WinParrot icon

WinParrot

WinParrot is an open-source Windows application that provides similar functionality to MacOS Parallels Desktop. It allows users to run other operating systems like Linux or Windows virtually inside Windows.

What is WinParrot?

WinParrot is an open-source virtualization platform for Windows that allows users to run other operating systems virtually inside Windows. It works similarly to Parallels Desktop on MacOS.

Some key features of WinParrot include:

  • Ability to install and run Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian etc. alongside Windows
  • Run older versions of Windows virtually (XP, Vista etc.)
  • Isolate applications and web browsing inside the virtual machines for increased privacy/security
  • Run Windows on low-powered devices like netbooks by using the host Windows system's resources
  • Develop/test applications intended for other OSes without dual-booting or separate machines

As an open-source platform, WinParrot benefits from community contributions and customization options not found in commercial alternatives. It can provide a lightweight, no-cost alternative to solutions like VMware Workstation or Parallels Desktop. The tradeoff is that documentation and support resources may not be as extensive.

The Best WinParrot Alternatives

Top Apps like WinParrot

AutoHotkey, AutoIt, Keyboard Maestro, Automator, Karabiner Elements, Sikuli, AutoKey, Pulover’s Macro Creator, FastKeys, F2KO CMD Tools, NirCmd, Clavier+ are some alternatives to WinParrot.

AutoHotkey

AutoHotkey is a free, open-source scripting language for Windows that allows users to automate repetitive tasks, customize keyboard shortcuts, integrate other applications, and more. Originally released in 2003 by Chris Mallett, AutoHotkey has become a popular automation tool for programmers, software testers, writers, gamers, artists, and power users.Some key features...

AutoIt

AutoIt v3 is a freeware BASIC-like scripting language designed for automating the Windows GUI and general scripting. It uses a combination of simulated keystrokes, mouse movement and window/control manipulation in order to automate tasks in a way not possible or reliable with other languages.AutoIt was initially designed for...

Keyboard Maestro

Keyboard Maestro is a powerful and popular automation app for macOS that allows you to automate repetitive tasks, build workflows, set up hotkeys and keyboard shortcuts, create application launchers, and more. It gives you more control over your Mac by letting you set up triggers like hotkeys, application launches, timers...

Automator

Automator is an automation tool developed by Apple exclusively for macOS. It provides a visual, flowchart-style interface for users to automate repetitive tasks and workflows without needing to write complex scripts.With Automator, users can create workflows by connecting together a series of actions. There are pre-built actions for tasks...

Karabiner Elements

Karabiner Elements is a powerful and flexible keyboard customization utility for macOS. It allows you to customize and remap your keyboard keys, modify key behaviors, create complex macros and shortcuts, and more.Some of the key features of Karabiner Elements include:Key remapping - Remap any key to any other...

Sikuli

Sikuli is an open source test automation tool that can automate anything you see on the screen. It uses image recognition to identify and control graphical user interface (GUI) components. This allows you to automate GUI testing without needing access to an application's source code.Here are some key capabilities...

AutoKey

AutoKey is an open-source desktop automation utility available for Linux and Windows. It allows users to automate tasks on their computer by detecting configurable triggers and sending simulated keystrokes or mouse clicks.Some of the key features of AutoKey include:Detecting triggers based on abbreviations, specific words or phrases, or...

Pulover’s Macro Creator

Pulover's Macro Creator is a free and open-source automation tool for Windows that allows users to automate repetitive or tedious tasks by recording and replaying sequences of mouse and keyboard actions, known as macros. It provides an intuitive graphical user interface for macro recording, editing, playback, and management.Some of...

FastKeys

FastKeys is a lightweight yet powerful keyboard shortcut utility for Windows. It allows users to create custom keyboard shortcuts to automate repetitive tasks, launch applications or documents, insert frequently used text snippets, open websites, and more.With FastKeys, you can set global shortcuts that work across all applications as well...

F2KO CMD Tools

F2KO CMD Tools is a free and open-source set of command line utilities for Windows that provides useful system administration and security functions without needing to install heavy software suites.Some of the key features include:File encryption and decryption using AES-256 bit encryptionGenerating hashes for files including MD...

NirCmd

NirCmd is a free command line utility for Windows created by Nir Sofer that provides over 100 useful commands and scripts to automate simple tasks without requiring a graphical user interface. It serves as a lightweight alternative to bulkier automation tools.Some of the key features and capabilities of NirCmd include...

Clavier+

Clavier+ is an advanced on-screen keyboard program designed for Windows. It provides extensive customization options that allow you to tailor the keyboard to your needs.With Clavier+, you can create custom keyboard layouts with different key positions, sizes, colors, and sounds. This makes it easy to optimize the keyboard for...