How to Update the Parallels Client (for SDL Desktop Users)

Overview

The Parallels Client is the application on your computer that connects you to SDL Desktop, whether you’re using Windows or macOS. Keeping it up to date helps SDL Desktop run smoothly, stay secure, and pick up the latest stability and performance improvements.

Updates are quick — usually a minute or two — and most of them don't require admin permissions on your computer. This article walks you through checking for an update, installing it, and confirming you're on the newest version.

Why this matters

SDL Desktop is delivered to your computer through the Parallels Client. Parallels occasionally releases updates that improve performance, fix bugs, and patch security issues. Running an outdated client can cause sign-in errors, slow sessions, printing or scanning issues, or prevent SDL Desktop from launching at all. Updating the Parallels Client takes just a few minutes and does not change any of your SDL Desktop files, bookmarks, or settings.

📝 Note: Your Computer May Restart

Some Parallels Client updates include driver-level changes and may prompt your computer to restart once the install finishes. Save your work in every open application — not just SDL Desktop — before you start. If your computer asks to restart, it's safe to let it.

Getting Started

Before you begin, make sure you have:

The Parallels Client already installed on your workstation
Any open work in SDL Desktop saved and closed — the update will briefly disconnect your session
Any other open applications saved in case your computer restarts after the update
A few minutes of uninterrupted time at your computer (the update is fast, but the client — and possibly your computer — will restart)

Step-by-Step Instructions

🖥️ Applies to both Windows and Mac

The steps below use the Parallels Client menus that appear on both Windows and macOS. Button and window styles may look slightly different between operating systems, but the labels and options are the same.

Open the Parallels Client. On your desktop, find the Parallels Client icon and double-click it to launch the application.
Open the Tools menu. Once Parallels Client is running, click Tools in the menu bar at the top of the window.
Choose Settings… From the Tools dropdown, click Settings… to open the settings window.
Go to the Update tab. In the Settings window, click the Update tab along the top.

Tip: Check the Check for updates on startup box
Click Check for updates now…
Under the Update section, click the Check for updates now… button. Parallels will reach out to its update server and tell you whether a newer version is available.

💡 Tip: For a better experience, also check the Check for updates on startup box so Parallels automatically checks for updates each time it opens.
Install the update.
If a newer version is available, a window appears showing information about your current version and the new version side by side. Click Update to download and install it. Parallels Client will briefly close and reopen once the update finishes — and in some cases, your computer will prompt you to restart.

📝 Note on Confirming the Update

To confirm you're on the newest version, repeat the step above. You'll see your current version listed and the message "No updates were found." That means you're fully up to date.

⚡Save these Quick Steps

Save your work in all open applications (your computer may restart)
Open the Parallels Client on your computer’s desktop
Click Tools and Choose Settings… in the menu bar
Go to the Update tab
Click Check for updates now…
Click Update to install any available version
Let your computer restart if prompted
Reopen Settings → Update to confirm you see "No updates were found"

✅ Nice work! Your Parallels Client is now on the latest version, and SDL Desktop will continue running with the latest improvements.

If you run into any trouble, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team at support@getsdl.com — we're here to help.