What is a Virtual Machine on macOS


What is a Virtual Machine? In very simple terms, think of a virtual machine as “a computer within a computer.”


Users may need to use a virtual machine if they need to accomplish a goal that their current existing computer or operation system can’t accomplish for them. For example, running Microsoft Windows–specific programs on an Apple® Mac® computer.

A virtual machine is an emulation of a computer-system hardware on your existing computer.

(This is where the whole “computer within a computer” idea comes into play.)

A virtual machine (VM) is a replication of an operating system within a users computer—which means the ability to run Windows on Mac allows a user to unlock endless possibilities with their Apple device.

By utilizing virtualization technology, Parallels Desktop® for Mac empowers millions of users to go beyond the limitations of hardware to achieve their end goals.

Want more? Deep dive into the technology of virtualization and learn here: “What is Virtualization?

Try yourself for 14-days free with Parallels Desktop for Mac by downloading the free trial here.