Run Windows on Mac

Parallels Desktop enables you to add Windows, Linux, or another operating system to your Mac by creating a virtual machine (VM)—enabling your Mac to act as a hypervisor. You can then install Windows or another OS on the virtual machine, just as you would on a physical computer. Run multiple OSs at the same time, all on your Mac. It’s like having many computers in one!

• Open Windows applications side by side with macOS applications, without having to restart.
• Copy and paste text or drag and drop objects between Mac and Windows.
• Run Windows games and other 3D applications.
• Transfer all your data from a PC and use it on a Mac.*
• Easily share files, devices, and other resources between Windows and Mac.
• Install multiple operating systems, such as different versions of Windows, Linux, copies of macOS*, and free virtual appliances—and use them together.
• And much more…

Parallels Desktop makes it easy to get started within minutes. Just open the Installation Assistant and click “Install Windows.” — Parallels Desktop will download and install Windows 11 automatically.

You can provide your own Microsoft Windows license key, purchase a new Windows license from the Microsoft Store, or transfer an existing Boot Camp partition with Windows already installed.

The installation experience on a Mac.

With Parallels Desktop, you can switch between Mac and Windows without ever needing to reboot your computer.

If you have already installed Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, or Windows 7 on your Mac using Boot Camp, you can set Parallels Desktop to run Windows from the Boot Camp Partition or import Windows and your data from Boot Camp into Parallels Desktop as a new virtual machine.

To use Windows from Boot Camp, install Parallels Desktop and use the Installation Assistant.

Play hundreds of Windows-exclusive games on a Mac using Parallels Desktop. Enable the Gaming profile to supply more RAM and CPU power to Windows for optimal performance and experience. Download a free 14-day trial of Parallels Desktop and find out if your desired game(s) are supported.

System requirements are available at https://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/resources/.

Check out Parallels Desktop Business Edition.

Parallels offers exclusive discounts for students currently enrolled in a qualified institution or professional educators who are currently employed at a qualified institution. Educational discounts can save users up to 50%. Start by verifying eligibility.

Parallels Desktop Pro Edition offers all the capabilities you already know and love, plus it is packed with extra features, including:

• More Power — Parallels Desktop Pro Edition gives your virtual machines more processing power, up to 128 GB vRAM and 32 vCPUs per virtual machine on Intel-based Mac, and up to 62 GB vRAM and 18 vCPUs per virtual machine on Mac with Apple silicon.
• VM Upload and Deployment — upload and deploy large VM files by converting a VM bundle into a single file.
• Command Line Interface — Use Command Line Interface tools to control Parallels Desktop and manage VMs, including their settings and configuration. Command Line interface also enables additional integrations like Vagrant.
• Visual Studio Plug-In — Develop software in one virtual machine and test in others, with just one click.
• Nested Virtualization Support is available for the following:
  • VMware ESXi virtual machines
  • Xen and kernel-based virtual machines in versions of Linux that support Xen and KV
  • Android emulator for Visual Studio in Windows
  • iPhone emulator for Visual Studio in Windows
  • Xamarin. Android in Windows
  • Android Studio in Windows
  • Embarcadero RAD Studio in Windows
  • Docker for Windows

Learn more about Parallels Desktop Pro Edition.

1. Download Parallels Desktop for Mac.
2. Open the downloaded file and double click "Install".
3. Follow the installation process.
4. Download and install Windows 11 via Installation Assistant, or skip to install other operating systems, such as Ubuntu, Fedora, or other Linux systems supported by Parallels Desktop. See all Guest Operating Systems.

Parallels offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all purchases made on parallels.com. If you purchased from another retailer, please check their return policy.

User guides and resources can be found on our Technical Documentation and Resources page. Or visit Support.

Microsoft has confirmed that Parallels Desktop for Mac used with Arm versions of Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise editions is an officially compatible solution for customers on Apple silicon Mac computers.

Users will be able to bring their own Windows 11 license keys if they have a key that can be used to activate Windows.

To learn more about any limitations running Windows 11 on Parallels Desktop, please visit https://kb.parallels.com/129497

Yes, you can purchase the App Store Edition of Parallels Desktop in the Mac App Store.