Parallels Desktop lets you run Windows 11 in a virtual machine on a Mac. The Parallels licence only covers the virtualisation software. To activate Windows 11, you also need a separate valid Windows licence with a 25-character product key.
Before you start
- Check that your Mac meets the system requirements for Parallels Desktop 26.
- Find the Parallels download and licence code under Orders in your SURFspot account.
- Make sure you know the administrator password for your Mac.
- Make sure you have sufficient free disk space and a stable internet connection.
- Have a separate valid Windows 11 product key available if you want to activate Windows immediately.
Install Parallels Desktop 26
- Sign in to SURFspot, open Orders and download Parallels Desktop 26.
- Open the downloaded file.
- Double-click the Parallels icon to start installation.
- Select Open when macOS asks whether you want to open the application.
- Read the licence agreement and select Accept.
- Enter the administrator password for your Mac and select OK.
- Grant the requested macOS permissions. Read the explanation if you want to know why access is required.
- Select Finish when the permissions have been configured.
Install Windows 11
- Allow Parallels to download Windows 11. This may take some time.
- Select Continue when installation is complete.
- Read the Windows licence agreement and select Accept.
- Wait until Parallels confirms that the virtual machine has been configured.
Activate Parallels
- Create a Parallels account or select I have a password to sign in to an existing account.
- Enter the Parallels licence code from your SURFspot order.
- Select Activate and wait for confirmation that Parallels is activated.
Activate Windows 11
- In Windows, open the Start menu and go to Settings.
- Go to System and open Activation or Activate Now.
- Select Change product key.
- Enter the 25-character Windows product key and select Next.
- Confirm activation and allow Windows to perform any required updates.
- Under Activation, check that Windows is shown as activated.
Installation or activation does not work
Check which code is being requested: the Parallels code activates Parallels Desktop and the Windows code activates Windows 11. The codes are not interchangeable. Take a screenshot of the complete error message and contact us with your order number, Mac model, macOS version and the stage at which the issue occurs.