Parallels Desktop 15 for Mac[1] has landed, and it is the easiest and best way to run Windows, Linux, or even macOS on your Mac. And this version brings with it a raft of new features, including support for DirectX 11, the ability to leverage macOS Catalina innovations, additional Mac integration points, new virtualized hardware, as well as significant performance increases.

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Let's start with the biggest feature, which is DirectX 11 support. And this is special not only because it paves the way for Parallels Desktop 15 for Mac to be able to support a wide range of software – from CAD/CAM applications like Autodesk Revit 2020, Autodesk 3ds Max 2020, and so on, plus all-time favorite games, including Madden 19, Age of Empires: Definitive Edition, Crysis 3, and Railway Empire.

And for the first time DirectX is supported via the macOS under the Metal API instead of OpenGL, bringing with it increased performance and better efficiency.

Speaking of performance, according to Parallels, compared to the previous release, version 15 can fire up Microsoft Office 80 percent faster, run 3D graphics 15 percent faster, and the interface is far more responsive.

DirectX Support in Parallels Desktop
DirectX Support in Parallels Desktop

Another cool feature of Parallels Desktop 15 for Mac is the built-in feature that allows those curious about the upcoming macOS – macOS Catalina – to download and test the release inside a virtual machine as a guest OS, protecting the Mac itself, and all data on it, from potential damage.

When macOS Catalina is released this fall, Parallels Desktop 15 for Mac will offer support for new features such as Sidecar which allows you to use

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