Parallels Desktop 26 Adds Support for macOS Tahoe and Windows 11 2025 Update

[MacRumors]

Parallels Desktop 26 for Mac has just been released, bringing new features and performance enhancements to the virtualization software, including full support for Apple's forthcoming macOS Tahoe operating system.

In an effort to reduce user confusion, Parallels Desktop 26 now follows the same new versioning practice that Apple's operating systems have adopted this year. This release also provides full support for background process changes Apple has made in macOS 26 Tahoe, ensuring setup routines and Coherence mode run smoothly.

As well as full macOS Tahoe support, this version provides full compatibility with Windows 11 25H2. Windows VMs can now also view the actual available disk space on the Mac host, giving users better control over storage and helping to prevent freezes, slowdowns, and crashes during large installations or disk-heavy operations.

For businesses and IT teams, there are new centralized controls via the Parallels Desktop Enterprise Management Portal that allow IT admins to enforce settings like shared folders, USB access, clipboard sharing, and network modes across all users, ensuring virtual machines comply with organization security requirements.

Meanwhile, IT admins can now monitor and manage Windows OS updates inside VMs using Jamf Pro or other mobile device management (MDM) platforms. Scripts available from Parallels' GitHub also enable IT admins to check update status and initiate scans or installations directly from the management console.

This latest update builds on new features steadily introduced over the past year, including support for Apple Intelligence's Writing Tools, x86 emulation preview to support legacy apps, OBS Camera integration for enhanced video workflows, and support for applications like Dragon Medical One to meet specialized industry needs.

Parallels Desktop 26 for Mac is available in Standard, Pro, Business, and Enterprise editions, and can be purchased or upgraded to at parallels.com/desktop or from authorized resellers. For more information, including the option to download a free trial, see the Parallels website.

Article Link: Parallels Desktop 26 Adds Support for macOS Tahoe and Windows 11 2025 Update

 

[Kylo83]

Every year they milk it when a new macOS comes out, let the updates be free. I wish we had bootcamp back like the old days

 

[iLondoner]

Reminds me of Windows 95 and 98 naming. I was in Toronto when Microsoft announced Windows 95 and they had a banner the length (height) of the CN tower with Windows 95 emblazened on it.

 

[podycust]

The standard edition is so crippled! Most OS's need 8GB Ram at the bare minimum

 

[JohannesO]

Windows for Arm
runs like a charm

 

[firstcitazen]

not seeing it available for update or manual download yet, still showing version 20.

 

[osx64]

Any news on Vulkan or DirectX 12 support?

 

[Newfiebill]

Last year I said I had enough of this company. Every year they want more money to update a crippled system. I went to my friends at Amazon and picked up a mini Intel computer with 256gb HD and 16gb Ram pre-installed Windows 11 for 235CAN tax in. I am good now for at least 5/6 years. Stick it Parallels.

 

[firstcitazen]

not seeing it available for update or manual download yet, still showing version 20.

found It using the automatic downloader, updates to v26.

 

[Siggo]

Cool! So they can charge 50$ again for practically no update. As if the old one wouldn't (technically) work on Tahoe...Their businessmodell is just sad.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

I have it and do use it, some, but won't be renewing. I don't do software/app subscriptions, from any company...so...

No thank you.

 

[Valen1]

Last year I said I had enough of this company. Every year they want more money to update a crippled system. I went to my friends at Amazon and picked up a mini Intel computer with 256gb HD and 16gb Ram pre-installed Windows 11 for 235CAN tax in. I am good now for at least 5/6 years. Stick it Parallels.

OR you could just use VMware Fusion, which is free for personal use, and Windows 11 arm.

 

[IceManNCSU]

Why buy this when UTM exists and also uses Apples native virtualization technology?

GitHub - utmapp/UTM: Virtual machines for iOS and macOS

Virtual machines for iOS and macOS. Contribute to utmapp/UTM development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

 

[Valen1]

Tired of the annual payment from Parallels, try VMware Fusion which is free for personal use. I've been running Fusion for 10 years with any issues and not having to pay the annual fee that keeps getting jacked each year.

 

[Steve121178]

Just use VMware Fusion for free.

 

[Xaositek]

This is the answer!

 

[Big_D]

not seeing it available for update or manual download yet, still showing version 20.

Just checked my private and corporate accounts, both are only offering 20 for download. The only place where 26 was an option was if I switched to Enterprise.

Maybe they are rolling it out to Enterprise first, then normal and business users later? Or by region? I am in the EU...

 

[M3Stang]

Nothing mentioned about DX12. “maybe next year” is getting old.

 

[Hank001]

Nothing mentioned about DX12. “maybe next year” is getting old.

Although, that is what Apple users are used to.

 

[Dr McKay]

Every year they milk it when a new macOS comes out, let the updates be free. I wish we had bootcamp back like the old days

I wonder if bootcamp will return once the Qualcomm exclusivity deal with Windows 11 ARM expires

 

[AgeOfSpiracles]

Just use VMware Fusion for free.

For the low price of free, VMWare is pretty good. But it's not as good as Parallels in terms of smoothness and stability, in my experience. Not sure I would pay for it for personal use, but for work Parallels is the easy choice. And that's before you get into the abomination that VMWare the company has become under Broadcom's management.

 

[jlc1978]

I've used Parallels and Fusion pretty much since their inception; and stopped using Fusion a few years back because Parallels offered better integration with MacOS' file system. I typically went 3 years or so between upgrades as my needs were light and as long as Parallels worked with the latest MacOS I saw no reason to upgrade. That approached saved me money while still doing what I need. I am going to check out the latest Fusion release to see how it works.

 

[ifxf]

Every year they milk it when a new macOS comes out, let the updates be free. I wish we had bootcamp back like the old days

They need revenue to pay their employees.

 

[CapitalIdea]

Windows for Arm
runs like a charm

Whilst Intel, the marm
Claimed it would bring harm.

 

[randolorian]

This is the only company that I can think of whose business model relies Apple's annual OS updates.