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Windows VM on Mac mini

russell_314

russell_314

macrumors G3
Original poster
Feb 10, 2019
8,155
13,200
USA
I'm looking for advice on a good VM to run on my Mac mini. Years ago I ran Parallels Desktop because I liked the integration with OSX rather than running it in a Window. I looked into it now they have some nasty limitations unless you pay a subscription for the "Pro Edition". I'm not really excited about paying subscriptions for software so I was wondering what VM you guys use. I could do Boot Camp but I really like the idea of not having to reboot if I need to run a particular Windows program.
 
I thought Parallels also had a buy one time version? But I agree, I too do not like subscription software. I guess you could always try the free VirtualBox from Oracle. It doesn't have all the frills that Parallels or VMWare has, but it does work to provide a fairly good VM of Windows.
 
chscag said:
I thought Parallels also had a buy one time version? But I agree, I too do not like subscription software. I guess you could always try the free VirtualBox from Oracle. It doesn't have all the frills that Parallels or VMWare has, but it does work to provide a fairly good VM of Windows.
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Parallels offers the one time purchase.
 
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BasicGreatGuy said:
Parallels offers the one time purchase.
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They offer a limited version for one time purchase. If you want the full version you have to pay a $99 yearly subscription. I guess it's not a lot but I would rather not pay every year
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chscag said:
If by the limited version you're referring to the "Standard Edition" shown above in your supplied chart, why is that not sufficient for you?
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The CPU limitations don't bother me but in 2019 limiting to 8 GB of RAM seems a bit restrictive. I can see if they had a free version with this restriction but not for eighty bucks. I realize the market strategy is designed to push subs here but I was hoping someone had a suggestion for a similar alternative that I could outright purchase without having to pay a subscription to unlock the full version. I've been away from Mac for about ten years so trying to learn the changes.
 
You do realize that the 8 GB of memory limitation in the Standard version only refers to how much memory you can assign to each VM? 8 GB should be enough memory to run most Windows apps with maybe the exception of a memory hog program.

However, I get your point about spending the $80. I upgraded my copy of Parallels twice, once it was discounted but the next time it was expensive.
 
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chscag said:
You do realize that the 8 GB of memory limitation in the Standard version only refers to how much memory you can assign to each VM? 8 GB should be enough memory to run most Windows apps with maybe the exception of a memory hog program.

However, I get your point about spending the $80. I upgraded my copy of Parallels twice, once it was discounted but the next time it was expensive.
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I will try it. Most of my Windows 10 machines have had at least 16 GB so the 8 GB seems a little bit low but maybe in VM it's okay. My last Mac probably had 2 GB LOL
 
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