How to Install Windows 11 in Parallels on a Mac
First, you’ll need to download and install Parallels 17 or higher on your Mac. During the installation process, make sure you permit Parallels Desktop to access your Mac’s Desktop, Documents, and Downloads folders to function correctly.
Next, if you’re running an Intel Mac, download the Windows 11 ISO from the Microsoft website. On the download page, locate the “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)” section, select “Windows 11” in the drop-down menu, then click “Download.”
If you’re using an M1 Mac, you can’t use the Intel (x64) version of Windows 11. You’ll instead need to register for the Windows Insider Program, then download a copy of Windows Client ARM64 Insider Preview, which will come in a VHDX disk image file.
Once you have the operating system image you need, open the Parallels app. For an M1 Mac, double click the VHDX file you just downloaded and follow the on-screen instructions in Parallels to install Windows 11. Some of the steps will be similar to the Intel installation process detailed below.
On an Intel Mac, open the Installation Assistant and select “Install Windows or another OS from a DVD or image file” and click “Continue.”
Parallels will automatically locate the Windows 11 ISO on your Mac. Select it from the list and click “Continue.”
Next, Parallels will ask you for a Windows License Key. If you have one, you can enter it now. If not, uncheck the box “Enter Windows license key for faster installation” and click “Continue.”
The standard Windows 11 ISO contains installation information for many different editions of Windows 11. Choose the one you want to install from the drop-down menu (Such as “Windows 11 Home” or “Windows 11 Pro”) and click “Continue.” Keep in mind that each edition has its own price point that will come into play when you buy a Windows 11 license later.
Next, Parallels will ask if you’re going to use Windows primarily for productivity or gaming. Select the one that matches your needs and click “Continue.”
The Windows 11 installation will begin. Parallels handles it automatically, and you’ll see the progress in a small virtual machine window on your Mac.
When the installation process is complete on both M1 and Intel Macs, you’ll see an “Installation Complete” message. Click inside the window to continue.
At this point, if you’re using a trial version of Parallels, the app will ask you to register a Parallels account. Otherwise, you’ll see the Windows 11 desktop, and you’ll be ready to go.
To switch to the seamless mode where you can use Windows and Mac apps side-by-side, focus on the “Windows 11” window and choose View > Enter Coherence in the menu bar. Or you can press Ctrl+Command+C on your keyboard.
To exit Coherence mode later, click the Windows logo icon in your Dock and select View > Exit Coherence in the menu bar. Or you can press Ctrl+Command+C again.
When you’re ready to buy a Windows 11 license, run the Settings app in Windows 11 and click “System” in the sidebar. Click “Activate Now,” then “Open Store,” and you’ll be able to purchase a Windows license in the Microsoft Store. Good luck, and happy computing!
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