Power BI Desktop on your Mac with Parallels Desktop

Yes, you can run Power BI Desktop on your Mac using Parallels Desktop, which provides a virtual Windows environment for both M1 and Intel-based Macs, allowing you to access all the features of Power BI Desktop. It’s a popular and reliable solution for running Power BI on a Mac, offering enhanced performance and user experience.

The latest version of Parallels Desktop 19 for Mac not only improves your computer’s performance but also allows you to enjoy a smooth and efficient experience when using Power BI.

If you are a student, you get a 50% discount: Parallels Desktop for Mac Student Edition

Why Parallels Desktop?

Parallels Desktop stands out for providing a fully functional Windows environment on your Mac. This means you can access all the features of Power BI Desktop without compromising the power or performance of your device. Moreover, on February 16, 2023, Microsoft recognized Parallels Desktop as an authorized solution to run ARM versions of Windows 11, ensuring compatibility and security.

Features and improvements in Parallels Desktop 19 for Mac

FunctionsStandard EditionPro EditionBusiness Edition
Updates for compatibility with new macOS, Windows, Linux versions, as well as new Mac models.Subscription only
Virtual RAM for each virtual machine8 GB of vRAM128 GB of vRAM128 GB of vRAM
Virtual CPU for each virtual machine Up to 22 CPUs on a Mac with Apple Silicon (M2 Ultra)4 vCPU32 vCPU32 vCPU
Experience Windows as if it were designed for Mac, using Mac files, keyboard, trackpad, camera, microphone, sound, graphics, Touch ID, and more.
Run thousands of Windows applications, such as Microsoft Office 365, accounting software, operations software, SAP, Matlab, etc.
Run professional Windows applications with intensive graphics resources and multiple virtual machines.
Develop, automate, test, and debug software on multiple operating systems simultaneously.
Uninterrupted support by phone and email.Subscription only
Price99.99 €119.99 €/year149.99 €/year
Subscription renewal price69,99 €/year69,99 €/year

Save 50% as wel as meet your academic needs by running Mac OS on Windows & vice-versa with the help of the academic version of Parallels Desktop.

Advantages of Running Power BI Desktop with Parallels Desktop:

Running Power BI Desktop on Mac with Parallels Desktop offers several key advantages:

  1. Seamless Integration: Run Windows without restarting your Mac.
  2. No Additional Hardware Costs: Use Power BI on your current Mac.
  3. Ease of Use: Intuitive interface and simple installation process.
  4. Cost-Effective: 14-day free trial and affordable subscriptions.

Minimum System Requirements for Power BI with Parallels Desktop:

Make sure your Mac meets the minimum requirements and follow the recommended setup steps to avoid performance or compatibility issues. For more specific problems, refer to Parallels documentation or reach out to their technical support.

Requirements:Minimum:Better Performance:
Runs most applications like Microsoft Office, accounting software, business software, SAP, Matlab, etc.
For graphics-intensive applications, heavy workloads, and running multiple virtual machines.
ProcessorApple M2 Pro, M2 Max, M2, M1 Ultra, M1 Pro, M1 Max y M1 chips
Processor Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, Core i9, Intel Core M o Xeon
Apple M2 Pro, M2 Max, M1 Ultra, M1 Pro, M1 Max y M1 chips
Processor Intel Core i5, Core i7, Core i9 o Xeon
Memory8 GB of RAM16 GB of RAM recommended for better performance
Storage600 MB for the installation of the Parallels Desktop application
Additional disk space for the guest operating system (at least 16 GB required for the Windows operating system)
SSD recommended
GraphicsChips Apple M2, M1 Ultra, M1 Pro, M1 Max y M1
Intel, AMD Radeon, or NVIDIA graphics cards
Apple M2 Pro, M2 Max, M1 Ultra, M1 Pro, M1 Max y M1 chips
AMD Radeon Pro graphics card
Operating SystemmacOS Ventura 13.2 or higher
macOS Monterey 12.6 or higher
macOS Big Sur 11.7 or higher
macOS Catalina 10.15.7 or higuer
macOS Mojave 10.14.6 or higher
macOS Ventura 13.2 or higher
The installation of Parallels on Mac, activation, updates, and certain features require an internet connection.

Frequently Asked Questions about Parallels for Mac

What are the limitations of running Windows in a virtual machine with Parallels?

Games and other experiences that depend on additional layers of virtualization, such as virtualization within virtualization, are not supported.

Can I activate my copy of Windows through Parallels?

Yes, you can activate your copy of Windows through the Parallels website.

Run Windows on Mac with Parallels 19
Run Windows on Mac with Parallels 19

Is there a free trial for Parallels?

Yes, a 14-day free trial is available.

How much does Parallels and Power BI for Mac cost?

