# Parallels Desktop 15 for Mac [View HTML page](https://find-your-software.com/parallels/desktop-15/) > Historical software reference. This page documents an earlier release, not a current product offer. Run Windows applications on a Mac in a virtual machine with Parallels Desktop 15 for Mac. ## Parallels Desktop 15 for Mac key benefits - Fast-run Windows apps without slowing down your Mac - Quickly move files, apps and more from a PC to a Mac - Access Microsoft Office for Windows and Internet Explorer - Develop & test across multiple OSes in a virtual machine for Mac ### What’s New in Parallels Desktop 15 Optimized for Catalina Parallels Desktop 15 is fully compatible and optimized for macOS Catalina-including Sidecar support and new security and privacy features. Version 15 supports macOS Catalina 10.15, Mojave 10.14, High Sierra 10.13 and Sierra 10.12. DirectX 11 Version 15 supports DirectX 9, DirectX 10 and DirectX 11-all via Apple Metal.\* With the addition of DirectX 11, you can now run graphic-intensive applications and games, such as Autodesk 3ds Max 2020, Lumion, ArcGIS Pro, Master Series, FIFA 19, Age of Empires, Fallout 4 and more. \*macOS Mojave is required; macOS Catalina is recommended for the best performance and required for some applications to run. Email Files from Finder Parallels Desktop 15 adds support to the Share menu in Finder-you can send files from macOS using a Windows email application. Just right-click a file in the Finder and select Share > Send with Windows Email App. The file will be sent by your default email client in Windows. Screenshot Preview to Windows Drag and drop like never before. Apple changed the way screenshots are done in Mojave and Catalina, and you may notice that you can’t use their previews in Windows applications. Parallels Desktop 15 now makes this possible-plus, it provides the ability to drag images right from Safari, Photos and other Mac applications. Apple Pencil and Sidecar Use Apple Pencil in your favorite Windows applications with added tilt and eraser support. With Sidecar, you can use your iPad as a second display to extend your Windows applications. Bluetooth Parallels Desktop 15 supports an additional category of Bluetooth devices. Connect your Logitech Craft keyboard, IRISPen, some IoT devices (such as smart home appliances and smart bands) and more. Linux A wide variety of Linux distributions are supported in virtual machines. Version 15 provides Virtio GPU, which allows the use of sliding mouse, dynamic resolution and multimonitor support out of the box (even without Parallels Tools). Performance Experience significant performance improvements in Parallels Desktop 15. Microsoft Office applications start up to 80% faster, and you’ll also see a faster and more responsive Parallels Desktop UI. Enjoy up to 15% faster 3D graphics improvements (best result is achieved on 3DMark13 Cloud Gate test with AMD Radeon graphics). Parallels Desktop now features support for Apple Metal API for improved graphics. As part of the move to Metal, Parallels Desktop 15 supports DirectX 11, 10 and 9 on Metal, delivering best-ever performance. #### Fast, Powerful and Easy Seamless Use Windows side-by-side with macOS (no restarting required) on your MacBook, MacBook Pro, iMac, iMac Pro, Mac mini or Mac Pro. Share files and folders, copy and paste images and text & drag and drop files between Mac and Windows applications. Easy Set-Up Parallels Desktop automatically detects what you need to get started so you are up and going within minutes! If you need Windows, you’ll be prompted to Download and Install Windows 10 OR Choose your existing Windows, Linux, Ubuntu, or Boot Camp installation. Lightning Fast Graphic and resource-hungry Windows applications run effortlessly without slowing down your Mac. Run the most demanding applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Visual Studio, SketchUp or AutoDesk Revit. Choose your View Make Windows invisible while still using its applications in Coherence Mode, or if you’re new to Mac, you can set Windows to occupy your entire screen, so it looks just like it would if you were using a Windows PC. ## Parallels Desktop 15 for Mac key features Up to Date Optimized for the latest Windows 10 updates and macOS Catalina (10.15). Ultimate Flexibility Works with OS X, Windows 10, 8.1, and 7, Linux and Unix, and macOS Server. No more having to choose between PC or Mac. Touch Bar Add Windows applications to Touch Bar for instant access and customization. Connect Devices USB, USB-C, Thunderbolt and FireWire devices connect with Windows. Pair your Bluetooth devices-including stylus pen and printer-to work with both Windows and macOS. Retina Display Support Smart resizing and independent screen resolutions for separate displays. One-Click Tuning Select productivity, games, design, software testing, or development, and Parallels Desktop will optimize your VM settings and performance for you. Instant Access Launch and access Windows applications right from the Mac Dock. Save Disk Space Get the most out of your Mac with automatic Disk Space optimization. Office 365 Integration Allows Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents in Safari to open in their native Windows Office app. Works with Boot Camp Reuse your existing Boot Camp installation. Converting a virtual machine from Boot Camp is easy, just follow our installation assistant at startup. Volume License Key Unified volume license key, centralized license management, and advanced security features are available in Parallels Desktop Business Edition. Travel Mode Extend battery life while away from a power source. Parallels Toolbox Over 30 one-touch tools-clean your drive, take screenshots, download a video, and more-all with just a single click. Remote Access Remote access to your Mac from any iOS device, Android device, or browser with Parallels Access. 24/7 Support Premium 24/7 phone, email, and social support after activation.