The Workstation software comprises a virtual machine suite for Intel x86-compatible computers (running Microsoft Windows or Linux) (for Mac version, see Parallels Desktop for Mac) which allows the simultaneous creation and execution of multiple x86 virtual computers.

Parallels Workstation's hypervisor also supports hardware virtualization technologies like Intel VT-x and AMD-V. Parallels Workstation is a hardware emulation virtualization software, in which a virtual machine engine enables each virtual machine to work with its own processor, RAM, floppy drive, CD drive, I/O devices, and hard disk – everything a physical computer contains.

Because all guest virtual machines use the same hardware drivers irrespective of the actual hardware on the host computer, virtual machine instances are highly portable between computers.

For example, a running virtual machine can be stopped, copied to another physical computer, and restarted.

Parallels Workstation can virtualize a full set of standard PC hardware, including:[2] The last version of Parallels Workstation (version 6) requires: