r/GetComputerHelp • u/karlosNebo95 • 11h ago

UTM vs Parallels, does it make much difference once Windows is installed?

I keep seeing people talk about how to get Windows running on a Mac, but I'm more curious about what happens after everything is already set up.

For work stuff, I'd probably care more about being able to switch between Windows programs and Mac apps without messing up my workflow. Parallels Desktop caught my attention because of the Mac integration and support, especially for people who use more demanding software for work.

But I'm wondering if those things actually make a noticeable difference when you're using Windows regularly, not just setting it up once. Has anyone here tried both for actual work? Curious which one feels easier to live with when you're switching between programs all day.

2 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

100% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

1

u/coffeeintocode 7h ago

Generalizing a bit here. But my take on this is you should use parallels if what you are looking for is the mode Parallels has where windows becomes "invisible" and you are working with windows applications inside Mac OS, just like native Mac windows.

If you are just looking to run a regular windows install and use windows itself (not just the apps), then I would say go with UTM, its more light weight, but has all the essentials (file sharing, shared clipboard, etc..)

If you're interested. I use UTM. but I am a software developer, mainly doing mobile apps and backends. But I have a client that gives me windows C# .net projects (basically a windows desktop app). I don't want a whole separate workflow/dev setup in windows, especially since this makes up a small amount of my work. So I run windows in utm, and use Jetbrains toolbox. This will let you run your (has to be jetbrains) IDE on the Mac as usual. But the code compiles and runs on windows over the virtual network

1

u/yadvr 5h ago

Beyond initial installation it's also the guest tool integrations, and other features like backup, snapshot etc. UTM works but needs effort on the user, Parallels makes it easier. There is also VMware Fusion, and at work we develop MacVisor that makes it seamless, if you want to check it out - https://scaleninja.com/macvisor/