Nothing happens when opening a file on a Mac with a Windows application

Symptoms

When I try to open a file on a Mac side using Windows application (for example .xls file ->'Open With'->'Excel.app') nothing happens.

Virtual Machine is running, application does not open, my action has no effect.

Shared Applications feature is enabled in Virtual machine Configuration > Options > Applications.

Cause

Sometimes .app packages created by Parallels Desktop lose links to their Virtual Machine counterparts.

Resolution

1. Start your Windows Virtual Machine and launch the necessary Windows application

2. On the Mac side right-click the file you want to open with Windows app and choose 'Open With' -> relevant app

Example:

• You want to open an .xls (Excel) file located on the Mac Desktop with Microsoft Excel

• You start your Windows Virtual Machine and launch Microsoft Excel (empty workbook)

• On the Mac side you locate the .xls file, right-click on it and choose Open With... -> Microsoft Excel (your Virtual machine name)

Application should now be properly registered. "Open with" feature should now work as intended.