This guide walks you through downloading, installing, and activating Parallels Desktop on your Mac using your University of Pittsburgh software license. Parallels Desktop lets you run the Windows operating system alongside macOS, without rebooting your computer.
System Requirements:
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Minimum
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Processor
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Any Apple silicon chip (M-series or A18 Pro)
Core i5, Core i7, Core i9, Intel Core M or Xeon processor
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Memory
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4 GB of RAM
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Storage
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30 GB of available storage space
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Graphics
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Any Apple silicon chip (M-series or A18 Pro)
Intel, AMD Radeon, or NVIDIA graphics cards
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Operating System
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macOS Ventura 13.7 or newer
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An internet connection is required for product activation, updates, and select features.
For more information, review Parallels Desktop for Mac System Requirements in the Parallels Knowledge Base.
Recommended Preparation:
- Install available macOS Updates. For instructions, review the Update macOS on Mac page from Apple Support.
- Make sure you have at least 30 GB of available storage space. For more information and recommendations, review the Free up storage space on Mac page from Apple Support.
Installation Instructions:
Go to parallels.com/products/desktop/trial/. Enter your email address, click Agree, then click Download.
Open your Downloads folder and double-click the downloaded ParallelsDesktop.dmg file to begin installation.
Follow the installer prompts: review the welcome screen, accept the software license agreement, confirm the install location, then click Install to begin copying files.
When prompted, enter your Mac administrator username and password, then click OK to authorize the installation.
Wait while Parallels Desktop finish installing. The application will open automatically.
In the Apple menu bar, click Parallels Desktop, then select Account and Licenses.
Create a new Parallels account, or sign in with an existing one, when prompted. Note: We recommend creating a new Parallels account with your Pitt email address and a new password.
On the Activate Parallels Desktop screen, click Enter a Key.
Go to software.pitt.edu and log with your University Computing Account credentials. Review the Software Download Center terms and conditions, then click Agree to continue.
In the Software Download Center search bar, type Parallels.
From the search results, select Parallels for Students.
On the Parallels for Students page, click Claim Keys, and copy the activation key listed under Your Keys.
Paste the key into the Activation Key field on the Activate Parallels Desktop screen, then click Activate. A green checkmark confirms the key was accepted.
When the confirmation screen appears, click OK to close it.
Parallels Desktop is now activated and ready to use. You can now install Windows 11. Follow the step-by-step guidance that matches the type of Mac you have, see the Windows 11 Installation Guide for Parallels Desktop for ARM-based Mac or Windows 11 Installation Guide for Parallels Desktop for Intel-based Mac.
How to identify your Mac?
Need more help?
If you need assistance, try contacting the Technology Help Desk by calling 412-624-HELP (4357) or visiting the Drop-In Support Desk located at the University Store on Fifth and the Hillman Library's room G65. Important: Completing all macOS updates and upgrades before the service visit is highly recommended.