Parallels Desktop 18 streamlines Windows 11 installation, adds Xbox controller support, improves performance on M1 Ultra

The latest version of Parallels Desktop 18 should deliver the best experience possible for Windows on Mac devices.

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What you need to know

Parallels Desktop is a popular tool for running Windows or Linux on Mac hardware. Now, the latest version of the utility promises better performance and a long list of new features. Corel, the makers of Parallels, just rolled out Parallels Desktop 18. Following the update, Parallels will work better with ProMotion displays, run better on M1 Ultra chips, and will deliver better performance for x86 apps running on Apple’s M-series chips.

Here are some of the biggest changes that come with Parallels 18:

Thecomplete changelog for Parallels 18outlines all of its new features and changes.

Parallels Desktop 18 | $100

Parallels Desktop allows you to run virtualized versions of Windows and Linux on Macs. With it, you can run over 200,000 Windows applications on your Mac side-by-side with your favorite macOS apps.

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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.