Parallels Desktop is an excellent piece of virtualization software designed and developed to allow users to install Windows operating system on Macs.
While it’s true that Intel processor Mac users can install Windows OS on Macs with the help of built-in Apple Boot Camp Assistant, Macs powered by newer M1, M2, or M3 chips do not support installing Windows using Boot Camp. So, M1, M2, and M3 Mac users have no option but to use the Parallels Desktop to install Windows 10/11 on their Macs.
If you are looking to install Windows 10/11 on your M1/M2/M3 Mac, you can try the Parallels Desktop software. Remember, Parallels Desktop is a paid software (starts from $99.99/year). However, you can use the free 14-day trial version to install and try Windows on your Mac.
NOTE 1: If you are looking to install Windows 10 or 11 on an Intel processor-powered Mac, we recommend using the built-in free Apple Boot Camp Assistant over virtualization software like Parallels.
NOTE 2: You do not need to manually download Windows 11 ISO for your Mac, as the Parallels can automate it for you. However, if you have already downloaded one, you can use it.
Using Parallels Desktop to install Windows 11 on Mac M1/M2/M3
Step 1: First of all, you need to download and install the Parallels Desktop app on your Mac. As said earlier, Parallels Desktop is not a free app. However, the 14-day free trial copy allows you to install and use Windows without any limitations. If you like the app, you can buy it during or after the trial period.
To download it, visit this page of Parallels Desktop, click the Try Free button, and then click the Download trial button to download the Parallels Desktop.
Step 2: Double-click the downloaded Parallels Desktop image file and then click Install Parallels Desktop to install the app.
Step 3: If you get the following warning message, click the Open button.
Step 4: Next up, you might get this prompt. Click the OK button to let the app access your Downloads folder.
Step 5: Click the Enable or Disable button when you see the Customer Experience program prompt.
Parallels Desktop full image will be downloaded and installed on your Mac in a few minutes.
Step 6: If you see the “Parallels Desktop is trying to begin the installation” message with a Use Password button, please click the Use Password button, please tap the touch ID, or type the password after clicking the Use password button to continue.
Step 7: You will get the Parallels Desktop Permissions on your screen. Click the Next button.
Step 8: A “Parallels Desktop would like to access files in your Desktop folder” message might show up. Click the OK button.
Next, you might be asked for permission to access the Documents and Downloads folder. Click OK.
Click the Finish button to finish installing Parallels Desktop on your Mac.
Step 9: Launch the Parallels Desktop app. Click the Install Windows button to automatically download the ISO and begin the Windows 11 installation. If you already have the Windows 11 ISO on your PC and would like to use the same, click the Other options button, then click the Install Windows, Linux, or macOS from an image file option. Finally, browse to the Windows 11 ISO image file and select it.
Step 10: Parallels Desktop will begin downloading the Windows 11 ISO image from Microsoft servers (if you did not use a Windows 11 ISO present on your PC already in the previous step). You do not need to do anything. Depending on your internet connection speed, it might take a few minutes to hours.
Step 11: The installation will commence once the Windows 11 installation files are downloaded onto your Mac. Meanwhile, you might be asked for permission to access your camera and microphone.
Windows might restart several times during the installation.
Step 12: You do not need to manually select the language, Wi-Fi, or other Windows settings during installation. Parallels Desktop takes care of them. In fact, it will automatically create a user account using the user name on your Mac.
Once Windows 11 is ready for use, you will see the “Installation complete” message.
Step 13: You might be asked to allow access to OneDrive. Click OK or Don’t allow to deny the permission.
Step 14: You may now be asked to Sign In to the Parallels account. If you do not have one, select I am a new user radio button and create an account by entering your email, name, and password.
Step 15: Next, you will see the Windows License Agreement on your screen. Click the Accept button to begin using your Windows 11.
Step 16: Before you start installing your favorite apps and games, we recommend you activate your Windows installation and then check for updates to install available Windows and driver updates.
Install Windows updates
Step 1: Open the Windows 11 Settings app. Go to the Windows Update page and then click the Check for updates button.
Step 2: Windows 11 will automatically look for updates and install them. If and when asked, please reboot Windows 11 to complete the installation.
Activate Windows 11 in Parallels Desktop
Step 1: Go to Windows 11 Settings > System > Activation page.
Step 2: Type your product key and then press the Enter key to connect to Microsoft servers and activate your copy of Windows 11.
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