Parallels has rolled out Desktop 26, the newest version of its popular “run Windows on Mac” software. This release is designed for Apple’s upcoming macOS Tahoe and Microsoft’s Windows 11 25H2, making it a timely update for users who plan to upgrade their systems in 2026.
For everyday Mac owners, Parallels Desktop 26 ensures that Tahoe runs smoothly alongside Windows, complete with visual tweaks to match Apple’s refreshed look. Windows virtual machines can now see available disk space on the Mac, giving users better control over storage and reducing the risk of slowdowns or crashes. The update also adapts to Tahoe’s new background process rules, meaning features like Coherence mode continue to work as expected.
Parallels has also simplified its versioning system. From now on, the software version number will match both the year it’s built for and the macOS release it supports. That change should make it easier for customers to know which edition they need.
For businesses and IT teams, Desktop 26 is more than just cosmetic. The software has renewed its SOC 2 Type II compliance, keeping enterprise buyers confident about security. It also adds new documentation for single-app deployments, making it possible to give end users access to only the Windows apps they need without dropping them into a full Windows desktop.
Integration with Jamf has been expanded as well. IT teams can now monitor and manage Windows updates directly through Jamf Pro and other MDM systems. Scripts for version tracking and scans are also available on Parallels’ GitHub. A new Enterprise Management Portal is coming soon that will let IT admins enforce policies on shared folders, USB access, clipboard sharing, and other VM settings.
These updates build on features Parallels introduced throughout 2025, such as USB passthrough support on Apple silicon, Google Workspace and JumpCloud single sign-on, VM locking for organizational control, and even a preview of x86 support on Apple silicon.
Parallels Desktop 26 is available starting today, and new users can try it free for 14 days. Pricing varies by edition, with options for personal use, businesses, and IT professionals.
