OS X Mavericks (10.9) and Windows Blue (8.1) support WHAT’S NEW Version 9.0.23350: For Parallels Desktop for Mac Enterprise Edition only Configure Parallels Desktop to start in the background on Mac startup.
This page gives instructions on installing Windows on your Mac for the first time to use with Parallels Desktop Lite.
You can also:
Import an existing virtual machine from other Parallels Desktop editions. See KB 123833 for more information.
- Upgrade an existing Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 virtual machine to Windows 10. For instructions, see KB 122884.
Take the following steps to install Windows on your Mac using a Microsoft Windows installation DVD or an .iso disc image file.
Step 1: Purchase Windows
Parallels Desktop Lite does not include Microsoft Windows. If you don’t have a Windows copy, you can purchase Windows 10 from the Microsoft Online Store:
Note:visit this page if you need help to choose Windows 10 edition: Home or Pro.
After the purchase please visit the Download Windows 10 page to create your own installation media and the Windows 10 page to learn more about upgrade from previous Windows versions.
For earlier versions of Windows, please refer to retail stores or authorized online resellers, including Amazon.com.
Step 2: Create a new virtual machine
Start Parallels Desktop Lite and click on File in the application menu, and then select New.
Click Install Windows or another OS from DVD or image file, then click Continue.
Step 3: Select the installation media
You may install Windows from a DVD or an .iso disc image, or a bootable USB drive.
Important: Windows installation files with an .exe extension can be used only to upgrade an existing Windows virtual machine (VM). If you are performing a new install to create a new Windows VM, the .exe installation file will not work. Please contact a retailer to request either a physical disc or an .iso image.
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Parallels Wizard will detect the installation media automatically for installing Windows.
You can also switch to manual mode and choose the source for Windows installation.
Step 4: Enter your Windows product key
Click Continue. In the Windows Product Key window, leave Express installation selected.
Note: If you uncheck Express installation, you will need to install Parallels Tools manually after the Windows installation.
When you are ready, click Continue.
Step 5: Select how you want to use Windows
Select how you want to use Windows in Parallels Desktop for Mac:
- Productivity
- Games only
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To learn more about virtual machine profiles, visit KB123294.
Step 6: Specify a name and location
Name: You may specify a name for your virtual machine.
Location: The default location for Parallels Desktop virtual machines is /Users/username/Documents/Parallels.
If you want to change your default virtual machine settings select Customize settings before installation. These settings can also be changed easily after installation.
Step 7: Begin the installation
Click Continue and Windows installation will begin. Once Windows is installed, launch it by opening a Windows application or by clicking the Power button in the Parallels virtual machines list.
Important: The first time you start Windows, Parallels Tools will be installed to allow seamless operation between Windows and OS X. Please do not cancel or stop the installation process. Once the Parallels Tools are installed, you will be prompted to restart Windows.
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If you have any problems installing Windows from a DVD, or if you don't have a DVD drive, you can use another drive to create an .iso image and install from that. For instructions, see KB 4917: How to create an .iso image from a Windows installation DVD.