Improving Windows VM Performance in Parallels Desktop

HasnainA

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Hi everyone,

I’m using Windows through Parallels Desktop and I’m interested in improving the overall performance of the virtual machine.

For those who regularly use Windows VMs on Mac, what settings have made the biggest difference for you?

I’m particularly interested in:

  • RAM and CPU allocation
  • Disk space and storage location
  • Performance settings
  • Running multiple applications at the same time
  • Any settings that should be avoided on Apple Silicon Macs
I’d appreciate any practical tips or experiences from users who have optimized their Windows VM setup.
 
I’ve found that giving the VM enough RAM and CPU without over-allocating is the key. Keeping the virtual disk on fast SSD storage and avoiding unnecessary background apps also makes a noticeable difference. On Apple Silicon, using the latest Parallels and Windows ARM builds is definitely worth it.
 
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