# Graphics Settings

In the **Graphics** pane, you can view and configure the amount of video memory available to the virtual machine video card, set resolution, and more.

To open these settings, choose **Actions** > **Configure** > **Hardware**, then click **Graphics**.

<figure><img src="https://4047593329-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNgaOYFJddKmopmi2cfn5%2Fuploads%2F4hqXtG9xwIRWngS7XXil%2FScreenshot%202024-01-19%20at%2017.51.35.png?alt=media&#x26;token=75969967-e22e-4fc2-87a9-4120ba86052c" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

| Option                                                                                                   | Description                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Memory**                                                                                               | <p>If you have a virtual machine running Windows 8 or later, Parallels Desktop uses system memory for graphics. To increase the amount of graphics memory allocated to your virtual machine, increase the amount of system memory in the <a href="cpu-and-memory-settings"><strong>CPU & Memory</strong></a> pane.<br></p><p>If you have a virtual machine running Windows 7 or earlier, Linux, or macOS, you can set the amount of video memory that will be available to the virtual machine using the <strong>Memory</strong> menu.</p>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |
| **Resolution**                                                                                           | <p>If you're working with Windows 7 or later on a Mac with a Retina display, you can choose how Windows is displayed on the screen:</p><ul><li><strong>Best for Retina display</strong>. Windows resolution matches that of the Retina display, and the DPI setting increases. Windows interface elements and text are clear, sharp, and full-size. This option is supported by Windows 7 and later.</li><li><strong>Scaled</strong>. Windows resolution and DPI settings don't change. Instead, Windows is scaled to full size. As a result, Windows interface elements and text are not sharp. This option is useful for Windows applications that don't support high-DPI settings and appear small onscreen.</li><li><strong>Best for external displays</strong>. Use this option if you're working with Windows on multiple displays, one of which is non-Retina. The option is supported by Windows 8 and later.</li></ul><p>For Windows XP:<br></p><p>If you're working with Windows XP on a Mac with a Retina display, Windows becomes scaled, but its resolution doesn't change. As a result, Windows interface elements and text are not sharp.<br></p><p>However, you can enable full (2880x1800) Retina resolution for Windows by selecting <strong>Enable Retina resolution</strong>. At such a high resolution, Windows interface elements and text become sharp but small.</p> |
| **3D acceleration**                                                                                      | <p>This menu is available for Linux virtual machines only, and the <strong>3D acceleration</strong> option is enabled by default. If you are experiencing issues with GUI in Linux, you may start the debugging process by selecting <strong>Off</strong> from the <strong>3D acceleration</strong> menu.<br></p><p>For Linux guest operating systems, Parallels Desktop supports OpenGL 4.1 (Compatibility Profile).<br></p><p>In Windows virtual machines, this menu is not available because 3D acceleration is considered stable and is permanently enabled. For Windows, Parallels Desktop supports OpenGL 4.1 (Compatibility Profile) and DirectX 11.1.<br></p><p>As for macOS, virtual machines with macOS 12 Monterey and later running on Mac computers with macOS 12 Monterey and later support Metal graphics. The only condition is that such a virtual machine must have Parallels Tools installed.<br></p><p>If any of your Windows or Linux apps claim to require a higher version of DirectX or OpenGL, please let us know about this application on the Parallels <a href="https://forum.parallels.com/">forum</a>. To access the forum, either click <strong>Help</strong> > <strong>Suggest a Feature</strong> or search our forum for the latest relevant topic.</p>                                                                                                     |
| <p><strong>Always use high-performance graphics</strong></p><p>(not available on Apple Silicon Macs)</p> | This option is accessible only if your Mac supports graphics switching. Select this option for better performance or deselect for better battery life.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       |