The best way to run Windows on Mac: Why Parallels Desktop is a great alternative to UTM
Both Parallels and UTM run virtual machines on Mac. The difference is what you can actually do with them and how much setup it takes to get there.
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Why choose Parallels Desktop as your virtualization solution?
Where UTM falls short on Apple silicon Macs
No DirectX or OpenGL support
UTM doesn't support 3D graphics acceleration. This means any Windows application that uses your GPU to render visuals, including games, CAD tools like AutoCAD or SOLIDWORKS, video editing software, or anything with a 3D interface, will either run at a lower performance level or not run at all. If you need any of those tools to run on your Mac, UTM will likely affect performance. Parallels Desktop supports DirectX 11 and OpenGL 4.1, so graphics-dependent apps run as they would on a native Windows machine.
Emulating Intel apps on an M-series Mac comes at a cost
Apple silicon Macs run on ARM architecture. When UTM runs x86 (Intel) Windows software on an M-series Mac, it has to emulate, translating Intel instructions into ARM in real time. That translation adds overhead. Apps that rely on it will feel sluggish compared to running the same software on a native Intel machine. Parallels Desktop runs the ARM version of Windows 11 natively on Apple silicon, which removes that overhead for the operating system itself and most modern Windows apps.
All Windows apps live in a separate window
UTM runs Windows inside its own window. Your Mac desktop and your Windows apps are always visually separated. There’s no way to open a Windows app on your Mac desktop alongside native Mac apps. Parallels Desktop's Coherence mode removes that barrier. Windows apps appear in your dock and your Cmd-Tab switcher. They resize and behave like any other Mac app, without a separate Windows window framing them.
UTM requires more configuration to get running
Getting a Windows virtual machine running in UTM requires downloading a Windows ISO separately, locating the correct ARM build for Apple silicon, configuring network and display settings manually, and installing drivers yourself. It’s doable for someone with a technical background, but for everyone else, it means at least an afternoon of troubleshooting. Parallels Desktop automatically downloads and installs Windows 11, so there’s nothing to configure manually. Most people can use Windows within 15 minutes of installing Parallels Desktop.
You cannot save and resume a Windows 11 session
UTM cannot suspend a Windows 11 virtual machine. Every time you need Windows, it boots from scratch. Parallels Desktop saves the state of your Windows session so you can resume where you left off in seconds, the same way your Mac wakes from sleep.
Why choose Parallels Desktop over UTM on Apple silicon
The only Microsoft-authorized solution for Windows 11 on M-series Macs
Parallels Desktop is the only virtualization tool Microsoft has authorized to run Windows 11 on Apple silicon Macs. That authorization covers license compliance and access to Windows updates on M-series hardware. UTM does not hold this authorization. If license compliance matters to you, for work, an organization, or a commercial environment, Parallels Desktop is the right tool.
Learn moreWindows apps that feel like Mac apps
Coherence mode puts Windows applications directly on your Mac desktop. They appear in your dock. They show up in Cmd-Tab. They resize and behave exactly like native Mac apps. UTM has no equivalent feature. You’re always working inside a separate Windows window, with a separate taskbar, on a separate desktop.
One-click Windows 11 setup
Parallels Desktop downloads and installs Windows 11 automatically. You don’t need to find an ISO, figure out which ARM build works for your chip, or manually configure drivers. UTM requires each of those steps, so getting UTM to a working Windows 11 installation can take considerably longer.
See why real-world users prefer Parallels Desktop to UTM
Many individual users, teams, businesses, and organizations prefer Parallels Desktop over UTM and you don’t have to take our word for it! Discover how real users benefit from using Parallels Desktop.
"Easy to install — always being updated and works with latest releases of Mac"
See review"I'm using Parallels Desktop to have multiple operating systems all in one device. I can set the CPU, RAM, and hard disk according to how many sources I need. Also, this app is really stable and supports almost all operating systems. Also, it’s possible to sync files between the local device and the virtual machine."
