How to Install Windows on Parallels Desktop for Mac

Edited 5 days ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Installing Windows on a Mac using Parallels Desktop allows you to use Windows applications on your Mac without rebooting. Parallels Desktop is a popular virtualization software for Mac that enables you to run Windows alongside macOS. Whether you're a developer requiring a Windows environment or just want to use Windows-exclusive applications, this comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the installation process. We'll cover everything from setting up Parallels Desktop to installing Windows and configuring various settings.

Step 1: Prepare your Mac

Before you begin the process of installing Windows on Parallels Desktop, it's important to make sure your Mac is ready for setup. Here are a few things you need to prepare:

1. Check system requirements: Verify that your Mac meets the system requirements for Parallels Desktop. You need a Mac with an Intel or Apple M1 chip with at least 4GB of RAM (more is recommended) and enough free storage space to accommodate both macOS and Windows.
2. Back up your data: Always create a backup of important files on your Mac. Although installing Parallels Desktop and Windows is not risky for your data, it is always a good practice to keep your files safe.
3. Download Parallels Desktop. Visit the official Parallels website and download the installer. You can try it for free or purchase a license if you haven't done so already.

Step 2: Install Parallels Desktop

Once your Mac is ready, proceed to install Parallels Desktop:

1. Open the installer: Find the Parallels Desktop installer file you downloaded in the previous step and double-click on it to start the installation process.
2. Follow the installation prompts: An installation window will appear. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Parallels Desktop on your Mac. You'll need to agree to the software license agreement and provide your Mac user credentials when prompted.
3. Launch Parallels Desktop. After the installation is complete, Parallels Desktop should be available in your Applications folder. Open it to begin configuring your virtual machine for Windows.

Step 3: Create a new virtual machine

After Parallels Desktop is installed, the next step is to create a new virtual machine (VM) where Windows will be installed:

1. Start the new VM setup: When you first open Parallels Desktop, you may see a welcome screen prompting you to create a new VM. Select "Install Windows or another OS from DVD or image file" and click Continue.
2. Locate the Windows installation media: Do you have a Windows installation DVD or ISO image file? Parallels Desktop will prompt you to insert the DVD or select the image file from your computer.
3. Select Windows version: If you're using an image file, Parallels Desktop can automatically detect the Windows version after you select the file. Make sure the correct version is selected and click Continue
4. Product Key: You will need a valid Windows product key to install Windows. Enter this key when prompted or if you are using a trial or don't have a key yet, choose to enter it after installation.
5. Configure VM settings: Parallels Desktop will allow you to customize setup such as the name and location of your VM or select pre-configured Express installation settings. Advanced options let you adjust the allocated RAM and HDD space. Use the recommended values if you are unsure.
6. Start the installation: When everything is set, click Continue or Finish to begin the Windows installation process.

Step 4: Install Windows

Now, let Parallels Desktop handle the task of installing Windows on your VM:

1. Boot from installation media: Your newly created VM will boot from the Windows installation media. You will see the standard Windows setup screen.
2. Follow the Windows setup: Follow the prompts to install Windows, choose language preferences, and agree to the license terms. Choose the Custom installation option if asked where to install.
3. Partition Disk: The VM will automatically use the previously allocated virtual hard disk space. You should see a labeled space, select it and click Next.
4. Wait for the installation: Windows will now begin copying and installing files. This may take some time, and the VM may restart a few times. Be sure to allow time for updates to install as needed during setup.

Step 5: Configure and activate Windows

Once the Windows installation is complete, it's time to set it up and activate it:

1. Install Parallels Tools: After Windows starts, Parallels Desktop may prompt you to install Parallels Tools. These are required for full integration and performance. Follow the prompts to complete this step.
2. Initial Windows setup: Windows will guide you through additional setup, including setting the time, region, and creating user accounts.
3. Activate Windows: Use the product key provided earlier to activate your copy of Windows. This is necessary to fully utilize the functionalities of Windows.
4. Update Windows: To make sure your system is up to date with security patches and drivers, check for updates through Windows Update in the Settings menu.

Step 6: Customize Parallels Desktop Settings

For the best performance and user experience, optimize your Parallels and VM settings:

1. Coherence mode: Consider using coherence mode. This integrates Windows applications directly with macOS, providing a seamless interface experience.
2. Improve performance: In Parallels settings, you can adjust the number of CPUs and the amount of RAM allocated to your VM based on your Mac's overall resources.
3. Shared Folders: Set up shared folders between macOS and Windows to easily exchange files. This can be configured under the VM's sharing settings.
4. Backup VM: Create regular backups of your VM to prevent data loss. You can use Parallels' own backup solution or macOS Time Machine.

Conclusion

By following the steps in this guide, you should now be running Windows smoothly on your Mac using Parallels Desktop. This setup allows you to enjoy the benefits of both operating systems on the same machine without rebooting. Whether you need to run Windows-specific applications, enjoy games not available on macOS, or simply explore the Windows environment, Parallels Desktop provides a powerful and flexible solution. Take advantage of its rich feature set to seamlessly optimize your workflow between two different operating systems.

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