Virtual Desktops in Windows on Mac: How They Work and How to Use Them

If you’re a Mac user and you want to use Windows apps without buying a second PC, you’ve probably heard about virtual desktops. A virtual desktop in Windows refers to running multiple workspaces inside the same Windows 11 environment. 

Virtual desktops are often confused with two similar technologies: virtual machines and cloud desktops. Understanding the difference matters. A virtual desktop is an organizational feature inside Windows. But to use it on a Mac, you first need a virtual machine running Windows.

Modern Macs make virtualization straightforward and speedy, especially with virtual desktop solutions like Parallels Desktop:

• Windows apps run fast on modern M-series Macs.
• You don’t need to reboot your Mac to switch operating systems.
• No extra hardware needed.

Desktop virtualization is fast-growing; studies show it’s projected to be worth more than $20 billion by 2027. 

This guide walks you through the basics of virtual machines and virtual desktops, and breaks down exactly how to get started with these technologies. 

Virtual desktop vs virtual machine: What’s the difference?

A Windows virtual desktop is a feature that allows running multiple workspaces within the same Windows system. Each desktop can hold different sets of apps and windows, so you can organize tasks more cleanly.

Alternatively, a virtual machine (VM) is a complete operating system running inside your computer. On a Mac, virtualization software creates a virtual PC in which Windows runs alongside macOS.

Meanwhile, a cloud desktop is a Windows computer that runs on a remote server rather than on your physical device.

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they carry an important distinction. Technically, Mac users first need a virtual machine before they can use Windows virtual desktops. Then, once Windows is running locally, you can use Windows virtual desktops exactly as you would on a standard PC, without rebooting or switching computers.

Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the differences: 

How Parallels Desktop runs Windows on your Mac

Parallels Desktop lets you run a full version of Windows 11 directly on your Mac. Instead of requiring a second computer, Parallels installs Windows inside a virtual machine that runs alongside macOS.

Here’s a breakdown of how that works: 

• Windows runs locally: Windows runs on your Mac, meaning its CPU, memory, and storage power the Windows environment. This also means apps launch and run directly on your machine, and you can keep working even without an internet connection.
• Speedy two-click provisioning: The setup process is designed to be quick; you can be up and running with Parallels in just two clicks.
• Built for modern Macs: Modern Macs use Apple silicon (M-series) chips built on ARM architecture, whereas older Macs used Intel processors. Because of this change, Windows virtual machines on M-series Macs run Windows 11 on Arm, a version of Windows designed specifically for ARM-based systems.
• No reboot required: Unlike dual-boot setups, Parallels Desktop does not require you to restart your Mac to switch operating systems.
• Integrated workflow: Parallels also bridges everyday workflows between the two systems. You can copy and paste text between macOS and Windows apps, drag and drop files, and share devices (like printers) between the two. 

The result is a Windows environment that works naturally alongside macOS.

Running Windows Virtual Desktops on M-Series Macs

Modern Macs within the M-series (such as those with the M3, M4, or later chip) are well-suited for running Windows virtual desktops. 

Here are some things you should know about the process and compatibility: 

• Many Windows applications were originally built for Intel-based systems. To help maintain compatibility, Windows 11 on Arm includes Microsoft Prism, a translation layer that allows many x86 applications to run on ARM hardware.
• Parallels Desktop also supports AVX and AVX2 instructions, which help certain compute-intensive applications, such as analytics tools, engineering software, or specialized business programs, run more reliably on modern systems.
• Performance is almost always lag-free and feels native. Modern M-series Macs have enough processing power and memory to comfortably run Windows alongside macOS applications. 

To maximize efficiency, here are some best practices to keep in mind when using Windows virtual desktops on your Mac:

• Simple switching: To move between desktops, open the Task View to see all of the active desktops. Then, select the one you want.
• Cross-OS workflows: When running Windows through Parallels Desktop, Windows apps and macOS apps can be used side by side. Switch between desktops based on which apps you’re using. For example, keep Windows-only accounting software open in one desktop and macOS apps like Safari open in another. You can also move content and files between multiple virtual machines, copy and paste text, or drag-and-drop files. 