See review"Parallels Desktop has been a game-changer for me. Setting it up was a breeze, and even for someone like me who isn't the most tech-savvy, the whole process was surprisingly easy."
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The verdict: Parallels Desktop vs UTM
Choose Parallels Desktop if you need Windows to work every day
Parallels Desktop is the right choice if you need Windows for work, school, or any regular task on a Mac. It supports DirectX 11 and OpenGL 4.1 for graphics-intensive software, installs Windows 11 automatically, runs Windows apps directly on your Mac desktop via Coherence Mode, and holds Microsoft's authorization for Windows 11 on Apple silicon. It also comes with 24/7 support. Best for professionals, students, developers, and anyone moving from a Windows PC to a Mac who needs their existing software to keep working.
Choose UTM if you’re comfortable with manual setup and only need basic VM access
UTM is free and open source. It runs Linux well on Apple silicon and handles basic virtualization tasks. If you’re a developer who needs a lightweight Linux environment, is comfortable sourcing your own ISO and configuring drivers, and has no need for 3D graphics or Mac desktop integration, UTM is a workable choice, but it may not cover everything you need to do on a daily basis.
On Apple silicon, the gap is widest
Without 3D graphics support, Coherence mode, the ability to suspend Windows 11 sessions, or Microsoft authorization, UTM's limitations are most apparent on M-series Macs. Parallels Desktop was built for M-series hardware from the start. It’s the only tool that Microsoft has authorized to deliver Windows 11 on M-series chips, and the only one where Windows apps run directly on your Mac desktop without a separate window.
Learn moreHow to switch from UTM to Parallels Desktop
Takes under five minutes on Apple silicon and Intel Macs. No configuration required before moving to the next step.
Parallels Desktop downloads and installs Windows 11 automatically on Apple silicon Macs. No ISO required. No manual driver setup.
Copy your files from your UTM shared folder into the Parallels Desktop shared folder. You’ll need to reinstall Windows apps—they don’t transfer from one VM to another. If you have a Windows license, you can reactivate it in the new environment.
Parallels Desktop is the solution of choice for a variety of use cases
A seamless experience
Run the full-featured version of Windows applications on your Mac, including the most popular Windows apps like Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Plus accounting software, trading software, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and even PC-exclusive games!
Effortlessly run the professional, educational, and entertainment applications you need on your hardware of choice with just one new piece of software — Parallels Desktop.
Run your favorite PC games on a Mac
Play hundreds of Windows-exclusive games on Mac with Parallels Desktop, from first person to multiplayer games. Parallels Desktop transforms your Mac into a gaming machine.
World-class technical support
Need assistance? Parallels Desktop subscribers get access to online customer support, detailed documentation, and an active community contributing to a rich knowledge base. Find answers to all your questions and become a Parallels Desktop power user.
Parallels Desktop is the solution of choice for a variety of use cases
Cross-platform development and testing
Build, test, and QA your code in all necessary platforms seamlessly in a virtual environment. Developers and testers, switch between operating systems and browsers effortlessly, maintaining high performance, isolation, and security. Streamline the development process and reduce risk with Rollback mode, a Microsoft Visual Studio plug-in, and more.
Fulfill educational demands
Educators and students need cross-platform compatibility to learn. Meet academic requirements and access the essential tools for your studies or career, including the full-featured Windows version of Microsoft Office 365, Windows-based CAD tools, common statistics and accounting software, and more.
