Parallels Desktop is an application that allows you to run Windows, Linux, and other operating systems alongside macOS on your Mac.
To learn more about Parallels Desktop for Mac System Requirements and the supported operating systems, please refer to KB 124223.
Download Parallels Desktop for Mac installer
First, you need to download the latest supported Parallels Desktop installer for your Mac from the Parallels website.
Automatic Installer - this is an installer that is supposed to ease the download process for you. It checks your macOS operating system and downloads the latest Parallels Desktop version which is compatible with your macOS.
Parallels Desktop 20 for Mac Image - this is a full image installer.
Install Parallels Desktop
1. Double-click on the downloaded installer file (.dmg) and click on Install Parallels Desktop to initiate the installation process.
2. You will then be prompted to allow Parallels Desktop to access your Downloads folder, click on Allow to proceed with the installation.
This is required to open the files in the applications that you run with Parallels Desktop and save files, Windows installation images, and product updates to this location.
3. Carefully read the End User License Agreement (EULA) presented during the next step of the installation and select Accept to confirm.
The checkbox asks you if you're willing to participate in the Parallels Customer Experience Program, choose the option that works best for you.
4. Upon that, you will be prompted to use TouchID or to enter your Administrator password for approving the installation.
5. The next step will be granting Parallels Desktop permissions, to ensure the continued functionality of Parallels Desktop, thus the requirement to grant the application access to your Documents, Desktop and Downloads folder.
This access is necessary for the seamless operation of virtual machines and the proper interaction between the virtualized environment and your files.
Click on Next and then Allow as per below to provide the appropriate permissions to Parallels Desktop :
Note: this security requirement has been implemented in the latest versions of macOS, a stringent security feature has been implemented to safeguard user data and privacy which mandates that applications must obtain explicit permission from you before they can access certain sensitive folders on the system, such as the Documents folder.
The Full Disk Access permission is required to open the files in the applications that you run with Parallels Desktop and save files, Windows ISO images and product updates to the Desktop, Documents and Downloads folder.
The Accessibility permission is required to allow macOS control the entire Mac keyboard. This is a basic macOS security procedure which will not affect other Mac applications or cause any security issues.
Additional details about the permissions required by Parallels Desktop are available in KB 124764.
6. Click on Finish to complete the Parallels Desktop installation.
7. Upon completing the installation, by default, you will be prompted to install Windows 11 virtual machine, which you can do so by clicking on Install Windows.
If you wish to install another operating system, click on Other Options.
On Mac computers with Intel processors, you can install any operating system available in the list of the supported operating systems. If you have a Mac with Apple silicon, visit this article: KB 125375.
8. You will be required to register and activate your purchased Parallels Desktop License under your Parallels Account before accessing your virtual machine, or activating your Parallels Desktop Trial.
To register and activate your Parallels Desktop for Mac, visit this article: KB 124225.
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