How to Boot Parallels on a Mac

Parallels is software for Macs that allows users to run a virtual version of Windows on Intel based Macs. Parallels creates a virtual machine on your Mac that runs Windows and allows you to choose the specifications of the machine. It also allows users to switch between the native Mac OS and the Windows OS without restarting your Mac. To boot Parallels on a Mac you need to own Parallels and have a Windows OS installed on it.

Things You'll Need

• Parallels for Mac
• Windows Vista or Windows XP

Instructions

1. Open Parallels in your Hard drive/Applications folder. Double click on it to open it. A virtual machine catalog will open.

2. Click on the virtual machine you want to boot. Click "Select". A new window will open showing you that virtual machine's specification.

3. Click the "Start" button, a green arrow on the right hand side of the screen, or select "Start Virtual Machine" from the Action menu.

4. Select which mode you want to run the virtual machine in, Guest OS Window, Full Screen, VM Configuration or Coherence. You have now booted Parallels to run virtual machines on your Mac.

Tips & Warnings

• Coherence mode allows you to switch between the Windows and Mac OS.

• Always shut down the virtual machines before you quit Parallels to protect your files. Shut down the virtual machine by selecting "Shut Down" or "Turn off Computer" from the Start menu.

References

• Parallels Software International: Parallels Desktop for Mac Quick Start Guide

Resources

• Mac Tech: How do Boot Camp, Parallels Desktop, and VMware Fusion stack up?