You’re a Mac user. Maybe you’re a developer. Perhaps you simply prefer the macOS experience, from its intuitive UI to no bloat and smooth performance. Your only challenge, though, is that the desktop accounting software you need is still locked behind Windows. You’ve probably tried workarounds and maybe even bought a second laptop.
If that’s your current reality, Parallels is your way out of the split-system headache. It lets you run Windows right on your Mac, without needing to reboot or juggle two machines.
But you might be skeptical about the reliability of this approach. Does it actually work? Won’t it lag? Is it secure? All these and more will be addressed in this guide. Here, we not only break down what you need to know if you’re running Windows-only accounting software on your Mac, but we also explain how to make it all feel seamless.
Why Developers Use Parallels for Accounting Software
To be very clear, Parallels software isn’t new. Developers have used it for years to run niche or legacy Windows apps on Mac hardware. But now that Apple Silicon has taken over the Mac lineup, virtualization matters more than ever.
Let’s say you use desktop accounting software like QuickBooks Desktop 2021. You’re not interested in cloud-based alternatives that strip out key features. You want full access: inventory, payroll, all of it. That’s where Parallels comes in.
You install Parallels, load in Windows, install your software, and there you are: running the full Windows version of your accounting program right inside macOS. It’s not some laggy, cloudy stream. It’s a real thing, running locally. Here are some of the benefits you’d get with using Parallels as a developer.
1. Seamless Cross-Platform Testing
For developers building financial tools, APIs, or database integrations, running Windows-based software locally helps avoid sync delays or cloud-related compatibility issues. You can build and test on macOS while verifying output or data handling directly in the Windows accounting tool.
2. Access to Full Features
Many cloud versions lack the detail or power of their desktop equivalents. Parallels lets you access advanced modules, such as job costing, offline backups, third-party integrations, and legacy data handling, none of which typically work on macOS.
3. Isolated Development Environment
Running accounting software in a virtual machine adds an extra layer of security. You can take snapshots before major changes, roll back after testing, and avoid interfering with your main macOS workspace. It’s a solid choice for maintaining clean, contained development cycles.
Setup: What You’ll Need
Setting up Parallels is relatively straightforward, although there are a few things to prepare before getting started.
- A Mac running macOS Monterey or newer.
- At least 8 GB RAM, but 16 GB is better if you’re multitasking.
- Parallels Desktop (download the latest version)
- A licensed copy of Microsoft Windows
- The installer for your accounting software.
Parallels walks you through most of the process. It will download Windows automatically if you don’t already have it, and you’ll be prompted to choose performance settings depending on what you’ll use the VM for.
This will have everything, including Windows drivers, such that even when it comes to using an older HP Deskjet 1000 or working with Kodak ink cartridges, most of the common printers and scanners will show up in Windows as if they were directly connected.
Best Practices for Developers Using Parallels
Here are a few tips that will help you if you’re doing serious dev work or handling client data.
- Use Snapshots: Parallels lets you take snapshots of your VM before installing updates or new software. If something breaks, you can roll back in seconds.
- Keep Security Tight: Install antivirus software in the Windows environment and keep both macOS and Windows updated. Accounting data is sensitive. Don't leave holes.
- Share Folders Smartly: Set up shared folders for project files, but avoid dumping everything into the same folder. Keep your workspace organized.
- Back Up the VM: Don’t rely on Time Machine alone. Treat your virtual machine like a separate computer and back it up separately.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, Parallels gives you something rare: the ability to run full Windows desktop apps on your Mac without compromise. If your workflow depends on legacy Windows-only accounting software, there’s no need to split your life across two machines.
You can keep your Mac. You can keep your accounting tools. You don’t have to pick sides.
And if you’re juggling development work across both platforms? Even better. Tools like Parallels let you switch contexts fast, build faster, and stay focused, without the noise of constant workarounds.
Top comments (0)