Parallels For Mac Cannot Delete Windows Program

How to back up your Mac. How to run Windows on Mac using Parallels Desktop 13. Of course, you'll need Parallels Desktop and Windows 10 in order to download and install them. Parallels Desktop costs $79.99 for a standard license. I had Windows XP installed using Parallels. I got rid of the Parallels trial as I bought VMWare instead. In order to clean up my LaunchPad I found that I had to find the following directory: 'Windows XP Applications' and delete it.

Parallels Desktop is a Mac application that allows virtualizing the Windows OS on any Mac. Like the VirtualBox for Windows, the Parallels Desktop also is a virtualization software where you could install the Windows or its applications seamlessly. It supports almost any Windows applications to run on your Mac. You don’t have reboot the Mac or select a different partition to install the extra OS. The automated processes can help you to run Windows applications as running a Mac application. No hassles or problems will be there in the setup or the maintenance.

So today, we decided to review the Parallels Desktop which will help thousands of people who are still in search of the perfect way to run Windows applications on Mac Osx. In this review, we will analyze the software top to bottom and will provide some of the most noticeable features alongside our final verdict. If you are one of those who wanted to run Windows applications on Mac, you should take a look at this review. So, let’s start.

What is Parallels Desktop?

As mentioned before Parallels Desktop is a Mac program that helps to run Windows applications on Mac. In other words, it is a virtual engine like many other softwares we already have seen on the market (like VMware.) It comes with very nice power management features to provide a better power consumption control throughout the usage. It reduces the resource usage of the virtual engine as much as possible resulting in the minimum power consumption. From our tests, there was only a slight difference in the power usage of the Mac even after running the Parallels Desktop software. This makes it possible to enjoy the virtual machine even on low battery or long journeys.

Parallels Desktop Interface

The Parallels Desktop interface is very easy to use where the necessary buttons and links are placed. There is also a wizard mode available on the software to make it even simpler to create and run virtual machines where any of the Windows or Linux programs running. The latest version of the software also includes many other platforms varies according to the edition. Even though, to create a virtual machine you have to sweat a little especially if you are a beginner. There are no exact documentations available with the software that describes the setup and maintenance process of the Windows or Linux virtual machines.

If you are familiar with such virtualization tools, the software will be quite easier to use, and you will never face an issue in any part of the software. Parallels Desktop is also coming with the support to add existing virtual machines in case you saved it earlier on any other storage medias. All in all, the interface and first look at the software will surely make you an impression.

Parallels Desktop Features

Here are some of the most noticeable features of the Parallels Desktop application. Having a look at them will help you in determining what you will get with it.

One-touch Tools

The One-touch tools in the Parallels desktop makes it easier to fulfill various tasks in the virtualized OS. To take a screenshot, cast your screen, access the internet, download videos, all you have to do is simply clicking some buttons. It is no more difficult to control your virtual machine.

Run Windows on your Mac without rebooting

You don’t have to reboot your Mac to run Windows on it. Simply open the Parallels software and create a virtual machine. Then start using it seamlessly until you get bored. At any point, the Windows needs to be restarted; you just restart the virtual machine instead of the Mac.

Use any Windows applications

It can run almost any windows application without any trouble. You can enjoy using any Windows applications on Mac like using a Mac program. No problems or bugs were found in our tests.

Optimized for Windows 10 and ready for MacOS Sierra

The Parallels Desktop is no more older. The software supports all the popular platforms including Windows 10 and the MacOS Sierra. So the compatibility will be no longer questioned.

500 GB of online backup storage for 1 year

To sweeten the features, the Parallels offers 500GB of online storage for the users. This is available with any edition of the program. If you have any of your important files to store from the virtual machine and you have access to the internet, you are so lucky.

Parallel Software For Mac

Also Run other operating systems

If you bored of running just the Windows OS on the Parallels, it could also run various other platforms including Linux and Google Chrome OS. The supported platforms are ranging as, OS X, Windows 10, 8.1 & 7, Linux, and Google Chrome OS.

Easily switch between the operating systems

It is very easy to switch between the operating systems. For example, if you want to copy something from your virtual machine or to the virtual machine, the setup assistant is always there for you.

Good performance

Parallels Desktop runs quite good when compared to other softwares to run Windows on Mac. It uses very low resources except in high usage conditions like gaming on the virtual machine.

Retina Support

The new versions of the software are coming with Retina support independent on the resolution or other display features.

Non-Compromised Security

Run Windows Programs On Mac

Even if you are using a virtual machine, the security of the OS will be non-compromised. You could set separate passwords for any of the virtual machines or folders to secure it from external access. This is a unique feature that we can’t see on other competitors.

Pros

  • Run Windows and Linux Virtual Machines on Mac
  • Improved integration between Mac and Windows programs
  • Even some games are supported
  • Very power efficient
  • Supports macOS Sierra and Windows 10 Anniversary Update

    Cons

  • Not completely free
  • Sometimes, uses high resources (Especially for gaming)
  • No much guidance for the new users

Verdict

Parallels Desktop is an unquestioned Windows emulator for Mac. With its features and the ability in running almost any Windows programs, Parallels Desktop dominating the virtual machine industry on Mac. A new license of the software starts from $79.99 and varies according to the editions. If you would like to give a try to the software before going to buy it, you could do that from the following link. Thousands of people already using Parallels Desktop to run Windows on Mac, you also give it a try.

Delete
Parallels Desktop for Mac Review: Run Windows on Mac

Macs have a thriving ecosystem of software, but some programs still only support Windows. Whether you want to use business software or play Windows PC games, there are many ways to run Windows programs on your Mac.

Some of these methods are similar to the ways you can install Windows software on Linux or run Windows programs on a Chromebook. Virtual machines, dual-booting, the Wine compatibility layer, and remote desktop solutions are all included here.

