Running ForceDecks Windows on a Mac using Parallels or Boot Camp

ForceDecks Windows software is currently only compatible with Windows computers. Despite this, it is still possible to run Windows (and therefore ForceDecks) on a Mac computer,  using one of two "dual boot" methods:

  1. Parallels Desktop for Mac; or
  2. Boot Camp.

We find that most of our Mac-user clients prefer Parallels, as this allows them to use Windows apps seamlessly alongside their Mac apps, whereas Boot Camp requires the computer to be restarted to switch between Mac and Windows.  

The trade-off is that Boot Camp takes full advantage of all of the computer's processors and RAM, while Parallels splits the processing power between Mac and Windows (which can lead to performance drops in less powerful computers).  We suggest you weigh up these advantages and disadvantages, considering your use case and hardware, before choosing an option.

Option 1: Parallels Desktop for Mac

1
Head to the  Microsoft Store and purchase a license for Windows 10 (if you don't have one already)
2
Head to the  Parallels Store then purchase (or sign up for a free trial) and download Parallels Desktop for Mac.
3
Follow the steps here to install Parallels, then follow the steps here to install Windows.
4
You can then install and set up your ForceDecks Windows software, by following the steps you received from VALD Onboarding in your initial setup email.

Option 2: Boot Camp

1
Head to the  Microsoft Store and purchase a license for Windows 10 (if you don't have one already)
2
Follow the steps  here to set up Boot Camp on your Mac, and to install Windows.
3
You can then install and set up your ForceDecks Windows software, by following the steps you received from VALD Onboarding in your initial setup email.