Parallels Desktop version 20.2 includes a preview that allows 64-bit x86 operating systems and their 32-bit and 64-bit applications to run. The developer believes people want this to run 32-bit x86 Windows applications in a native environment or as an alternative to Apple’s Rosetta emulator, which runs x86_64 Linux VMs. Parallels warns that the tool is “slow” and “really slow.”
According to a knowledge base article, “Windows boot time can take up to seven minutes depending on your hardware.”
The responsiveness of Windows is so low that Parallels advises against running multiple applications. Parallels appears to be expecting things to go wrong, as it says: “If you encounter unfamiliar Windows behavior restart Windows.”
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You can get the product’s craptastic experience with Windows 10, 11, Server 2019, Server 2022, Server 2019 Server VM Fedora is installed, but immediately fails. Linux is also slow in this preview but you can run it natively on Apple Macs with Arm already . Parallels is presumably planning to improve this feature. Mac users who need to run x86 versions of Windows or Linux can do better with a cloudy Remote Desktop, an old Intel/AMD box, or a mini-PC. Parallels began as a desktop virtualization player and a minor player in server virtualization. According to a chat Christa Quarles had with The Register in late 2024, the company’s focus is on desktop virtualization, applications publishing, and security features such as browser isolation.
Quarles said Parallels is interested in those markets because she believes that incumbent vendors VMware/Omnissa, and Citrix do not serve customers or partners well. Buyers will therefore be open to alternatives. She said Parallels has a “bursting” pipeline of prospects and that new deal registrations are up by triple.
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