Parallels Desktop Support: Installation, Activation and Troubleshooting

1. Does Windows come pre-installed with Parallels Desktop for Mac?
   Windows is not included with your purchase of Parallels Desktop for Mac. Windows can be purchased directly from Microsoft or retail stores. Please visit KB 9003 for additional information.
2. Will Parallels Desktop run on my current Mac hardware?
   A full list of system and hardware requirements can be found here.
3. What is the difference between Standard and Pro Editions?
   Visit KB 123296.
4. What is the difference between a permanent license and a subscription?
   Visit KB 122929.
5. Can I use my license on multiple Mac computers?
   Parallels licenses are valid only on one Mac per license. For more information, please reference http://www.parallels.com/eula/.
6. Do you have discounts for Students/Education Staff/offer academic licenses/government employees or active Military/non-profit organizations?
   Yes. For more information on Education licenses, please visit KB 113630.
   For more information on other discounts, please visit KB 129561.
7. Is there a trial version of Parallels Desktop for Mac I can evaluate before purchasing?
   Yes, Parallels offers a free 14-day trial at https://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/trial/.
8. Is there any bonus software for purchasing a Parallels Desktop license?
   Visit KB 124228 to learn more about bonus software.

1. Install or upgrade to the latest version of Parallels Desktop for Mac.
   Visit KB 124250.
2. Install Windows in Parallels Desktop for Mac.
   Visit KB 125375 if you have a Mac with Apple silicon and KB 4729 if you have a Mac with an Intel processor
   
3. Register and activate Parallels Desktop for Mac.
   Visit KB 124225.
4. Upgrade my license to Pro Edition
   Visit KB 123159.
5. Install Quicken, MS Office, or other software in a Windows virtual machine.
   Visit KB 119310.
6. Learn how to use Coherence™ mode.
   Visit KB 4670.
7. Learn how to use the Parallels Desktop sharing tools.
   Visit KB 122567.
8. Install a macOS virtual machine on a Mac with Apple silicon.
   For instructions, visit KB 125561.

1. What is Parallels Toolbox?
   Visit the Parallels Toolbox product page to learn about Parallels Toolbox for Mac and Windows.
2. How can I get Parallels Toolbox?
   See KB 123902 about Parallels Toolbox for Mac and KB 124202 about the Windows version.
3. How can I install Parallels Toolbox?
   Visit KB 123904 for information on the Mac version, and KB 124183 to learn how to install the Windows version.
4. What is the Parallels Toolbox subscription duration?
   Visit KB 124228 for more information about Parallels Toolbox subscription duration.

1. How can I give more hard disk space to a Windows virtual machine?
   Visit KB 113972.
2. How can I improve virtual machine performance on my Mac?
   Visit KB 112091.
3. How can I reinstall Parallels Tools in a Windows virtual machine?
   Visit KB 4841.
4. How can I fix network issues in a Windows virtual machine?
   Visit KB 8978.
5. How can I free up disk space on Mac?
   Visit KB 123553.
6. How can I address the message "There's not enough disk space available to start the Windows virtual machine."
   Visit KB 10117.
7. What are the known and resolved issues with the latest macOS Tahoe?

   Visit KB 130993 to learn more.

   If you have issues with installing applications on a Mac with Apple silicon using Parallels Desktop, visit KB 128796.

Performance issues can occur when a virtual machine does not have sufficient CPU, memory (RAM), or storage resources allocated. Review your virtual machine configuration, available disk space, and system requirements to help optimize performance. Users running resource-intensive workloads may benefit from assigning additional CPU cores and memory to their virtual machines. If you are using Parallels Desktop Standard Edition and need higher virtual machine resource allocations, consider upgrading to Parallels Desktop Pro Edition, which provides support for more advanced configuration options and higher resource limits.

You can contact Parallels Support through the Support Portal, where you can access live chat, submit support requests, browse the Knowledge Base, and find product-specific support options. Available support channels may vary by product and subscription level.

Parallels Desktop installation issues can occur because of unsupported macOS versions, insufficient permissions, security settings, incomplete downloads, or system configuration conflicts. Verify that your Mac meets the system requirements and review installation troubleshooting resources for step-by-step guidance.

To activate Parallels Desktop, sign in with your Parallels account and enter a valid license key or subscription. If activation fails, verify your account credentials, internet connection, and license status, then review activation troubleshooting resources for additional guidance.

Most Windows applications run normally in Parallels Desktop, but some applications may have compatibility limitations depending on the software, Windows version, hardware requirements, or processor architecture. On Apple silicon Macs, some applications, drivers, games, and peripherals may require additional support or may not be compatible with Windows on Arm. Review the application compatibility and Windows 11 on Apple silicon resources for troubleshooting guidance, known limitations, and compatibility information.

Parallels Desktop supports a wide range of macOS versions and Mac hardware configurations. Before installing or upgrading, verify that your Mac meets the current system requirements for your version of Parallels Desktop. Compatibility requirements may vary based on factors such as your macOS version, available memory, storage capacity, and whether your Mac uses Apple silicon or an Intel processor. Review the latest system requirements before installation.

To transfer Parallels Desktop to a new Mac, sign in with your Parallels account on the new device and activate the product using your existing license. If you have reached your activation limit, you may need to deactivate Parallels Desktop on your previous Mac or review license management options through your account portal.