What should I do before upgrading my Virtual Machine to Windows 8?

• Make sure you're using the latest version of Parallels Desktop 8. Choose Parallels Desktop menu > Check for Updates and if a new update is available, follow the onscreen instructions to install it.

• It is strongly recommended that you backup your Virtual Machine before upgrading to Windows 8. See the following article to learn about backup options: 

• Switch your Virtual Machine to the Window View Mode by choosing View > Window. If your Virtual Machine is running in Coherence View mode, simply right click the Windows Start menu icon and choose Exit Coherence or click on the Parallels icon in the menu bar at the top of the screen    and choose Exit Coherence.

My Virtual Machine is ready to be upgraded. What should I do next?

• Get Windows 8. From within your Windows Virtual Machine, go to http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/buy.

• Make a choice and click Download the upgrade. Click Save to download the Windows 8 Upgrade assistant.

• Run the downloaded file and follow the onscreen instructions. On the first screen, choose whether you want to keep your Windows settings, personal files, and apps. All options might not be available; see the compatibility table at the beginning of this article.

• The next screen lets you buy Windows 8.

 

• You see your Windows 8 product key on the next screen. It is also sent to your email. Click Next to proceed to the download.

• Wait as Windows 8 is downloaded.

 

• On the one of the next screens you're given three options to install Windows 8: Install Now, Install by creating media, and Install later from your Desktop. If you want to save your applications, be sure to choose Install now. Choosing Install by creating media will not give you an opportunity to keep files, programs and applications. 

 

• On the next screen, accept the Microsoft Software License Agreement.

 

• Click Install.

 

• You're almost there. Personalize Windows 8 on the next screen. If you don't see the Personalization screen below, your Windows 8 Virtual Machine is in Coherence View mode. You may switch it to the Windows view mode by right-clicking the Windows Start menu icon and choosing Exit Coherence or by clicking the Parallels icon in the menu bar at the top of the screen    and choosing Exit Coherence.

• And now your Windows 8 Virtual Machine is ready for use! Do not forget to install Parallels Tools if your Windows programs were not transfered during the Windows 8 upgrade - click Virtual Machine menu ► Install Parallels Tools...

If you have a post-upgrade issue with your Windows 8 Virtual Machine and Parallels Desktop