Though the name for the feature is different, for Parallels, it is Coherence, for VMware, it is Unity and in VirtualBox, it is called Seamless Mode. When you open an app in this mode, it allows you to basic edit functions, like copy and paste between Mac and Windows app. Also, you can change the size and move apps. Windows Apps On Dock.
When Apple Silicon Mac was first announced during the keynote at WWDC on June 22 of this year, Apple demoed a Parallels Desktop for Mac prototype running a Linux virtual machine flawlessly on Apple Silicon. Since WWDC, the new version of Parallels Desktop, which runs on Mac with the Apple M1 chip, has made tremendous progress. Parallels Desktop, the virtualization software that allows you to run Windows on a Mac alongside macOS, now offers DirectX 11 support using Apple Metal, meaning it can render 3D graphics up to 15. 'The latest version of Parallels, the popular Windows virtualization tool for Mac OS X, almost feels like its trolling Apple.' Engadget 'The software has been iterating over a decade and now makes Windows feel like part of the macOS. When macOS High Sierra was released around 25 th September, I tried to install it in Parallels Desktop Lite.However, both a clean install in a Parallels Virtual Machine (VM), nor an in-place update did not work (the High Sierra VM would refuse to boot).
Last updated April 3, 2018
The Apple Device Enrollment Program (DEP) is a crucial building block for the modern macOS deployment workflow. When configured correctly, Apple DEP enables a business to purchase new Apple computers that automatically configure themselves, install necessary software, and enroll in an MDM upon unboxing and first boot- without hands-on intervention by DevOps or IT.
Before a business goes live with Apple DEP, a validation phase typically takes place. This allows a business to become comfortable with the DEP process as well as confirm that their DEP account and MDM configurations are working as expected.
Testing a DEP workflow can be time consuming. The workflow can only be tested when a device starts up and is initialized for the first time. As a result, using virtualization software such as VMware Fusion, Parallels Desktop, or VirtualBox is often much more practical than reinstalling the OS on a Mac computer after each test. Most, if not all virtualization software supports snapshotting, allowing a user to 'roll back' their device state to a designated point in time. This makes it easy to revert a macOS image to a point just before the initial DEP process begins.
Parallels Mac Os Vmware
Through working with our customers and our own internal development efforts, we've put together a guide that we'd like to share with you.
First: Your Mileage May Vary
Erase macintosh hd apfs. It is worth stating that using DEP and MDM with virtual machine technology can be rather finicky and exhibit odd behaviors not seen when testing with physical devices. For this reason, we do not recommend using DEP or MDM with virtual machines in any capacity beyond workflow testing. As examples, if a FileVault configuration isn't working or a device is not enrolling over the MDM user-channel, it may be due to using virtual machine technology.
Additionally, we cannot recommend using VirtualBox at this time. We've provided more information on this below.
Creating a Virtual Machine
To get started, you will need to create a virtual machine. Various methods exist for creating an initial macOS virtual machine, some specific to a particular VM technology. Here are a few useful resources that walk through the process:
- Parallels Desktop:Creating a DEP VM using Parallels Desktop (jerbecause.wordpress.com)
- VMware Fusion: How to create a VM that'll work with DEP on VMware Fusion (rderewianko.com)
- VirtualBox: How to create a macOS High Sierra VM to run on a Mac host system (tobiwashere.de)
A Common Gotcha: Invalid Auto-Generated Serial Numbers
MacOS expects the serial number of the device it is installed on to be alphanumeric. If you plan to link your VM to Apple DEP, you will be setting the serial number of the VM to be equal to the serial number of a real Apple device, so this will not be a problem.
If you are not specifying the serial number of the VM yourself, note that some VM technologies generate a serial number with special characters. For instance, a serial number similar to 'fZjdIehS/ds+' can be generated by VMware. If the VM has a serial number that is not alphanumeric, macOS will appear to enroll with an MDM, but will ultimately not complete the process or be able to communicate with the MDM to receive configuration or further commands.
