Parallels Access

Main Features

Applification: desktop programs are presented like mobile apps so you can open and switch between them quickly without dealing with a full desktop UI.

High-quality remote control with responsive touch gestures — tap, swipe, pinch-to-zoom and a special finger pointer mode that makes precise desktop control feel intuitive on a touchscreen.

Direct file access and transfer between your computer and mobile device, making it easy to grab a file from your desktop or upload a photo without email or cloud juggling.

Secure, encrypted connections with account-based access so you can safely control your computer from public Wi-Fi or cellular networks.

Cross-platform support: connect to both macOS and Windows machines with the same companion agent running on your desktop.

How It Works

Install the Parallels Access app on your mobile device and the Parallels Access Agent on the computer you want to control.

Sign in with the same Parallels account on both devices to pair them securely and see your computer appear in the mobile dashboard.

Tap a desktop application icon to launch it in a mobile-friendly view; use gestures to interact just like a native app.

Switch between apps and files easily, or use the file manager to move documents between devices in seconds.

Pros

Extremely user-friendly for non-technical users — there’s almost no learning curve to start doing real work remotely.

Excellent responsiveness and gesture support make writing, editing, and navigating desktop apps surprisingly smooth on mobile hardware.

Helps avoid the constant headache of transferring files across email or cloud services when you only need one item from your desktop.

Works well for presentations, quick fixes, or urgent file access when you’re away from your main machine.

Cons

Full desktop experience still benefits from a tablet or larger-screen device — small phones can feel cramped for extended editing sessions.

Some advanced desktop interactions (heavy GPU apps, 3D software) are less practical over remote control and may require a local machine for best results.

Requires the Parallels Access Agent to be installed and running on the host computer, which may not be possible on locked-down work machines without admin permission.

Performance depends on network quality; in low-bandwidth situations, responsiveness may drop and visual quality may be reduced.

Who It’s Best For

Frequent travelers who need reliable access to desktop files and apps without carrying a laptop everywhere.

Professionals who occasionally need to use desktop-only software while away from their office machine.

Students and creatives who want quick access to project files stored on a home or campus computer.

Anyone who wants a simple, secure way to run small desktop tasks remotely—editing a document, starting a render, or grabbing a file for a meeting.

How to Use

Click the button “Check All Versions” below to download and install Parallels Access on your device or browser.

Install the Parallels Access Agent on the computer you want to control and sign in with the same Parallels account.

Open the Parallels Access app on your mobile device and select your computer from the dashboard to connect.

Tap an app icon to open it in applified mode, or use the file manager to browse and transfer documents between devices.

Use touch gestures for clicking, dragging, scrolling, and text entry; switch to pointer mode for pixel-precise control when needed.

When finished, disconnect the session to conserve resources and keep your computer secure.

Parallels Access turns your phone or tablet into a surprisingly capable remote workstation, letting you reach desktop apps, files, and tools as if they were native to your mobile screen. It’s built for moments when you urgently need a document, want to run a desktop-only app, or must fix something on your computer while you’re away — all without wrestling with tiny menus or awkward zooms. The app’s touch-friendly gestures and “applification” approach make heavy desktop tasks feel natural on a handheld device, so you spend less time fighting the interface and more time getting things done.