How can I upgrade to Windows 8 and keep my current Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP virtual machine?

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Resolution

If you have only one Windows Virtual Machine, and you do not want to upgrade this machine to Windows 8, but create a standalone Windows 8 machine, here are the steps to upgrading to Windows 8 and keeping your current Windows Virtual Machine (VM), using an example of upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8.

NOTE! For EULA and restrictions applied to Microsoft Windows products in your country please contact with your local Microsoft office!

Update to the latest build of Parallels Desktop, boot your Windows 7 VM and install all Windows updates if necessary

In the Parallels Desktop menu, select Parallels Desktop > Check for Updates... and if an update is available then install it.

Duplicate your Windows VM

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Change the Virtual Machine name from within Windows to prevent any confusion on the network

To do this, open the Control Panel > System in Windows, and click on Change Settings:

Note: make sure your Windows license allows you to create one more instance of Windows Virtual Machine.

You are ready to start the upgrade to Windows 8

Read the full KB article to understand how the upgrade to Windows 8 is different depending on the version of Windows you are upgrading:

#114985 Windows 8 upgrade: step by step instructions and tips for Parallels Desktop users

Start with the part of the KB article which says My Virtual Machine is ready for upgrade. What should I do next?.

NOTE! For EULA and restrictions applied to Microsoft Windows products in your country please contact with your local Microsoft office!

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