Linking to Apple DEP
Upon first boot, macOS presents the user with the Setup Assistant. Once an internet connection has been established, macOS contacts Apple to determine if the device is configured for DEP. When the device contacts Apple, it provides its device serial number as a form of identification. Apple, in turn, provides the device with a DEP configuration if available. This DEP configuration is fairly minimal; it specifies basic configurations like whether the device is to be placed in supervised mode and if it should enroll in an MDM.
Since the serial number acts as the device identifier for DEP, the virtual machine you create will need to be configured to use a serial number that exists in your DEP account. We suggest using a serial number for a computer that is no longer in use, or at the very least, has a low likelihood of being wiped at any point, since using the serial number in a test DEP workflow would invariably cause the device to also enter the workflow.
Below are configurations for each virtual machine technology. Replace [SERIAL] with the serial number of the device. 'mac_hw_model', at this time, does not need to be accurate for the provided serial number.
Be sure to use straight double quotes and not curly quotes.
Parallels Desktop
Shut down the VM. Within Parallels Desktop, visit the configuration screen for the VM image, select the 'Hardware' tab, and navigate to the 'Boot Order' option. Expand the 'Advanced Settings' disclosure and enter the following in the text box:
VMware Fusion
Shut down the VM. Locate the VM file on your computer. These, by default, appear in '~/Documents/Virtual Machines/'. Right click the file and select 'Show Package Contents'. Within the resulting window, locate a file with a 'vmx' extension and open it with a text editor. Add the following lines:
VirtualBox
Note: VirtualBox's network virtualization appears to work quite differently than Parallels and VMware and causes macOS to have issues contacting DEP during the Setup Assistant. As a result, we have found VirtualBox to be quite troublesome to work with when testing DEP and advise against it.
If you wish to try anyway, the following VBoxManage command line interface command can be used to set the serial number of the VM. Note that '[VM NAME]' must match the name of the virtual machine that you are modifying:
Snapshotting Before Setup Assistant
A DEP configuration effectively acts as a bootstrap. It provides a device with enough configuration to complete the Setup Assistant and enroll it with an MDM. That is the extent of its responsibility. As a result, Setup Assistant contacts Apple DEP exactly once during the initialization process. If you change your DEP configuration at any latter, the device will not receive the updated configuration.
It's important to snapshot the virtual machine image before Setup Assistant has a chance to contact DEP. Because most VMs have access to internet at boot and do not have to wait for WiFi credentials, the outreach to DEP can occur very early on in the Setup Assistant process, before progressing past the first screen.
We recommend taking a VM snapshot before the Setup Assistant becomes visible. This can take a bit of practice; it is easiest to take a few snapshots while the VM is still installing macOS so that you can revert to a previous point and have a second chance to take a 'closer' snapshot if needed. Additionally, we have found that reverting to this snapshot is sometimes not enough. With Parallels in particular, we revert the snapshot and then immediately 'reset' the VM. Without a reset, we sometimes see old cached DEP data or a company name of '(null)' during the Setup Assistant screens.
Wrapping It Up
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Pretty convinced that your Mac can do it all? Think again! Some of your favorite apps are still only available on Windows. Well, who said you can't get both on one system? There are a lot of virtualization apps available which could make Windows and Mac running side by side possible.
However, choosing one which suits your needs is the one you need to stress on. Some of the popular choices are VirtualBox, VMware and Parallels. Each of these has its benefits and flaws and perform better than others in different use cases.
In this post, we will compare these three popular options, VMware, VirtualBox and Parallels to run Windows on Mac. Let's get started!
First, let's talk about Virtual Machines in brief.
A Virtual machine (VM) is a program or image which acts an emulation of a computer system. The Virtual Machine is based on computer architecture and operates as a physical computer.
It is one of the best ways to run Windows on a Mac, therefore eliminating the need for actual physical hardware. With VM, a user can install Windows, Linux or any other OS in a window on Mac. Windows stay under the impression that it is running on a real computer however, it is running within software on Mac.
The virtual machine is the best choice for those who want to use another operating system for testing beta releases, accessing infected files, creating OS backup, and more.
