Parallels, the company most well-known for its virtualization software, which allows you to run Windows and Linux directly from your Mac, had a busy year. Parallels was built to run on Chrome OS, but the company had to also figure out how to make the software compatible with the new ARM-based M1 Macs. Parallels Desktop 17 now supports the new macOS Monterey operating system and Windows 11.Before we get into the improvements, let's talk about compatibility. Parallels can now support two types of Macs after Apple switched to ARM architecture. Parallels cannot run Windows 10 Insider Previews on an M1 Mac as these versions are compatible with ARM-based hardware. Parallels has stated that Windows 11 will be available on Parallels 17 when it is released to the general public.However, an Intel-baed Mac can still run a variety of virtual machines. This includes Windows support back to XP or Windows 2000 and macOS back to OS X Lion 2011. It can run eight different Linux distros. M1 Macs cannot currently virtualize more than four, including Fedora and Ubuntu.Parallels found that Intel Macs offer the most compatibility. However, the raw power of M1 chips means that users are unlikely to give up Windows 10 and 11 Insider Previews. Windows 10 Insider Preview has built-in emulation by Microsoft. This means Windows 10 Insider Preview runs almost all 32-bit x86 apps as well as many 64-bit x86 applications. The M1's power also helps make up for the speed loss due to emulation.Parallels 17 has significant speed improvements, regardless of whether you are running Intel or M1. No matter what system you use, Parallels 17 restarts Windows and Linux up 38 percent faster. OpenGL graphics run up six times faster than previous versions. DirectX graphics should perform at least 28 percent faster, and M1-specific speed enhancements include 20% faster disk performance using Windows 10 Insider preview. Parallels is running these tests, so we are unable to verify them. However, improving performance has been a company focus since long.A few new features are also available. Parallels has improved its "Coherence mode", which allows you to run a Windows application without launching into Windows' full UI. Things like sign-in screens, updates, shutdowns and other notifications are now windowed. This makes it easier to see them in the background. You can drag and drop between Windows apps and Mac apps. This includes the ability to highlight and drop text or images between Windows apps and Mac apps. It'll also work with macOS Monterey's new Quick Note feature.Parallels 17 also includes a virtual TPM chip (Trusted Platform Module). This allows the system to use BitLocker or Secure Boot while running Windows 10 or Windows 11. This feature has an additional layer of intrigue. Microsoft initially stated that a computer equipped with a TPM chip was required for Windows 11 (at least during the testing period). Although it is not yet clear if Windows 11's final version will require a TPM Chip, Parallels users should be able to bypass this requirement through virtualization.Parallels Desktop 17 can be purchased as a subscription, just like most software. Standard editions cost $79.99 per annum, while the pro editions are $99.99 per annum. Parallels updates will be available to subscribers who have a valid subscription. You can also purchase a perpetual license for Parallels 17 standard edition for $99.99. People who have previously purchased Parallels 17 perpetual licenses can upgrade for $49.99.