The price of Parallels Desktop ranges from $80 to $100 annually, following an annual subscription model, while Power BI has a monthly subscription fee of $10. The Parallels trial demo allows for 14 days of free use.
Price of Parallels for education: The edition of Parallels Desktop for Mac designed for students and educators. Now students can save up to 50% when purchasing the Standard or Pro version of Parallels Desktop for Mac.

Can I use the Windows subsystem for Android in a virtual machine with Parallels?

No, the Windows subsystem for Android is not supported in a virtual machine with Parallels Desktop. Parallels Desktop primarily focuses on running Windows applications on your Mac, providing a virtualized Windows environment for seamless integration and use.

What is the latest version of Parallels?

The latest version is Parallels RAS 19. This version is fully compatible with the latest editions of Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022, offering increased security and an enhanced user experience. Additionally, it features improved integration with Azure Virtual Desktop.

Why use Mac Parallels Desktop to run Power BI on Mac?

Parallels Desktop for Mac allows users to run Windows on their Macs without compromising performance or security. It is also the ideal solution for running Power BI on M1 and Intel-based Macs. Parallels Desktop provides a reliable, secure, and cost-effective way to access the same features and functionalities as a Windows PC.

Where are Parallels files stored on a Mac?

By default, Parallels Desktop virtual machines and their files are stored in the following location on a Mac:
/User/[username]/Documents/Parallels
However, it is possible to change the default location during the creation of a virtual machine.

Why use Mac Parallels Desktop to run Power BI on Mac M1?

Parallels Desktop for Mac allows users to run Windows on their Macs without compromising performance or security. It is also the ideal solution for running Power BI on M1 and Intel-based Macs. Parallels Desktop provides a reliable, secure, and cost-effective way to access the same features and functionalities as a Windows PC.

Can I activate my copy of Windows through Parallels?

Yes, you can activate your copy of Windows through the Parallels website. When setting up a new Windows virtual machine using Parallels Desktop, you will be guided through the process of activating your copy of Windows to ensure full functionality.

Parallels Desktop Pricing

Uninstalling Parallels Desktop from your Mac:

Troubleshooting Uninstallation Parallels Desktop

Although Parallels Desktop provides an excellent solution for running Power BI on Mac, users may encounter certain issues. Here are some tips to address common problems:

The most common issues with Mac Parallels Desktop may include:

  1. Problems of Performance: If you experience performance issues, make sure your Mac meets the minimum system requirements. Upgrading hardware or allocating more resources to the virtual machine can improve performance.
  2. Operating System Compatibility: Check the compatibility of your applications with both your Mac’s operating system and the version of Parallels Desktop you are using. Some applications may not function correctly if they are not compatible.
  3. Configuration Issues: Properly configuring virtualization in Parallels Desktop can be challenging. Ensure you have followed the recommended setup steps and consult the documentation or support resources if needed.
  4. Network Issues: If you encounter connectivity or bandwidth problems with Parallels Desktop applications, check the stability and speed of your internet connection.
  5. Hardware Compatibility: Some applications may require specific hardware that may not be available on your Mac. Check the hardware requirements of the applications you want to run in the virtual machine.
  6. Errors Connecting to an Access Database: If you encounter errors connecting to an Access database (.accdb), you can take certain steps to try to resolve the issue. If your version is older than September 2020, try disabling “Store datasets with enhanced metadata format” in Options and restart Power BI Desktop. If your version is newer than September 2020, the enhanced metadata format is built-in by default, and you will need to run Power BI Desktop as an administrator to recheck it.

To resolve these issues, make sure you have the appropriate hardware and use applications compatible with your operating system and Parallels Desktop version. Ensure that the virtualization settings in Parallels Desktop are correctly configured. Parallels Desktop for Mac is an effective solution for Mac users who want to leverage the power of Power BI on their devices.

Uninstalling Parallels Desktop from Your Mac

If you need to uninstall Parallels Desktop from your Mac, you can do so manually or automatically. Here are the steps for each method:

IMPORTANT: Before uninstalling Parallels on a Mac, first shut down your virtual machine by going to the Actions tool in the top toolbar and selecting the Shut Down option. You then have the option to uninstall Parallels manually or automatically.

Manual Uninstallation of Parallels Desktop:

  1. Quit Parallels Desktop to ensure it is not running.
  2. Locate the Parallels Desktop application in the Applications folder and drag it to the Trash.
  3. Right-click on the trash icon and select “Empty Trash” to completely remove the application.
  4. Delete all associated files and folders by navigating to the Library folder and the ~/Library/ folder, removing files related to Parallels.
  5. Restart your Mac to ensure all changes take effect.