VMware Vs VirtualBox Vs Parallels: Which One To Choose?
VMware Fusion 11
It is available for $79.99 and can be used on unlimited Macs. It comes with various options to make changes in your virtual machine. However, when it comes to installation, it seems a bit tricky.
VirtualBox
Despite being the free VMware software, VirtualBox is loaded with various customization options for your virtual machines. Judging from the features, it doesn't have anything fancy unlike other two but it solves the purpose.
Parallels
Parallels not only share the same price range with VMware Fusion 11 but has similar features. However, the installation process is quite simple and also Parallels guides you throughout. It is one of the best solutions for home users, who simply don't want another machine to run another operating system.
So, let's move forward and know which one is better for you!
Installation Process
Well, the installation process is just not installing the app on the system, it is beyond that. The easier the setup is, the more it is likely to be used.
So, up comes first, VMware Fusion 11, the installation window comes with on-screen instructions and guides you throughout. In case you have Boot Camp partition, it enables you to import it.
Parallels provides thorough steps to help ease the installation process. During the setup, it provides you with an option to optimize Parallels for gaming or productivity automatically. You can choose or skip to go to the next step.
VirtualBox, is rather a simple interface and you set up and create a virtual machine and choose the operating system, be it Windows, Linux or other. You get options to change system settings, memory, video memory taken up by the new OS. Once done, you can install the operating system as you normally do, i.e. by using USB, installation disc or ISO file.
VirtualBox
Despite being the free VMware software, VirtualBox is loaded with various customization options for your virtual machines. Judging from the features, it doesn't have anything fancy unlike other two but it solves the purpose.
Parallels
Parallels not only share the same price range with VMware Fusion 11 but has similar features. However, the installation process is quite simple and also Parallels guides you throughout. It is one of the best solutions for home users, who simply don't want another machine to run another operating system.
So, let's move forward and know which one is better for you!
Installation Process
Well, the installation process is just not installing the app on the system, it is beyond that. The easier the setup is, the more it is likely to be used.
So, up comes first, VMware Fusion 11, the installation window comes with on-screen instructions and guides you throughout. In case you have Boot Camp partition, it enables you to import it.
Parallels provides thorough steps to help ease the installation process. During the setup, it provides you with an option to optimize Parallels for gaming or productivity automatically. You can choose or skip to go to the next step.
VirtualBox, is rather a simple interface and you set up and create a virtual machine and choose the operating system, be it Windows, Linux or other. You get options to change system settings, memory, video memory taken up by the new OS. Once done, you can install the operating system as you normally do, i.e. by using USB, installation disc or ISO file.
Though, they are all easy to install, however due to thorough guide during the installation, Parallels is better than the other two mentioned. Therefore, the point goes to Parallels in terms of user-friendly interface.
Features That Make Them Stand Out
With the same basic functionality, each one of them has its own perks, a bunch of features which makes them different.
Windowed Mode: Coherence/Unity/Seamless ModeAll three apps come with Windowed Mode, which means it enables to run Windows app in its window on your Mac, making it look like Mac's native app. Though the name for the feature is different, for Parallels, it is Coherence, for VMware, it is Unity and in VirtualBox, it is called Seamless Mode.
When you open an app in this mode, it allows you to basic edit functions, like copy and paste between Mac and Windows app. Also, you can change the size and move apps.
Windows Apps On DockExcept for VirtualBox, both VMware and Parallels enable to access Windows programs straight from the Dock, easing the whole process. You need to open the virtual machine and then access apps in VirtualBox.
Supports Gaming & Access To CortanaVMware and Parallels, both enable you to access Cortana (even if Windows is not in focus) to give a voice command. They also support DirectX 10 which allows running most of the games (good performance not promised). VirtualBox lacks this one as well. It simply functions to let Windows run on Mac.
Parallels comes with Quick Look feature in Windows, however, VMware and VirtualBox miss that feature.
Performance and Benchmarks
Virtual machine share resources with the host OS, therefore, performance holds an important place. TekRevue benchmarked all three apps on different parameters.
