So you will definitely need to make sure both machines are protected at all times.īut that being said, you are running Windows in an enclosed environment on your Mac. They need to be treated as such.Īny Antivirus program you have on one of the machines will not protect or affect the other machine in any way.
Is there a parallels for windows install#
When you install a virtual machine you are basically running two machines on your computer. The virtual machine fully emulates a computer. Even though the two systems do share some features and mechanisms they do both require a piece of antivirus software. You will need to install antivirus programs in both environments. Do I Need Antivirus on Both OS X and Windows? It’s simply one of the perks that come with Windows no matter if you use it on a Mac with a virtual machine or if you run it directly on a PC (or anywhere else we can think of). That’s basically what happens.Įven though you are still practically working inside an Apple environment you are giving the controls to Windows and the connection between the Windows program and the internet is as open as when you’re on a PC. Let’s break it down in really simple terms!ĭo Viruses Attack Macs That Run Boot Camp & Parallels?Īs soon as you install a virtual machine like Boot Camp or Parallels you open up your machine to all the treats from the “Windows world”. But things are actually quite complicated when we’re talking about virtual machines and antivirus. Remember to take precautions and create regular backups.
Although potential attacks will only affect parts of your machine and not your Mac’s operating system. When you run Windows in a virtual Mac environment your computer is vulnerable to viruses. Most Mac users don’t use antivirus software.īut what about when we install programs like Boot Camp and Parallels that lets us run Windows programs? That would open up Pandora’s box, right?ĭo I Need Antivirus for Boot Camp & Parallels?