How do I connect an CD/DVD ISO Image to a virtual machine

Symptoms

I have an ISO image file. How do I connect it to my virtual machine?

Note: If you are having difficulties with Parallels Tools installation, please follow this article: KB 8969

Note: To install Windows or other operating system using ISO image file please use KB 4729

Resolution

To connect a CD/DVD image file to your Parallels Desktop virtual machine please follow the steps below:

If the virtual machine is stopped:

1. In Mac menu click on Actions (Virtual Machine in previous versions) > Configure

   

   

2. Switch to Hardware tab
3. Click on the CD/DVD on the left

4. Under Connect to click on Choose an image file

   

5. Locate the ISO image file in the appeared dialog and click Open
6. Close the virtual machine Configuration window
7. Start your virtual machine. The contents of your ISO file are now accessible as a virtual CD/DVD ROM drive inside the virtual machine

If the Virtual Machine is running:

  In Window view mode: In Mac menu bar click on Devices > CD/DVD 1 > Connect Image...

  in Coherence view mode: click on Parallels menu icon > go to Devices > CD/DVD 1 > Connect Image...