Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac Allows You to Run Windows and Even Another Copy of Lion

lion
Running Windows 7 and OS X Lion

Parallels has announced version 7 of their popular virtualization software that allows Mac users to run Windows on their machines alongside Mac OS X. The new version is said to include 90 new features and enhancements including:

- Lion integration and support, including Launchpad and Mission Control for Windows programs
- Shared iSight and FaceTime HD cameras in both Windows and Mac
- Up to 1GB of video memory, for ultra-high resolutions
- Improved graphics performance, up to 45% faster 3D
- 60% faster resuming Windows
- Windows on Demand - purchase and automatically install Windows on your Mac from Parallels Desktop 7 in the U.S.

Parallels 7 supports running OS X Lion as a "guest" operating system under virtualization, meaning you can run a completely separate copy of Lion within your main copy of Lion. In July, we reported that Apple had changed the license agreement in OS X Lion that allowed users to run up to 2 additional copies of Lion on a single machine without the need for extra licenses.

mzl
iOS app on iPad

Parallels also released a update to their Universal iOS app that allows you to control your Mac, virtual machines, and all their applications.

Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac will be available today as an upgrade for current Parallels Desktop version 5 and 6 users for $49.99. Full price will be $79.99 with student version at $39.99. Parallels 7 will be available for download and in retail starting on September 6th.

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

iPhone 17 Pro: 5 Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year

Monday September 1, 2025 4:35 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series this month, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming to...
iOS 18 on iPhone Arrow Down

Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears

Sunday August 31, 2025 4:35 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs. We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else. iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...

Top Rated Comments

Silentwave Avatar
183 months ago
So, if we were to run a copy of Windows 7 in Parallels on Lion in a Parallels VM in Lion...which was itself being run in a Parallels VM on Lion as well, would Leo DiCaprio show up?
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
duffy666 Avatar
183 months ago
Yo dawg, I herd you like Os X Lion, so I put a Parallels in your Os X Lion so you can use Os X Lion while you are using Os X Lion.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Feek Avatar
183 months ago
I like Parallels and I've been a [registered] user for quite a few versions now but I don't really like their pricing upgrade structure.

It's also frustrating because I know that I could buy this upgrade and then in a few months time it'll be included in one of the bundles, probably for less than I have to pay for the upgrade :(

I know I'm not being forced to buy the upgrade as Parallels 6 works perfectly well and this time I may just wait for whatever bundle it is this time to come along.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lostngone Avatar
183 months ago
So, if we were to run a copy of Windows 7 in Parallels on Lion in a Parallels VM in Lion...which was itself being run in a Parallels VM on Lion as well, would Leo DiCaprio show up?

No, but the memory manufactures would really love you...
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Shivetya Avatar
183 months ago
Upgrade price is obnoxious.

I like 6, but damn if I am going to give them $50 to upgrade to 7.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
VulchR Avatar
183 months ago
So, if we were to run a copy of Windows 7 in Parallels on Lion in a Parallels VM in Lion...which was itself being run in a Parallels VM on Lion as well, would Leo DiCaprio show up?
Ouch. My head hurts.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)