Compatible with Office 365 applications
Experience a Windows OS environment on your Mac. Use a virtual machine to run the full-featured versions of the most used Office 365 applications, including Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
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Get started with Parallels Desktop and start maximizing your Mac’s potential
Find the right fit for you or your business
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Maximum virtual RAM and CPUs
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8 GB vRAM, 4 vCPUs |
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Supports latest versions of macOS, Windows, and Linux
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Subscription only |
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Authorized by Microsoft and SOC 2-certified
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3D acceleration—DirectX and OpenGL
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Run thousands of Windows apps on your Mac
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| Pro All the Standard features PLUS: |
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| Best for Power users and developers | |
| Core components |
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Maximum virtual RAM and CPUs
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128 GB vRAM, 32 vCPUs |
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Supports latest versions of macOS, Windows, and Linux
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Authorized by Microsoft and SOC 2-certified
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3D acceleration—DirectX and OpenGL
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Run thousands of Windows apps on your Mac
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Run Windows apps with intensive graphics and processing needs
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Command line interface
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Built-in developer tools
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Disk cleanup and memory cleaner
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System and performance monitoring
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Multimedia download and conversion
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Productivity and privacy boosters
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Screen capture and recording
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| Business All the Standard and Pro features PLUS: |
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| Best for Teams and small businesses | |
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Centralized administration and license management
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Automation of CI/CD workflows
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Advanced provisioning tools
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Volume licensing
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Jamf and Intune integration for automated deployment and updates
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| Enterprise All the Standard, Pro and Business features PLUS: |
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| Best for IT-managed deployments | |
| Enterprise |
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Management portal for policy enforcement and compliance visibility
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Golden image creation and deployment
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Encrypted VMs locked to organizational control
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Granular control of VM settings, network, USB, clipboard, and shared folders
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SSO/SAML with SCIM provisioning and per-user/device licensing
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Parallels Desktop vs. UTM FAQs
Yes, for most Mac users. Parallels Desktop supports DirectX 11 and OpenGL 4.1, installs Windows 11 automatically, and runs Windows apps on Mac desktops through Coherence mode. UTM works for basic Linux environments but does not support 3D graphics or Coherence mode on Apple silicon. Parallels Desktop is the only solution Microsoft has authorized to run Windows 11 on M-series Macs.
No. UTM does not support 3D graphics acceleration, DirectX, or OpenGL for Windows VMs. That means games, CAD applications, video editing software, and any other graphics-intensive Windows apps will not run efficiently in UTM on a Mac. Parallels Desktop supports DirectX 11 and OpenGL 4.1, so those applications run as they would on a native Windows machine.
UTM can run Windows 11 on Apple Silicon, but it requires manual setup: Downloading a Windows ARM ISO, configuring the VM, and installing drivers yourself. UTM is not authorized by Microsoft for Windows 11 on Apple silicon. Parallels Desktop handles the download and installation automatically and holds Microsoft's authorization for Windows 11 on M-series Macs, including M1 through M5 and MacBook Neo.
No. UTM does not have Coherence mode or an equivalent. Windows apps in UTM run inside a separate window. They cannot appear on your Mac desktop alongside your native Mac apps. Parallels Desktop's Coherence mode lets Windows apps run directly on your Mac desktop, appear in the dock, and behave like native Mac applications.
Download and install Parallels Desktop, then let it guide you through Windows 11 setup automatically. Copy files from your UTM shared folder into the new environment. You’ll need to reinstall Windows apps—they don’t transfer between virtual machines. If you have a Windows license, you can reactivate it in the new environment.
Parallels Desktop offers customer support across various channels, including phone, email, and live chat, for the lifetime of your subscription. Because UTM is an open-source product, its users must seek community support, forums, and community documentation for any troubleshooting.
Parallels Desktop supports DirectX 11 and OpenGL 4.1, which means games and graphics-intensive Windows applications run as they would on a native Windows machine. UTM does not support 3D graphics acceleration for Windows VMs. If you need to run Windows games, CAD tools, or any software that uses GPU rendering, Parallels Desktop is a better option on Mac.
Is UTM not the solution you’ve been hoping for? Choose the right Parallels Desktop version for your needs and enjoy a better UTM alternative
Standard Edition
Limited version for those that need to run Windows applications on base model Mac computers.
Supports future operating systems.
Current version only. Full compatibility with future versions not guaranteed.
Pro Edition
Versatile, fully loaded version for developers, individual business users, and gamers seeking the best performance and productivity.
Supports future operating systems.