Parallels: run Windows on your Mac, with student and upgrade discounts

Shopping at Parallels? See all current Parallels discount codes and deals, checked regularly.

Parallels is the company behind Parallels Desktop, an app that lets you run Windows (and Linux) on a Mac, side by side with macOS. It works on both older Intel Macs and newer Apple silicon models, so you can open Windows-only software, from accounting packages to engineering tools and older games, without buying or carrying a second computer. Parallels has been making the app since 2006 and sells it directly through its UK website in pounds.

It suits Mac owners who need one or two Windows programs for work or study, developers who test across several operating systems, and small businesses that want to manage Windows on their staff's Macs. Because it's software, there's nothing to deliver: you download it, install it and set up Windows inside it.

What's worth a look

• Parallels Desktop for Mac, Standard Edition: aimed at home and everyday use. The UK price list showed it at £89.99 a year as a subscription, or £154.99 as a one-off licence for the current version (prices can change). The subscription includes feature updates and unlimited support; the one-off licence includes 30 days of support.
• Parallels Desktop Pro Edition: for developers and power users running resource-heavy Windows software such as Visual Studio, AutoCAD or SolidWorks, with extras like a Visual Studio Code extension and command-line tools for Vagrant and Packer. Listed at £99.99 a year, subscription only.
• Parallels Desktop Business Edition: adds central administration and deployment controls for IT teams. Listed at £119.99 a year per licence.
• Parallels Toolbox: a separate collection of more than 50 one-click tools for Mac and Windows, such as a drive cleaner, screen recorder and do-not-disturb switch. You can try it free before deciding.

Current offers

• Students, educators and parents can get 50% off Parallels Desktop Pro Edition once they verify their status. The discount renews each year without reapplying.
• A free trial of Parallels Desktop is available from the trial page, so you can check your Windows apps run properly first.
• If you already own an earlier version or a one-off licence, you can upgrade to the latest version at a reduced rate.
• Employees of UK government bodies, registered nonprofits and charities can verify an organisation email address for discounted pricing.
• Every direct purchase comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee (renewals excluded).

Parallels sometimes runs time-limited promotions on its buy page, so check the price in your basket before paying.

How to save more

• Use the free trial first. If your Windows software runs well, you'll know which edition you need and won't pay for features you won't use.
• Think about how long you'll need it. If you only need a stable setup for one Windows program, the one-off Standard licence may work out cheaper over time; if you want every update, the subscription is the way to go.
• Remember that Windows itself is a separate licence. Factor that in when comparing Parallels with buying a cheap Windows laptop.

Products, prices and offers checked on the store's own website on 4 Oct 2026. Prices and stock can change.

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