Parallels Desktop 19 for Mac is here, adds Touch ID Windows sign-in and more

The latest version of Parallels Desktop for Mac, version 19, is now available. It is designed to improve the virtualization experience for Mac users who need to run various operating systems, such as Windows and Linux. Notably, it is compatible with the latest macOS version, macOS Sonoma, and allows for printing from Windows using IPP. Here is the info on version 18, released last year.

Adding Apple’s Touch ID for Windows sign-in adds convenience and enhances security within the virtual Windows environment. Additionally, the new OpenGL support up to version 4.1 could be good news for architecture, engineering, and design professionals who rely on Windows-only CAD software.

Users of Apple silicon can enjoy an improved virtual machine on macOS, which offers smoother installation, basic operations, and two-finger Trackpad gestures. Additionally, developers who run x86 Docker containers or Microsoft SQL Server on Apple silicon can utilize a pre-configured Ubuntu Linux Arm virtual machine powered by Rosetta 2 technology.

Lastly, the focus on device management with the ability to enroll Windows 11 in Microsoft Intune through Parallels Desktop 19 for Mac Business Edition shows that Parallels aims to address organizations’ needs and make administering Windows devices more efficient.

In short, Parallels Desktop 19 consists:

• Optimized for macOS Sonoma 14
• Touch ID-enabled for Windows sign-in
• OpenGL 4.1 Support in Windows
• Designed to run CentOS 9 Stream on a Mac with Apple silicon
• Designed to run Intel-based software in Arm-based Linux
• New improvements for macOS virtual machine on Mac computers with Apple silicon

Overall, it’s clear that Parallels Desktop 19 for Mac brings various enhancements for a more integrated and seamless experience when using multiple operating systems on a Mac.