Using 3D Graphics Applications

With Parallels Desktop, you can run games and applications that require video cards with DirectX or OpenGL support in your virtual machines.

The DirectX9.0 and OpenGL2.1 support can be enabled for Windows-based virtual machines with Parallels Tools installed. The OpenGL2.1 support can be enabled for Linux-based virtual machines with Parallels Tools installed.

Note: In Linux-based virtual machines, Xorg should be of version 7.1 or later.

Enabling DirectX and OpenGL support in a virtual machine

If your virtual machine does not have Parallels Tools installed:

1. Start the virtual machine, and choose Install Parallels Tools from the Virtual Machine menu to launch the installation.
2. When Parallels Tools are installed, shut down the virtual machine.

To enable DirectX and OpenGL support in the virtual machine configuration:

1. Open the virtual machine and choose Configure from the Virtual Machine menu to open the Virtual Machine Configuration dialog.
2. In the Video pane (the Hardware group of settings), select the Enable 3D acceleration option.
3. Click OK to apply the changes.

Note: If the virtual machine is running, the new settings will come into effect after you restart the virtual machine.

Optimizing 3D Graphics Performance in MacBook Pro

Some new MacBook Pro computers have two video adapters. By default, the slower video adapter that saves energy is used. If you want to use the faster video adapter for better 3D graphics performance, select System Preferences > Energy Saver > Graphics > Higher performance in the Mac OS X menu.