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How to Improve Performance in Parallels Desktop for Mac
Edited 6 days ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
Parallels DesktopPerformanceOptimizationSpeedmacOSVMVirtualizationSoftwareAppleSettings
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Parallels Desktop for Mac is a popular tool that allows users to run Windows and other operating systems on their Mac computers. While Parallels Desktop can be very convenient, sometimes users face performance issues. Whether it's slow loading times, lags during operations, or a sluggish overall experience, there are many ways to improve performance in Parallels Desktop for Mac. This guide will explore various strategies and tips to help you get the most out of your virtual machines.
Understanding Parallels Desktop and virtual machines
Before diving into optimization tips, it's important to understand how virtual machines work in Parallels Desktop. A virtual machine (VM) is essentially a software-based representation of a physical computer. Parallels Desktop allows you to create one or more virtual machines on your Mac, allocating a portion of your computer's resources such as CPU power, RAM, and disk space to each VM.
Since the VM shares resources with the host Mac, performance issues can arise when resources are not allocated properly or when the VM is running a resource-intensive application. With that basic understanding, let's look at some ways to increase performance.
Allocate enough resources
A key determinant of how smoothly a virtual machine runs is how many resources it has. Parallels Desktop allows you to allocate resources such as CPU and memory (RAM) to each VM. Here's how you can optimize resource allocation:
Adjusting CPU and RAM
Open Parallels Desktop, go to the "Control Center", and select the configuration settings for your virtual machine. Go to the "Hardware" tab. Here, you can change the number of CPUs and the amount of RAM allocated to the VM.
- CPU: Generally, it is best to allocate at least 2 CPU cores to a VM. However, make sure not to allocate too many cores, as this can adversely affect performance.
- RAM: Allocate enough memory for the guest OS to handle its tasks efficiently. If you frequently use memory-intensive applications, consider allocating 4GB or more. Monitor your VM's RAM usage to make sure it's not maxing out.
Optimize your Mac's performance
Improving performance in Parallels Desktop is not just about making changes within the virtual machine. The host Mac also plays an important role. Here are some ways to increase overall performance:
Free up disk space
Disk space is often overlooked, yet it can have a significant impact on performance. Make sure your Mac has enough free space, as virtual machines can take up a lot of storage. Aim to keep at least 10-20% of your total disk space free. Delete unnecessary files, use tools like Disk Utility to clean up, or consider using external storage options for large files.
Close unnecessary applications
Having too many applications running simultaneously on your Mac can slow down both your Mac and your virtual machine. Close any unnecessary apps, especially those that take up a lot of resources like multi-tabbed browsers or CPU-heavy software.
Update macOS and Parallels Desktop
Regular updates ensure that you benefit from the latest performance improvements and bug fixes. Keep both your macOS and Parallels Desktop software up-to-date for best performance.
Configure virtual machine settings
In addition to resource allocation, Parallels Desktop offers a variety of configuration options that can affect performance. Here are some settings to consider adjusting:
Optimize for performance
Inside the virtual machine's configuration settings, you can choose to optimize for different scenarios. Select the "Options" tab and check under "Optimization." Select "Performance" to prioritize resources for the VM instead of battery life.
Disable or tune visual effects
Visual effects can be nice for aesthetics but can slow down your VM. Minimize or disable the effects within the guest operating system. For example, in Windows, you can make adjustments for performance under System Properties by selecting "Adjust for best performance." This will turn off unnecessary animations and effects.
Hard disk optimization
Virtual disks can become fragmented over time, impacting performance. Parallels Desktop includes a feature to optimize virtual hard disks. You can do this by going to the "General" tab in your VM's settings and looking for the "Reclaim" or "Optimize" disk option. This process can compact the virtual disk and reclaim unused space.
Networking settings
For applications that rely heavily on network access, it's important to ensure that your networking settings are optimized:
Network mode selection
Access the network settings for your VM and make sure it uses the proper mode. Bridged networking may provide better performance than shared networking for some applications. The optimal setting depends on your specific use case and network configuration.
Use a wired connection
Whenever possible, use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi. Wired connections typically provide more stable and faster speeds, reducing latency issues that can impact application performance.
Efficiency in everyday use
In addition to improvements and optimizations in setup, practicing efficient habits in daily use can also contribute to better performance:
Restart the VM regularly
Just like physical devices, VMs can benefit from periodic restarts. Restarting helps clear out temporary files and processes that can slow down your VM over time. If your VM runs for a long time, schedule regular restarts.
Monitor resource usage
Keep an eye on resource usage in both your Mac and the virtual machine. Use tools like Activity Monitor on macOS and Task Manager on Windows to identify processes that are consuming excessive resources.
Advanced technologies
For advanced users, there are additional ways to get more performance from Parallels Desktop:
Use an SSD
Solid state drives (SSDs) are faster than traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) and can greatly increase VM load times and data access speeds. If your Mac is equipped with an SSD, make sure that Parallels Desktop and its virtual machines are stored on it.
Allocate fixed IP
If your virtual machine requires frequent access to network resources, consider giving it a fixed IP address. This can speed up network communications and help avoid performance issues caused by dynamic IP changes.
Conclusion
Parallels Desktop for Mac includes optimizing settings to improve performance, efficient resource allocation, and maintaining system health. By following these strategies, users can achieve a more responsive and efficient virtual machine experience. Remember to revisit and adjust settings as your usage patterns and resource demands change.
With careful configuration and regular maintenance, you can easily enjoy the best of both macOS and other operating systems on your Mac through Parallels Desktop.
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