Parallels is a virtualization software that allows users to run multiple operating systems on their computer without the need for separate hardware. This software is popular among developers, designers, and IT professionals who need to test their applications on different platforms.

If you’re new to Parallels or looking to upgrade to a newer version, this guide will walk you through the installation process. Follow these steps to install Parallels on your Mac or Windows computer:

Check System Requirements

Before you install Parallels, you need to make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements. The following are the system requirements for Parallels Desktop 16 for Mac:

• A Mac computer with an Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, Core i9, Intel Core M, or Xeon processor
• macOS 10.15 Catalina, macOS 10.14 Mojave, macOS 10.13 High Sierra, or macOS 10.12 Sierra
• At least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB or more recommended)
• 500 MB of available disk space for the Parallels Desktop application
• Additional disk space for virtual machines (at least 16 GB for each virtual machine)

For Windows, the following are the system requirements for Parallels Desktop 16 for Windows:

• A PC with a 64-bit processor (Intel or AMD)
• Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 7 SP1
• At least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB or more recommended)
• 500 MB of available disk space for the Parallels Desktop application
• Additional disk space for virtual machines (at least 16 GB for each virtual machine)

Make sure your computer meets these requirements before you proceed with the installation.

Download and Install Parallels

Once you’ve checked your computer’s system requirements, you can proceed to download and install Parallels. Follow these steps:

1. Go to the Parallels website and choose the version of Parallels you want to download.
2. Click the “Download” button and wait for the download to complete.
3. Double-click the downloaded file to start the installation process.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Parallels on your computer.

During the installation process, you’ll be prompted to enter your Parallels activation key. If you don’t have an activation key, you can choose to activate Parallels later. Once the installation is complete, you can start using Parallels to run virtual machines on your computer.

Create a Virtual Machine

Now that you’ve installed Parallels on your computer, you can create a virtual machine. Follow these steps:

1. Open Parallels Desktop on your computer.
2. Click the “+” button in the top-left corner of the window to create a new virtual machine.
3. Choose the type of operating system you want to install and click “Continue.”
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure your virtual machine settings, including the amount of RAM and hard disk space you want to allocate to the virtual machine.
5. Insert the installation media for your chosen operating system, such as a CD or ISO file.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the operating system on the virtual machine.

Once you’ve created a virtual machine, you can start using it just like you would use a physical computer.

Configure Parallels Settings

Before you start using Parallels, you may want to configure some settings to optimize your experience. Here are some settings you may want to consider:

Coherence Mode

Coherence mode allows you to run Windows applications seamlessly on your Mac desktop. To enable Coherence mode, click the “View” menu in the Parallels menu bar and choose “Enter Coherence.”

Shared Folders

Shared folders allow you to access files on your Mac from within your Windows virtual machine. To set up shared folders, open the virtual machine configuration window, click the “Options” tab, and choose “Sharing.” From there, you can choose which folders to share and how they should be accessed.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Parallels includes several keyboard shortcuts that can help you navigate between your Mac and Windows environments. To view the available keyboard shortcuts, click the “Help” menu in the Parallels menu bar and choose “Keyboard Shortcuts.”

By configuring these settings, you can make the most of your Parallels experience and seamlessly switch between your Mac and Windows environments.

Configure Parallels Settings

After you’ve installed Parallels, you’ll want to configure its settings to ensure optimal performance. Here are some essential settings to configure:

• Coherence mode: Coherence mode allows you to run Windows applications directly on your Mac desktop without the need for a separate Windows desktop. To enable Coherence mode, click the View menu and select “Enter Coherence.”
• Shared folders: Shared folders allow you to access files on your Mac from within your Windows virtual machine. To set up shared folders, go to the Parallels Desktop menu and select “Preferences.” Click the “Sharing” tab and select the folders you want to share.
• Virtual machine settings: You can adjust the settings of your virtual machine to allocate more resources, such as CPU and RAM, to improve its performance. To access virtual machine settings, select the virtual machine in the Parallels Control Center and click the “Settings” button.

By configuring these settings, you can ensure that Parallels is working optimally and that you’re getting the most out of the software.

Upgrade to a Newer Version of Parallels

If you’re already using Parallels and want to upgrade to a newer version, follow these steps:

1. Check your computer’s system requirements for the new version of Parallels.
2. Purchase the new version of Parallels from the Parallels website or an authorized reseller.
3. Download the new version of Parallels and double-click the downloaded file to start the installation process.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the new version of Parallels.

During the installation process, you’ll be prompted to enter your Parallels activation key. If you’re upgrading from an older version of Parallels, you may be eligible for an upgrade discount. Once the installation is complete, you can start using the new version of Parallels with all its latest features and improvements.

In conclusion, installing Parallels is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. By following this guide, you can install Parallels on your computer and start running virtual machines in no time. Don’t forget to configure Parallels settings and upgrade to a newer version when necessary to ensure that you’re getting the most out of this powerful virtualization software.