Virtual Machines

We recommend using a virtual machine program, ideally Parallels or VMWare Fusion, to run Windows applications on a Mac without rebooting. For maximum performance, which is particularly necessary for gaming, we recommend dual-booting Windows with Boot Camp instead.

A virtual machine is one of the best ways to run Windows desktop software. They allow you to install Windows and other operating systems in a window on your Mac desktop. Windows will think it’s running on a real computer, but it’s actually running inside a piece of software on your Mac.

You don’t have to use your Windows program in the virtual machine window, either—many virtual machine programs allow you to break Windows programs out of your virtual machine window so they can appear on your Mac desktop. However, they’re still running inside the virtual machine in the background.

You’ll need a Windows license to install Windows in a virtual machine. If you already have a product key, you can download Windows installation media for free and install it in a virtual machine program.

RELATED:How to Seamlessly Run Windows Programs on Your Mac with Parallels

Popular virtual machine programs for Mac include Parallels and VMware Fusion. Each of these is a paid program, so you’ll have to buy both a Windows license and a copy of your virtual machine program of choice. You can also use the completely free and open-source VirtualBox for Mac, but its 3D graphics support and Mac operating system integration aren’t as good. Parallels and VMWare Fusion both offer free trials, so you can try all these programs and decide which is best for you.

Note:We don’t often recommend paid software, but in the case of Parallels Desktop, it’s something we use at How-To Geek every single day for testing software and running Windows. The integration with macOS is amazingly well done, and the speed blows away VirtualBox. In the long run, the price is well worth it.

There’s one big downside to virtual machines: 3D graphics performance isn’t amazing, so this isn’t the best way to run Windows games on your Mac. Yes, it can work—especially with older games—but you won’t get the best performance, even in an ideal situation. Many games, especially newer ones, will be unplayable. That’s where the next option comes into play.

Boot Camp

RELATED:How to Install Windows on a Mac With Boot Camp

Apple’s Boot Camp allows you to install Windows alongside macOS on your Mac. Only one operating system can be running at a time, so you’ll have to restart your Mac to switch between macOS and Windows. If you’ve ever dual-booted Linux on your Windows PC, it’s just like that.

Installing Windows as a real operating system on your Mac is the best idea if you want to play Windows games or use demanding applications that need all the performance they can get. When you install Windows on your Mac, you’ll be able to use Windows and Windows applications with the maximum possible performance. Your Mac will perform as well as a Windows PC with the same specifications.

The downside here is that you can’t run macOS applications and Windows applications side-by-side at the same time. If you just want to run a Windows desktop application alongside your Mac applications, a virtual machine will probably be ideal. On the other hand, if you want to play the latest Windows games on your Mac, Boot Camp will be ideal.

As with virtual machines, you’ll need a Windows license to install Windows on your Mac.

Wine

RELATED:How to Run Windows Programs on a Mac With Wine

Wine originated on Linux. It’s a compatibility layer that allows Windows applications to run on other operating systems. Essentially, Wine is an attempt to rewrite the Windows code that applications depend on so they can run on other operating systems. This means that Wine is nowhere near perfect. It won’t run every Windows application, and will have bugs with many of them. The Wine AppDB can give you some idea of which applications are supported, although it focuses on Linux support.

Nevertheless, Wine is one way to try running Windows applications on a Mac. Because it doesn’t require you actually use Windows, you don’t need a Windows license to use Wine. It’s completely free. Just download Wine or WineBottler for macOS and see how well it works for your application.

CrossOver Mac

CodeWeavers’ CrossOver Mac is a paid application that will run Windows programs on Mac. It uses the open-source Wine code to accomplish this, but CrossOver provides a nice graphical interface and focuses on officially supporting popular programs. If an officially supported program doesn’t work, you can contact CodeWeavers and expect them to make it work for you. CodeWeavers contributes their improvements back to the open-source Wine project, so paying for CrossOver Mac also helps the Wine project itself.

CrossOver offers a free trial it you want to try it out first. You can also view a list of which programs run well on CrossOver before buying. While CrossOver focuses on compatibility, it’s still based on Wine, and won’t work with everything.

Most people will probably be happiest going for a virtual machine program and a Windows license. With CrossOver, you don’t need to run a Windows virtual machine—but, if you do run a Windows virtual machine, you’ll be able to run almost any Windows program with less risk of bugs. CrossOver does theoretically allow you to run Windows PC games on a Mac with better performance than you’d get in a virtual machine, but you’ll risk running into bugs and unsupported programs. Boot Camp may still be a better solution for that.

Remote Desktop

Parallels 8 For Mac

RELATED:How to Access Windows Remote Desktop Over the Internet

If you already have a Windows system, you could skip running Windows software on your Mac completely and use remote desktop software to access the Windows machine from your Mac’s desktop. Organizations with business software that runs on Windows can host Windows servers and make their applications available to Macs, Chromebooks, Linux PCs, iPads, Android tablet, and other devices. If you’re just a home user who also has a Windows PC, you could configure that Windows PC for remote access and connect to it whenever you need a Windows application. Bear in mind that this isn’t ideal for visually intensive applications like PC games.

If you’re a Chrome user, you can even use Chrome Remote Desktop to connect to a Windows PC running Chrome from your Mac running Chrome.

Mac Cannot Delete File In Use

All these tricks obviously require more work than simply installing a Windows program on a Windows PC. If you have a Mac, you should focus on using Mac software when possible. Windows programs won’t be as integrated or work as well.

You may have to buy a Windows license for your Mac to get the best compatibility, whether you’re using a virtual machine or installing Windows in Boot Camp. Wine and CrossOver are nice ideas, but they aren’t perfect.

Image Credit: Roman Soto on Flickr

Parallels For Mac

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