Turn Windows computers into virtual machines with Parallels Transporter

Whether it’s employees using multiple computers in the same company, working from home or switching to a Mac, there are lots of scenarios where it’s helpful and makes sense to clone a Windows computer.

Parallels Transporter Agent is a free tool that allows IT staff to easily convert legacy Windows systems into images for virtual machines. It allows them to switch seamlessly to using their Windows system and the apps they need as a virtual machine. That’s perfect for use cases where companies switch to Macs but still want staff to continue accessing existing data and apps. Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition allows company Macs to use Windows and Windows apps seamlessly alongside macOS, filling the gap between Windows apps and macOS within the company.

How does Parallels Transporter Agent work?

Parallels Transporter Agent is a tool that is installed on the source computer. It works with almost every Windows PC. All versions of Windows higher than Windows 2000 are supported including XP, Windows 8, Vista and Windows 10. The only situation where there could be problems is with custom-built OEM versions of Windows, which are unlikely to be found in companies with their own IT department and pre-configured Windows images.

Once the tool is installed on the source system migration of the system can begin. There are various scenarios and options for this. For example, IT staff can migrate the VM image directly onto a Mac, or employees can do it themselves. It works over a local network or even over the Internet. Parallels Desktop needs to be installed on the destination Mac. Open Parallels Desktop, choose “File > New” and click on “Transfer Windows from a PC”.

Alternatively, Parallels Transporter Agent can clone the Windows system onto an external storage device, from which it can be transferred to the destination Mac and imported into Parallels Desktop. There are two options for exporting the source system: “System only”, which exports the Windows system and apps, or “System and documents” where user files, downloads and images are also exported. If you choose the second option you can also choose whether to transfer personal files “to Windows” or “to macOS”. In the first case the files stay inside the VM, in the second case Parallels copies the user files to the macOS user folders. Once the VM is imported from the image file, the IT department may have to re-activate Windows and licences for some apps before employees can work with them.

Parallels Transporter Agent is free and full instructions with all the information required are available as a PDF.

Download: Parallels Transporter Agent