As per benchmark tests, VMware Fusion 11 is superior to the others in the list in almost all category. Whereas VirtualBox is far behind
Test Setup & Methodology, Geekbench, 3DMark, Cinebench 315 and 14 different tests were performed, VMware outperforms in most of the tests, especially related to graphics. Deltarune ps4 controller.
However, when it comes to performance, Parallels tops the chart in the tests related to CPU.
To sum it up, Parallels is best when it comes to transferring files, boot faster and saves battery life. However, VMware is best when it comes to gaming and 3D graphics. About the third one in the list, VirtualBox is far behind when it comes to either gaming or CPU related tests.
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Conclusion
Just looking to run Windows app on your Mac without any significant CPU uses or graphically induced, then VirtualBox will do your work. Moreover, the app is free. However, the other options operating in the same fashion are paid versions. The difference between them is the price and how many Macs it can be installed on.
If your purpose is to run games and 3D tools on Windows, you should incline towards VMware. However, you want to get productivity software, the one which also consume less battery life, then Parallels is the best option in the category.
However, every year, all of these software comes with new features and you need to get an annual license to continue experiencing the features and add-ons. This is an expensive deal, but if you use Virtual Machine for professional purposes, you should choose the paid version.
Though, for home use or now and then business uses, you can use VirtualBox and also try your hands-on Parallels and VMware Fusion (trial version) to decide which could be best for you.
Want to get Virtual Machine for free, VirtualBox should be your choice, but productivity you yearn then go for Parallels. Gaming is what interests you, then VMware is it!
Facts About Virtual Machine on A System
Setup Can Be Tricky
While installation, the steps can be a bit tricky and getting Windows running is difficult depending on the platform you choose as a host.
- One of them is Windows can't be installed using a flash drive on some platforms.
- Not all the platforms install drivers on their own
- Not all the installation tutorials are clear and this can be problematic.
Virtual Machine Run Slower Than Machine It Hosts
Software simulation of a computer can't perform the same as the host system. After all, the host and VM share the same CPU, disk space and RAM. In case, you are installing Windows directly on your Mac via Boot Camp, the VM will get 100% access to all CPU resources. You need CPU resources when it comes to productivity and performance. With every year upgrade, VMware companies are trying to make them work with similar speed as of native one and it is undoubtedly getting better.
Protection Against Malware
A general misconception that Mac doesn't get infected. However, with advanced technology, hackers have their way into Mac as well. Therefore, nothing is 100% safe. So, if you are about to run Windows on Mac, you need to have reliable antivirus software on it.
You Need To Get Windows license
To run Windows on your Mac, you need a Windows license apart from Virtual Machine app. However, you need Linux or MacOS, you get it for free.
Do You Want It?
If you are happy with your current operating system and don't wish to get another operating system to run apps, then you don't need virtualization software. Confused whether you want it or not?
Go through the checklist to be sure:
- If you want to run Windows apps on the Mac, use VM.
- Want to use Mac but have Windows OS instead, use a virtual machine to get the experience.
- If exploring new websites, software and operating system is what fascinates you, then you can use virtual machines and switch between the operating systems with ease.
- Testing a new app, however, not sure how it will behave, install it on VM. That way, even if the app crashes, it will not affect the host computer.
- If you develop apps for the older versions of OS, you can't update the app. You can install that version of the operating system on VM.
- If you are a web developer and want to check how your website will look on browsers on another operating system, then getting a suitable VM for that will work.
If any of these comes to your list of work or desire, then you can get Virtualization apps and enjoy running Windows or any operating system on a host computer.
Bitcoin air snapshot. So, if you have decided to get a Virtual Machine, choose any of these,
If you want enriched graphics and powerful gaming, GetVMware–
Mac Os X Virtual Machine
If you want to conserve battery life and more productivity, then Get Parallels-
Virtual Machine Mac Os
If your only means is to run two operating system on a computer, then Download VirtualBox–
Parallels Macos Mojave
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