Mac: Install and set up Parallels - Here's how

If you want to use Windows on your Mac OS, you can do it with Parallels. This practical tip shows you how to install and set up this software.

Install and set up Parallels Desktop on Mac - so it'll work

First, download the latest version of Parallels Desktop.

1. After successful installation, open the program on your Mac.
2. At the top of Parallels Desktop, click "File"> "New" and then "Install Windows or another OS from DVD or image file" and confirm with "Continue".
3. The next step is to select the installation medium. If you have a Windows DVD, you can now insert it and select "DVD". Alternatively, you can start the installation from a USB stick or an ISO file.
4. As soon as you have inserted a medium, the installer recognizes this and automatically switches to the next step. There you still have to enter the corresponding product key. Leave the box next to "Express installation".
5. Then select what you want to use Windows for and confirm with "Continue".
6. Now you can give the installation a name and specify the location of the installation. In most cases, however, this does not have to be changed. Click "Continue" to start the installation of Windows.
7. After successfully installing Windows, you can use the selected version of Windows in Parallels 9 to install and manage Windows programs.

This practical tip is based on Parallels Desktop for Mac 11.0 on Mac OS X. In the next practical tip, read how to move files under Parallels Desktop.