Compare / Reviewed October 2026

FarDesktop vs a Windows virtual machine on your Mac.

Parallels Desktop is the best-known way to run Windows inside a Mac. It runs a whole copy of Windows on your own computer, which is a different idea from using a program that runs elsewhere. Both are good, and which is right for you comes down to how much Windows you really use.

FarDesktop vs a Windows VM on your Mac
	a virtual machine on your Mac (Parallels Desktop)	FarDesktop
What it is	Windows running inside a window on your Mac	A Windows program running on a far machine, shown in a browser
Works offline	Yes	No, it needs an internet connection
Uses your Mac's disk and memory	Yes, a good deal	No
Windows licence	You supply it. It is not included, per Parallels	Part of the service. Your program's licence is separate
Speed	Local, with no network in between	Depends on your connection
Best for	Daily, heavy or graphics-intensive Windows use	Occasional or focused use of one or two programs
Who looks after Windows	You	The service

Choose the other if

You use Windows for hours most days.
You need to work without a connection, or with graphics-heavy programs.
You are comfortable looking after a second operating system.

Choose FarDesktop if

You need one or two programs now and then.
You do not want Windows taking space on your Mac, or a Windows licence of your own.
You want to reach the same program from a Mac, a tablet and a borrowed computer.

The Apple silicon detail

On newer Macs, which use Apple's own processors, Boot Camp is gone and Windows has to run inside another program. Microsoft has named Parallels Desktop as an authorized way to run Windows 11 on those Macs, using the version of Windows made for the same kind of processor. Many older Windows programs run through translation. Most work, but it is worth testing yours.

Cost over a year

A virtual machine means paying for the virtualization software, usually as a subscription or a purchase, plus a Windows licence, plus the disk and memory it takes from your Mac. A streamed program means paying for the service. Which is cheaper depends on how often you use it, so use your own numbers in our Ledger tool.

Sources, reviewed October 2026

We make FarDesktop. Products change, so check the vendor's own pages before you decide.

Questions people ask.

Can I use both?

Yes. Some people keep a virtual machine for daily work and stream a program for occasional extras.

Does a virtual machine include Windows?

No. Parallels states that it does not include a Windows licence, so you need your own.

Which is faster?

A virtual machine is local, so it is faster in principle. Streaming feels good on a steady connection but is never faster than local.

More comparisons

The quickest answer is to try your own program.

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