Parallels Desktop for Mac Support

Parallels Desktop for Mac allows you to seamlessly run both Windows and Mac OS X Lion applications side-by-side with speed, control and confidence. Click below for frequently asked questions, documentation and other helpful tools to get the answers you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Pre-Sales Questions - I want to buy Parallels and need to know...

   1. Does Windows come pre-installed with Parallels Desktop for Mac? Windows is not included with your purchase of Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac. Windows can be purchased directly from Microsoft or many retail stores.
   2. Will Parallels run on my current Mac hardware?  A full list of system and hardware requirements can be found here.
   3. Can I use my license on multiple Macs?  Parallels licenses are valid only on 1 Mac per license.  For more information, please reference http://www.parallels.com/about/eula/
   4. Do you have discounts for Students/Education Staff/offer academic licenses?  For information on how to purchase Educations licenses, please visit http://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/editions/
   5. Can I migrate my current Windows PC to a Parallels Desktop for Mac Virtual Machine?  Yes, for instructions on how to migrate your Windows PC, visit http://kb.parallels.com/115007
   6. Is there a trial version of Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac I can evaluate before purchasing?  Yes, Parallels offers a free 14 day trial at http://www.parallels.com/trialdownload/pd
   7. I currently use VMware Fusion and am interested in switching to Parallels.  Information about switching to Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac can be found here.

2. I have purchased Parallels Desktop for Mac and I need to...

   1. How do I install the software? Easy steps for installation are located at KB114623
   2. How do I activate my copy of Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac? Activation instructions are available at KB114585
   3. How do I register for my Support Code in case I need Technical Assistance. To register for Support, please visit KB6571
   4. Does Windows come with my purchase of Parallels?  Windows is sold separately from your Parallels Software.  For more information see KB115286
   5. View video demos and instructions on how to run Parallels Desktop for Mac at KB114733

3. I have installed Parallels Desktop, but how do I install my Windows (or other) Virtual Machines?

   1. Easy guided steps for installing Windows in Parallels Desktop for Mac can be found at KB4729
   2. I cannot install Windows in my Virtual Machine. Help can be found at KB112940
   3. How do I launch Windows from Parallels Desktop for Mac ? See KB115170
   4. What is Coherence Mode? I cannot find my Windows Desktop/applications or see my open files. See KB4670 
   5. How do I secure my Windows from the viruses? Please visit KB112115

4. A guide to Windows 8 - Install, Activation and Upgrade

   1. How do I install Windows 8? Easy steps are available at KB4729
   2. Check what Windows OS can be upgraded to Windows 8 at KB114988
   3. How do I upgrade/activate Windows 8? Follow these simple steps at KB114985
   4. My Windows 8 does not start? See KB114987 for tips and solutions
   5. Top Windows 8 questions and solutions are available at KB114993
   6. Windows 8 Preview Expiration - January 15, 2013. Customer are prompted that the preview version of Windows 8 has expired.  Please see KB115404 for more information.

5. I have installed Windows but my Virtual Machine does not launch/crashes

   1. When starting Windows I get a black or blue screen? For solutions, see KB113964
   2. Windows is stuck at the “Welcome” screen or Windows displays unexpected error messages.  For solutions, see KB5223
   3. Windows and/or my Windows applications are slow. For solutions, see KB112091

6. My printer / keyboard / mouse do not work?

   1. My printer does not work on the Windows side? For troubleshooting tips, see KB111997
   2. How do I setup the Network printer in my Virtual Machine? Setup instructions are available at KB4886
   3. My keyboard does not work/behave as expected? For troubleshooting tips, see KB113932
   4. My mouse does not work/behave as expected. For troubleshooting tips, see KB112076

7. I cannot connect to the Internet/network from my Virtual Machine?

   I am receiving an error message in my Windows VM that says I am not connected to the Internet.  For troubleshooting steps, see KB8978

8. Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac top recommended solutions

   Please visit our KB article containing all top recommended solutions: http://kb.parallels.com/pdtop10

9. How to install Windows virtual machine on Mac using Parallels Desktop?

   To learn about installing Windows OS, please refer to this article for complete details: http://kb.parallels.com/4729

10. Transfer an existing virtual machine to your new Mac

    To learn about migrating your Virtual Machines from one Mac to another please refer to this article: http://kb.parallels.com/114118

11. How to migrate Windows 8 PC to Parallels Desktop 8 Virtual Machine?

    To learn about how to migrate your existing Windows 8 install to a VM please visit http://kb.parallels.com/115007

12. I am unable to install Virtual Machine: troubleshooting installation issues

    Check solutions to the most frequent Virtual Machine installation issues: http://kb.parallels.com/112940

13. How to upgrade my Windows 8 Consumer or Developer Preview to Windows 8 Release Preview?

    Please refer to the following article to learn about Windows 8 Previews upgrade options http://kb.parallels.com/114986

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Technical Documentation

Choose the type of documentation you desire from the left-hand column and then click on the format you need in the right-hand column to download a document.

Parallels Lifecycle Policy

To facilitate your long term planning details, Parallels lifecycle policies are published at http://www.parallels.com/support/policy/.