Best version of Windows for Parallels?

[acctman]

Is Windows 8.1 the best version of Windows for Parallels? Keeping in mind memory and resource usage.

 

[markyr17]

Many people swear by windows 7, but I've been happy with the performance of 8.1 on parallels. Just had to install start8 so I have a normal start menu.

 

[maflynn]

I can't answer for Parallels (I'm a vmware fusion user), but I like windows 8.1. I think either version will be fine as well.

 

[acctman]

I can't answer for Parallels (I'm a vmware fusion user), but I like windows 8.1. I think either version will be fine as well.

what are you system specs running vmware fusion

 

[maflynn]

Straight from their website

System Requirements
The minimum system requirements for installing and using VMware Fusion 7 are:
Any 64--bit capable Intel® Mac® (Compatible with Core 2 Duo, Xeon, i3, i5, i7 processors or better)
Minimum 4GB of RAM
750MB free disk space for VMware Fusion and at least 5GB for each virtual machine
Mac OS X 10.8.0 or later
Operating system installation media (disk or disk image) for virtual machines.
Microsoft Windows is not included with VMware Fusion.
Recommended graphics hardware for Windows Aero support:
NVIDIA 8600M or better
ATI 2600 or better
- See more at: https://www.vmware.com/support/fusion/faq/requirements.html#sthash.zDC0WQ57.dpuf

 

[Exhale]

The Win 8 series is technically better behaving in low RAM and virtualised environments.

 

[talmy]

Windows 8 (or 8.1) doesn't run the app I need to run under Windows, so it's a no-go. But when I did try it under Parallels when Windows 8 came out I found it an unhappy combination (fault really being it really wants a touch screen).

Beyond that, I'm happily running Windows 7 as well as XP and 2000 under Parallels 9.

 

[bulldozer72]

It also depends on your personal preference I'd say go 7 but that's me. I've had a lot of issues with parallels. Reading through a lot of parallel forums it seems like the best solution to issues with parallels is installing bootcamp.

 

[cammyg123]

I love Windows 7 with Parallels. I've used Parallels for years now and 7 has been my best experience. I use Windows XP occasionally on it but it's usually 7, and it works great. Windows XP still is great as well, but for obvious reasons it's probably better too stay away from XP unless you only plan on using core features.

I am a firm believer in 7 and XP on Parallels.