How to Install Windows 11 on Parallels: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 10, 2025

Have you ever wished you could run Windows 11 on your Mac without giving up macOS? Thanks to Parallels Desktop, you can! Parallels lets you install Windows 11 in a virtual environment, meaning you can enjoy the best of both worlds — Windows power and Mac convenience — side by side.

In this comprehensive, beginner-friendly guide, we’ll show you exactly how to install Windows 11 on Parallels, step by step. We’ll also explain system requirements, licensing options, troubleshooting tips, and how to optimize your setup for the best performance.

Let’s get started!

🧭 Quick Summary

Task Steps to Follow
Download Parallels Desktop Go to parallels.com and install the latest version.
Install Windows 11 Launch Parallels → Click Install Windows → Follow setup prompts.
Activate Windows 11 Use your Microsoft account or enter a product key.
Optimize Performance Adjust CPU/RAM settings and enable integration features.

💡 What Is Parallels Desktop?

Parallels Desktop is a powerful virtualization software that allows you to run Windows, Linux, or other operating systems directly on your Mac, without rebooting. It creates a virtual machine (VM) that acts like a Windows PC — right inside macOS.

🖥️ Why Use Parallels to Run Windows 11 on Mac?

  • ⚡ Fast and seamless integration between macOS and Windows.

  • 🪟 Run Windows apps like Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, or games smoothly.

  • 💼 Perfect for developers, students, and professionals who need both operating systems.

  • 🔄 Easy switching — you can copy, paste, or drag files between macOS and Windows.

  • ☁️ Supports both Intel and Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3) Macs.

⚙️ System Requirements for Installing Windows 11 on Parallels

Before installing, ensure your Mac meets the minimum requirements.

Requirement Minimum Specification
macOS Version macOS Monterey or later
Processor Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) or Intel Core i5/i7/i9
RAM 8 GB minimum (16 GB recommended)
Storage 64 GB free disk space (128 GB recommended)
Internet Required for activation and updates
Parallels Version Parallels Desktop 18 or newer

💡 Tip: Always use the latest version of Parallels Desktop to ensure compatibility with Windows 11 and Apple Silicon processors.

🪄 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Install Windows 11 on Parallels

Now, let’s go through each step carefully to get Windows 11 running on your Mac.

🧩 Step 1: Download and Install Parallels Desktop

  1. Visit the official Parallels website: https://www.parallels.com

  2. Click on “Download Free Trial” or “Buy Now” (depending on your plan).

  3. Once downloaded, open the ParallelsDesktop.dmg file.

  4. Double-click Install Parallels Desktop and follow the on-screen prompts.

  5. Grant any required permissions (such as system extensions and accessibility).

⚠️ Note: If you’re using an M1/M2/M3 Mac, make sure you’re downloading the Apple Silicon-compatible version.

🪟 Step 2: Launch Parallels Desktop

After installation:

  1. Open Parallels Desktop from your Applications folder.

  2. You’ll see a welcome screen asking if you want to install Windows.

  3. Click “Install Windows” to start the automatic setup process.

💽 Step 3: Download or Import Windows 11

Parallels gives you two installation options:

✅ Option 1: Download Windows 11 Automatically (Recommended)

  1. Parallels will automatically detect your Mac’s processor type.

  2. Click “Get Windows 11 from Microsoft” → Continue.

  3. Parallels will download the official Windows 11 ARM image (for M1/M2/M3 Macs) or ISO (for Intel Macs).

  4. Once downloaded, the setup will start automatically.

🔄 Option 2: Use an Existing ISO File

If you already have a Windows 11 ISO, you can:

  1. Click “Install Windows or another OS from a DVD or image file.”

  2. Browse and select your ISO file.

  3. Click Continue to start installation.

🔧 Step 4: Configure Your Virtual Machine Settings

Before Windows 11 installs, Parallels allows you to customize your virtual machine (VM).

  1. Click Customize settings before installation (optional but recommended).

  2. Adjust the following:

    • Name: Rename your VM (e.g., Windows 11 Pro).

    • Location: Choose a folder for your VM files.

    • Hardware Settings:

      • CPU: Allocate at least 4 cores.

      • Memory: Allocate 8–16 GB RAM.

      • Storage: Set at least 64–128 GB virtual disk space.

⚙️ Pro Tip: Don’t allocate all your Mac’s resources — leave enough for macOS to function smoothly.

🪟 Step 5: Begin the Windows 11 Installation

Once you’re ready:

  1. Click Continue or Install Now.

  2. Parallels will create your virtual machine and start Windows setup.

  3. The installation process will take a few minutes.

  4. Windows will restart several times — don’t interrupt it.

🔑 Step 6: Set Up and Activate Windows 11

When installation completes:

  1. Choose your language, region, and keyboard layout.

  2. Sign in with your Microsoft account (or create one).

  3. Enter a Windows 11 product key, or click “I don’t have a product key” to activate later.

  4. Customize privacy and update settings.

✅ Once done, you’ll be on your Windows 11 desktop — running inside macOS!

