How to Use Coherence Mode in Parallels Desktop for Mac

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Parallels Desktop for Mac is a powerful application that allows you to run Windows and other operating systems on your Mac without rebooting. One of the most interesting and beneficial features available is Coherence Mode. This mode provides a seamless integration between the Windows and Mac environments, making it feel like Windows applications are running natively on your Mac desktop. This detailed guide is designed to introduce you to everything you need to know about Coherence Mode, from setup and activation to advanced tips for getting the most out of this feature.

Understanding coherence mode

Before diving into the functionalities and applications, it is important to understand what Coherence mode means. Unlike other views and modes that Parallels offers, Coherence mode helps erase the boundaries between Windows and Mac operating systems. In this mode, your Windows desktop becomes invisible, and Windows applications behave like Mac applications: they appear directly on your Mac desktop.

Imagine you are working on a MacBook and need to use a Windows-specific app; Coherence mode allows you to open the app without having to juggle between two different desktop environments. Mac OS and Windows will live together in this unique setup, giving you a streamlined and efficient workflow.

Setting compatibility mode

Getting started with Coherence Mode is relatively simple, but setting it up optimally can make a huge difference in your user experience. Here are the steps and considerations to get started:

Step 1: Installing Parallels Desktop

Your journey begins with installing Parallels Desktop. Make sure your Mac meets the system requirements for the latest version of Parallels Desktop. Typically, this involves the following steps:

• Download Parallels Desktop: Visit the official Parallels website to download the software.
• Install the application: Double-click on the downloaded file and follow the installation instructions.
• Create a virtual machine: Open Parallels Desktop and follow the prompts to set up your virtual environment. This usually involves installing a copy of Windows.

Step 2: Switch on compatibility mode

Once the virtual machine is up and running, switching to Coherence mode is a simple task:

• Launch Windows: Start your Windows virtual machine within Parallels Desktop.
• Activate coherence mode: go to the View menu and choose "Enter Coherence Mode" or use the shortcut (often Ctrl+Command+C on a Mac).

Now your Windows desktop will disappear, and all the Windows applications you have open will appear in the Mac desktop environment.

Step 3: Configure compatibility settings

Fine-tuning your Coherence Mode settings can increase usability. Several configurations can be adjusted, including:

• Shared applications: Choose which applications you want to share between Windows and Mac. This makes data exchange and integration smooth.
• Dock integration: Add your favorite Windows apps to the Mac dock for quick access.
• Clipboard sharing: Make sure clipboard functions are enabled to allow copying and pasting between environments.

Working in coherence mode

Now that Coherence mode is set up, it's time to figure out how to work effectively in this environment. It may take a little practice to get used to this workflow, but it's so worth it for productivity.

Navigating the applications

When Coherence mode is activated, each Windows application will have its own window and can be accessed through the Mac Dock. To switch between open applications:

• Click the app icon in the Dock to bring the app to the forefront.
• The Command-Tab shortcut allows you to efficiently move between open apps, just as you would with native Mac applications.
• Use Mission Control (swipe up with three fingers on the trackpad) to see all open windows at a glance.

Sharing files across different systems

Sharing files between Mac and Windows applications in Coherence mode is very easy. Here's how:

• Drag and drop files between apps, just as you would on a normal Mac system. For example, drag a file from Finder to Word in Windows, and it will open.
• Configure shared folders in Parallels to ensure seamless file access across both operating systems.

Plus, you can copy text, links, and even images from your Mac applications and paste them directly into Windows applications, and vice versa. To use this feature, make sure clipboard sharing is enabled in your Coherence settings.

Printing and peripherals

Compatibility mode supports integrated printing and peripheral management:

• Printers and scanners shared on the Mac side can be accessed from Windows applications.
• Make sure the necessary drivers are installed on Windows to smoothly interact with the hardware connected to your Mac.

Advanced features and tips

While the basic functionalities in Coherence mode cover most needs, there are also a few advanced features worth exploring to enhance productivity:

Customizing visual preferences

Many users like to adjust the display and window settings to better fit their workflow. Here are some options to consider:

• Transparency: Adjust window transparency to maintain visibility on overlapping windows.
• Resizing windows: Easily resize Windows app windows via the usual corner-drag method on a Mac.

Using compatibility shortcuts

Shortcuts can significantly increase efficiency when working in coherence mode:

• Switching modes: Quickly toggle between Coherence mode and full Windows screen using shortcuts.
• App Launch: Configure custom shortcuts to launch your most-used Windows apps from within the Mac interface.

Troubleshooting and common issues

Like any software feature, Coherence Mode can experience glitches or problems. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Issue 1: Compatibility mode isn't activating

Solution:

• Make sure that Parallels Tools is updated and correctly installed in your Windows VM.
• Check for any waiting software updates on Parallels Desktop or macOS.

Problem 2: Poor performance

Solution:

• Allocate more RAM and CPU cores to your Windows VM for smooth operation.
• Disable unnecessary Windows services or startup programs that might be hindering performance.

Conclusion

Coherence mode in Parallels Desktop for Mac is an invaluable tool for professionals and users who require frequent interaction with both macOS and Windows applications. By following the setup, configuration, and optimization strategies outlined in this guide, Mac users can enjoy the full range of features without compromising on convenience or efficiency.

Whether you're working in development, graphic design, or you simply need access to Windows-specific programs, Coherence Mode provides a bridge between two different ecosystems, facilitating productivity and creativity like never before. As software capabilities evolve, staying updated on new enhancements and features broadens the horizons of what you can achieve with Parallels Desktop on your Mac.

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