As a developer, I often rely on a variety of keyboard shortcuts and function keys. For instance, I use CTRL+R, T to run all tests in a Visual Studio solution and CTRL+SHIFT+F11 to step out of a function while debugging. These shortcuts are second nature to me.
However, when working with a Parallels Desktop Windows image on a Mac, I encountered some challenges with accessing the F9-F12 keys. By default, Mac’s command key takes precedence over function keys, which can be inconvenient for developers.
Here’s how you can use the F9-F12 keys in Parallels Desktop on a Mac:
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For Function Keys F9-F12: Press
[COMMAND] + [FN] + F9(or F10, F11, F12 as needed).This combination works for me on my MacBook Pro, whereas the standard methods described in Parallels support documentation didn’t quite work.
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Favorite Shortcut: One of my favorite shortcuts in Visual Studio while running in a Parallels Desktop Windows image is deleting all breakpoints. The shortcut is
[COMMAND] + [FN] + [CTRL] + [SHIFT] + F9.
It’s interesting how adapting to new environments can introduce new shortcuts and combinations. Even though it took a bit of trial and error, finding these shortcuts has been quite helpful.
Enjoy your coding with Parallels Desktop!