in Windows 10 by going to Start > Cortana > Settings and turning on the "Hey Cortana" option.
Once you have enabled Cortana, you can use it on your Mac by saying "Hey Cortana" followed by your command or question. For example, you can say "Hey Cortana, what's the weather in New York?" or "Hey Cortana, play some jazz music". You will see a pop-up window with Cortana's response on your Mac screen.
Conclusion: Summary and call to action
Parallels 11 for Mac is the best way to run Windows applications on Mac without rebooting. It offers many features and benefits that make it the most advanced and powerful virtualization software for Mac. It also supports the latest technologies and operating systems, such as Windows 10 and OS X El Capitan. It is easy to download, install, and use Parallels 11 for Mac. It also offers a 14-day free trial for you to try it before you buy it.
If you want to download Parallels 11 for Mac free, you can choose one of the two options: from the official website or from the Mac App Store. If you want to buy Parallels 11 for Mac, you can choose one of the three editions: Standard, Pro, or Business. You can also upgrade from previous versions of Parallels Desktop at a discounted price.
Don't wait any longer. Download Parallels 11 for Mac free today and enjoy the best of both worlds with Windows and Mac applications on your Mac.
FAQs: Frequently asked questions about Parallels 11 for Mac
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Parallels 11 for Mac:
Q: How much does Parallels 11 for Mac cost?
A: Parallels 11 for Mac has three editions with different pricing options:
EditionNew LicenseUpgradeSubscription
Standard$79.99$49.99N/A
Pro$99.99$49.99$99.99/year
BusinessN/AN/A$99.99/year
Q: What are the system requirements for Parallels 11 for Mac?
A: The system requirements for Parallels 11 for Mac are:
A Mac computer with an Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, Core M or Xeon processor.
At least 4 GB of memory (8 GB recommended).
At least 850 MB of disk space on the boot volume (Macintosh HD) for Parallels Desktop installation.
At least 15 GB of disk space for each virtual machine.
OS X Yosemite 10.10.5 or later; OS X El Capitan 10.11 or later; macOS Sierra 10.12 or later.
An internet connection for product activation and select features.
Q: How can I get support for Parallels 11 for Mac?
A: You can get support for Parallels 11 for Mac by visiting https://www.parallels.com/support/. You can find helpful articles, videos, guides, forums, and blogs that can answer your questions and solve your problems. You can also contact the Parallels support team by phone, chat, or email. You can also submit a support request or a feedback form online.
Q: How can I update Parallels 11 for Mac?
A: You can update Parallels 11 for Mac by using the Check for Updates feature in Parallels Desktop. To use this feature, go to the Parallels Desktop menu bar > Parallels Desktop > Check for Updates... or use the keyboard shortcut Command + U. You will see a window with the current version and the available updates. Click on "Install" to download and install the updates. You may need to restart your Mac or your virtual machine after the installation.
Q: How can I uninstall Parallels 11 for Mac?
A: You can uninstall Parallels 11 for Mac by using the Uninstall Parallels Desktop feature in Parallels Desktop. To use this feature, go to the Parallels Desktop menu bar > Parallels Desktop > Uninstall Parallels Desktop... or use the keyboard shortcut Command + Option + U. You will see a window with a message asking you to confirm the uninstallation. Click on "Uninstall" to proceed. You may need to enter your Mac administrator password to allow the uninstallation.
Note that uninstalling Parallels 11 for Mac will not delete your virtual machines or their files. You can keep them or delete them manually if you want.
Q: How can I get more information about Parallels 11 for Mac?
A: You can get more information about Parallels 11 for Mac by visiting https://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/. You can find detailed descriptions, screenshots, videos, testimonials, reviews, and comparisons of Parallels 11 for Mac. You can also download a free trial, buy a license, upgrade from previous versions, or request a quote for business edition. dcd2dc6462