Slow switching between Parallel Apps

[rxfoote]

I have Parallels with Windows 7 64bit loaded on a new MacBook Pro. Everything works fine, but my Parallel apps are very slow switching between them. I have 4GB RAM and 350GB HDD dedicated to the VM.

When I switch from really any Windows app that is already opened(not launching for the first time, that is slow too), ie. Outlook, Word, IE, Notepad, Calc, etc. It can be anywhere from a 5 to 10 second delay before it will come to the front. At times I'll have to minimize the app I have up, then press the Parallel app again, then a few seconds later it will open. Once it is up, I can work in it just fine but then will experience the same slowness switching from it to the next app. I have already opened in Parallels.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

 

[johncarson]

maybe same issue?

MacBook Pro 13 2.7GHz i7
8g RAM
10.7.3
Parallels 7 April 2012 build

I run Win7 in Coherence. If Mac apps and Windows apps are open, bringing windows apps to front has 3-4 sec delay.
I generally use Cmd-T as Mac to move between programs.

It is always like, switch to windows app......huh?.....oh! there it is.
I have learned to live with it, but...
I think it is lack of graphics hardware on MacBook Pro.

This caused me to install VMWare, which doesn't have this issue in Unity. But it has other issues, that brought me back to Parallels.

 

[YanaYana]

What i suggest you - is try to reinstall Parallels Tools. Try to install new virtual machine and just test the switching speed. If it is still slow - contact tech support for investigation www.parallels.com/support

 

[willmow]

I have the same issues: frustrating delay of a few seconds when
1) Switching between Windows applications
2) Switching FROM a Mac TO a Windows program (although switching the other way around is instant!)

I use the Mac's Cmd-Tab keystroke to switch between apps.
If I directly click on an open application pane, the switch is instant.

This happened in Parallels 6, and is still happening in Parallels 7 with the newly installed Tools.
I don't remember this happening in ||5.
It happens in Coherence and standard modes.

MacBook Pro, loads of RAM etc., Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit

 

[Exit42]

The issue described in this thread started occuring in my Windows 7 64-bit VM. I found it really irritating.

I started uninstalling some recent installs, and rebooting my VM after each. Once I removed Akami Download Manager (http://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/policy-pricing/akamai-download-manager-faq.html) and rebooted the VM, the issue went away.

Always backup your VMs.

EDIT: Make sure to remove any associated services as well.

 

[willmow]

It's good to be reminded that instant switching IS possible! Are there really people out there with OSX, Parallels and Windows 7 able to switch instantly between their various applications? Sounds like a dream!!

I've forgotten what it's like to have instant switching, and have given up hope of the situation improving. I really wouldn't know where to start troubleshooting the issue. I don't keep a record of 'recent installs' and, as I say, the problem has been with me since the beginning.