🌈 Step 7: Integrate Windows 11 with macOS

Parallels offers amazing integration options so you can use both systems seamlessly.

Enable macOS Integration Features:

  • Shared Clipboard: Copy and paste text between Windows and Mac.

  • Drag and Drop: Move files across systems.

  • Shared Folders: Access your Mac’s Documents and Downloads from Windows.

  • Coherence Mode: Run Windows apps directly from your Mac desktop.

💡 Pro Tip: Use Coherence Mode to launch Windows apps (like Excel or Word) as if they’re native Mac apps.

⚡ Optimizing Windows 11 Performance in Parallels

To keep your virtual machine running fast and smooth, tweak these settings:

Setting Recommendation
CPU Cores 4 (for M1/M2 Macs) or half your total cores
RAM 8 GB minimum (16 GB ideal)
Graphics Memory Auto or 512 MB
Power Plan Set to “High Performance” inside Windows
Disk Space 128 GB or more for updates and apps

🧠 Tip: Avoid running heavy macOS and Windows apps simultaneously to prevent lag.

🔄 Updating Windows 11 in Parallels

Keeping Windows up-to-date is essential for performance and security.

  1. Open Windows Settings → Windows Update.

  2. Click Check for Updates.

  3. Install any available updates and restart when prompted.

💻 How to Switch Between Windows and macOS

You can easily toggle between systems:

  • Use Coherence Mode (Command + Control + C) to run Windows apps in macOS.

  • Use Full Screen Mode (Control + Command + F) for a native Windows view.

  • Or simply minimize the Parallels window to return to macOS.

🔄 How to Uninstall or Delete Windows 11 from Parallels

If you ever want to remove Windows 11:

  1. Quit Parallels.

  2. Open the Parallels Control Center.

  3. Right-click your Windows 11 virtual machine.

  4. Select Remove → Move to Trash.

This will delete the VM and free up disk space.

🧰 Troubleshooting Common Issues

❌ 1. Windows 11 Fails to Install

  • Make sure your Parallels version is up to date.

  • Check your internet connection.

  • If using an ISO, ensure it’s a valid Windows 11 ARM or x64 image.

🐢 2. System Feels Slow

  • Allocate more RAM or CPU cores to the VM.

  • Disable startup apps inside Windows.

  • Close unnecessary Mac apps while using Parallels.

⚠️ 3. Activation Error

  • Sign in with your Microsoft account.

  • Use a valid Windows 11 license key.

  • Contact Microsoft Support if issues persist.

🔐 How to Activate Windows 11 After Installation

If you skipped activation earlier:

  1. Go to Settings → System → Activation.

  2. Click Change Product Key.

  3. Enter your valid Windows 11 license.

  4. Activation will complete automatically.

💡 Note: Parallels automatically activates Windows 11 for ARM if you downloaded it through Parallels directly.

⚙️ Advanced Features of Parallels Desktop

Here are some features that make Parallels truly powerful:

Feature Description
Coherence Mode Run Windows apps alongside Mac apps.
SmartMount Access external drives in both systems.
Snapshots Save and restore VM states anytime.
Shared Printers Use the same printer in macOS and Windows.
Keyboard Shortcuts Use Mac shortcuts in Windows automatically.

🧩 Alternatives to Parallels for Running Windows 11 on Mac

If Parallels isn’t for you, here are other options:

Tool Best For Platform Support
VMware Fusion Developers, IT pros Intel, Apple Silicon (Tech Preview)
UTM Free, open-source users Apple Silicon
Boot Camp Intel Macs only macOS Catalina and earlier

🚫 Note: Boot Camp doesn’t support Apple Silicon Macs — only Intel-based models.

✅ Key Takeaways

  • Parallels Desktop lets you run Windows 11 on Mac effortlessly.

  • Use automatic download for Windows 11 ARM (Apple Silicon).

  • Customize VM settings for optimal performance.

  • Enable Coherence Mode for seamless Mac–Windows integration.

  • Keep Windows updated and regularly back up your VM.

🎯 Conclusion

Installing Windows 11 on Parallels is easier than you might think. Within minutes, you can unlock the power of both operating systems — Windows for productivity and macOS for creativity — all on one machine.

Whether you need Windows for work, gaming, or specialized software, Parallels Desktop makes it seamless. Just download, install, and start enjoying the dual power of Mac and Windows together.

❓ FAQs About Installing Windows 11 on Parallels

1. Is Parallels free to use?

Parallels offers a 14-day free trial, after which you’ll need a paid license.

2. Can I install Windows 11 on an M1 or M2 Mac?

Yes! Parallels supports Windows 11 ARM for Apple Silicon Macs.

3. Do I need a Windows license key?

If you download Windows through Parallels, it may auto-activate. Otherwise, you’ll need a valid license key.

4. How much space does Windows 11 need?

At least 64 GB of free disk space, though 128 GB is recommended for smooth performance.

5. Can I run games on Windows 11 in Parallels?

Yes, but performance depends on your Mac’s specs. Casual and older games run well; heavy AAA titles may lag.

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