Automatic Uninstallation of Parallels Desktop:

  1. Download and install a cleaning tool such as CleanMyMac X, AppCleaner, or CCleaner.
  2. Launch the cleaning tool and locate Parallels Desktop in the list of installed applications.
  3. Select Parallels Desktop and initiate the uninstallation process through the tool.
  4. Follow the instructions to complete the uninstallation.
  5. Restart your Mac to ensure all traces of Parallels Desktop have been removed.

Troubleshooting Virtual Machine Uninstallation:

Sometimes, when trying to uninstall a virtual machine from a computer, things may not progress as expected. To ensure successful uninstallation, some essential troubleshooting measures can be taken.

  • It is crucial to make sure that the virtual device is closed, as it can interfere with the uninstallation process. Additionally, the icon from the toolbar should be removed, as it might be running in the background even if the program is uninstalled. To ensure that all related documents are removed from the computer, it may be necessary to use a third-party tool like App Cleaner & Uninstaller.
  • Deleting associated folders from the system is also necessary. These folders may be located in the Home folder, the Library folder, and other areas of the computer. Once all folders are deleted, the virtual machine should be completely uninstalled. If this doesn’t work, it might be essential to use the Terminal program to manually delete files and folders associated with the virtual machine.
  • Additionally, discarding the preferences file may be necessary for a complete uninstallation. This file is located in the ~/Library/Preferences folder. Once deleted, the virtual machine program should be completely uninstalled. If all else fails, it may be essential to reinstall the program to restore the original settings.

By following these procedures, users should be able to successfully uninstall the virtual machine from their computer. Additionally, it is crucial to remember that if users ever need to reinstall the application, they should ensure that all related files and folders are removed from the computer to avoid any conflicts or other issues.

Reinstalling Parallels Desktop:

Reinstalling the latest version of your virtual machine software is straightforward. To begin, make sure to remove all unnecessary applications or files associated with your virtual machine. Next, download the software from the official website and install it. You’ll need to enter your license key or purchase a new one if you don’t have it. Once the setup process is complete, you’ll be able to enjoy all the capabilities of your virtual machine and access the internet both on your Mac and your Windows device.

The latest version of the virtual machine software offers a range of features that make life easier. For instance, you can easily transfer files and folders between two different operating systems. You can also run your favorite Windows programs on your Mac. With the right configuration, you can achieve a perfect balance between both operating systems.

Downloading Previous Versions of Parallels for Mac

It’s not uncommon for the latest version of an application to cause installation problems on older devices. New versions may also not function correctly due to system incompatibilities. As an alternative, try using an older version.

If you need an earlier version of Parallels Desktop, you can search for it in the version history on Uptodown, which includes all available versions of that specific application on Uptodown.

  • Parallels 6
  • Parallels 7
  • 2012: Parallels 8
  • 2016: Parallels 11
  • 2017: Parallels 12
  • 2020: Parallels 15
  • 2020: Parallels 162021: Parallels 16.5
  • 2021: Parallels 17
  • 2022: Parallels 18

Alternatives to Parallels Desktop for Mac:

While Parallels Desktop is a popular choice, there are alternative options available for running Windows applications on your Mac. Some of the main alternatives include Boot Camp, Azure Virtual Machines, and Microsoft Remote Desktop. Each option has its own advantages and suitability for specific use cases. Consider your needs and requirements to choose the right alternative for your Mac.

Regardless of the option you choose, the ability to run Power BI on your Mac opens up a world of possibilities for data analysis, visualization, and reporting. With the right setup, you can harness all the capabilities of Power BI and unlock valuable insights to drive your business.


* Mac Parallels Windows 11

How to Install Windows 11 on Parallels

Running Windows 11 on Apple Silicon with Parallels: The Ultimate Guide

As a Power BI user and Mac enthusiast, I’m excited to share with you the great news that Microsoft has just announced official support for Windows 11 on Apple Silicon by running virtual machines on Parallels. This is crucial for Apple users who have been struggling to find a reliable way to run Windows on their Macs since the introduction of the M1 chip.

Key Takeaways
  1. Official support for Windows 11 on Apple Silicon with Parallels changes the game for Mac users who need to run Windows applications.
  2. Parallels is the best and only good option for running Windows on a Mac with Apple silicon, with easy installation and a 14-day free trial available.
  3. Although running Windows in a virtual machine has its limitations, it’s an excellent solution for those who need to use x86 or x64 programs on their Mac.
How to Run Windows 11 on Your Mac with Parallels
  1. Download and install Parallel Mac.
  2. Click on “New” and choose “Windows” to create a new Windows virtual machine.
  3. Follow the installation instructions to download and install Windows 11 on the virtual machine.
  4. Once the installation is complete, activate your copy of Windows through the Parallels website.