After two years of using it daily, I am still very much in love with Parallels Desktop

It’s been two years since I first reviewed Parallels Desktop for Mac, and what started as an experiment has now become central in my work and play. Back then, I was impressed by how easy it brought Windows to my Mac. Today, it’s something I use regularly – for casual gaming, showcasing screen readers like NVDA and JAWS to students, and even for exploring accessible gaming experiences.
My latest journey with Windows began out of necessity. As a totally blind player, I wanted to enjoy Hearthstone, but the access mod for the game is only available on Windows. This meant I had to dive into a completely new operating system as a blind user and learn how to navigate it with a screen reader. While challenging at first, it turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences. Not only did I learn how to use screen readers like JAWS and NVDA, but I eventually became certified in both. These skills have since become key in my everyday work, where I teach blind students how to use these readers effectively and even how to game.
In time, my need for Windows grew beyond Hearthstone. I eventually bought a high-performance Lenovo gaming laptop to explore accessible games that Parallels couldn’t run and to conduct accessibility testing for game developers I work with. However, the reality is that the laptop spends much of its time powered off, gathering dust. That’s because for most of my needs, my MacBook Air with M1 and my iMac with M3, both running Parallels Desktop, are more than enough. They handle Windows 11 without any issue, allowing me to enjoy gaming and teaching without missing a beat.
One of the biggest developments since my original review is that Parallels Desktop is now the only third-party solution officially authorized by Microsoft to run Windows 11 on Apple Silicon Macs. For me and many other Mac users out there, knowing that Microsoft fully supports Parallels takes the guesswork out of using it, and it’s a testament to how far the software has come in becoming a reliable and professional-grade solution.

The latest release, Parallels Desktop 20, builds on this momentum with some exciting new features. Among them, the introduction of AI-ready virtual machines is a standout. While I don’t develop AI applications, it showcases Parallels’ commitment to making regular users’ lives easier, who only want a quick setup to start playing and learning about AI, without dealing with an error-prone setup. Version 20 is also fully compatible with macOS Sequoia and Windows 11 24H2, ensuring I’m always working with the latest software.
So everything is fast, smooth, and responsive whether I’m playing games, demonstrating NVDA or JAWS to students, or simply managing files. The simplicity of setting up virtual machines and the flawless integration between macOS and Windows makes Parallels a joy to use.
Accessibility remains a core focus for me, and while there’s still room for improvement, especially in deeper screen reader integration, Parallels is already a great tool for teaching blind students. It provides a reliable, straightforward way for them to learn about Windows and screen readers like NVDA and JAWS in a controlled environment. For me, that’s a big part of why it’s become indispensable.
Looking back, it’s amazing to see how far I’ve come since my first hesitant steps into Windows as a blind user, driven by my love for Hearthstone. Parallels Desktop made that journey easier and opened up new opportunities, helping me grow personally and professionally. Even with a powerful gaming laptop at my disposal, I honestly keep returning to my Mac. Parallels has made it possible to have the best of both worlds – Windows and macOS – without compromise.
If you’re considering Parallels Desktop, especially if you’re on an Apple Silicon Mac, I wholeheartedly recommend it. Whether you’re a gamer, a teacher, or just someone who needs to use Windows occasionally, Parallels delivers. Two years ago, I saw its potential. Now, I can’t imagine working or playing without it.
Victor Dima
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