For technical guidance on how to set up a Windows virtual desktop, visit our Parallels Desktop for Mac 26 User’s Guide.

Security and compliance built in

Parallels Desktop includes several built-in protections that help secure the virtual machine while keeping macOS and Windows environments clearly separated, such as: 

• Hardware-level protections: Modern Windows security features work inside the virtual machine just as they do on a physical PC. For example, Parallels Desktop supports virtual Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and Secure Boot, which are core requirements for Windows 11 security.
• VM encryption: Parallels Desktop also supports virtual machine encryption, which protects the VM’s files stored on your Mac.
• Identity and access controls: For teams and managed devices, Parallels Desktop can integrate with existing identity systems. For example, organizations can use single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) through their identity provider to control access. 
• Verified security practices: Parallels Desktop’s development and operational processes are aligned with recognized security standards, including SOC 2 Type 2, which evaluates controls related to security, availability, and data protection.

These features help make Parallels Desktop a secure and practical option for running Windows on a Mac, whether you’re an individual user looking for added protection or an organization with stricter security and compliance needs.

When a local virtual machine is the right choice

When choosing to run a virtual desktop in Windows, you can choose between a locally-hosted VM or one that’s hosted in the cloud.

When is a local Windows VM the ideal choice?

• Offline use: If you want to work without an internet connection, running Windows locally ensures your apps continue to work regardless of connectivity.
• Latency-sensitive work: Applications respond instantly when running locally, rather than with the potential latency that comes with streaming them from a remote connection..
• Individual productivity workflows: Many users simply need a few Windows applications alongside macOS tools. Running Windows locally lets you open those apps whenever you need them, without managing remote systems.

Meanwhile, cloud-hosted virtual desktops (which stream the interface to your device over the internet) can be useful in certain scenarios, if environments must be centralized, shared across teams, or controlled entirely by IT. 

For example, Parallels RAS is designed to publish Windows apps or desktops from servers so they can be accessed remotely on many devices. That approach is typically used when teams need a shared virtual desktop infrastructure, centralized management, or strict data-residency controls.

Try Windows Virtual Desktops on your Mac today

Windows virtual desktops are a user-friendly way to run separate Windows desktops on your Mac. And with Parallels Desktop, you can easily install Windows 11 on your Mac, create multiple workspaces inside Windows, and switch between macOS and Windows apps without restarting your computer.

Parallels Desktop is available in several editions depending on your needs:

• Standard Edition: Designed for everyday Mac users who need Windows apps.
• Pro Edition: Adds more resources and tools for developers and advanced users.
• Business Edition: Includes centralized licensing and management features for teams.

If you want to run Windows apps on your Mac, start a free trial of Parallels Desktop today. 

FAQs

Before we wrap up, let’s go over some common questions about Virtual Desktops in Windows, including what Mac users should know when trying to create a similar workflow. These quick answers will help clear up confusion and make it easier to get the most out of desktop organization across both platforms.

Can you run Windows virtual desktops on Apple silicon Macs?

Yes. On Macs with Apple silicon chips (M-series), Windows runs as Windows 11 on Arm inside a virtual machine. Once Windows is running, features like Windows virtual desktops work the same way they do on a standard Windows PC.

Are Windows virtual machines slow on a Mac?

No. For most everyday tasks, performance feels native. Virtualization software allows Windows to use the Mac’s CPU, memory, and storage resources directly, so common workloads run smoothly.

What’s the difference between a virtual desktop and a virtual machine?

A virtual desktop is a feature inside Windows that creates multiple workspaces for organizing apps. A virtual machine is the environment that runs the entire Windows operating system on your Mac.

Mac users need to install a virtual machine before they can use Windows features like virtual desktops.

Will Excel macros and enterprise apps work in a Windows VM?

Many enterprise applications run normally because the virtual machine runs a full version of Windows. Tools such as Excel with macros, ERP clients, analytics tools, and legacy business applications often work the same way they do on a Windows PC.

As with any system, compatibility can vary depending on the specific application and configuration.