This guide walks you through downloading, installing, and activating Windows 11 on your Parallels Desktop for Mac application. You will be using your University of Pittsburgh Azure Dev for Tools for Teaching license. When finished you can run the Windows 11 operating system alongside macOS, without rebooting your computer.
To activate Windows 11, go to Azure Dev for Tools for Teaching. In the Microsoft Azure Education | Overview screen, click on Learning resources. In the Microsoft Azure Education | Overview screen, click on Learning resources.
From the drop-down menu, select Software.
In the search box type in Windows 11, click on Windows 11 Education, version 25H2. On the split screen window, click on Download. Important: Keep this browser tab open to return to it later to claim your activation key.
Re-open the Parallels Windows 11 Install screen, click Other Options.
Select the Install Windows, Linux, or MacOS from an image file icon, then click Continue.
Parallels Desktop scans for installable operating systems, like the Windows 11 installation file that was downloaded in the previous step. If you see the version of Windows you want, select it and click Continue. Note: If the Windows installation source didn’t show, select Choose Manually to browse your downloads folder and select the Windows 11 iso file, then click Continue.
On the Windows License Key screen, check Enter Windows license key for faster installation.
Return to the Azure Dev for Tools for Teaching tab you kept open earlier, click View Key, and copy the Product key that appears.
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.
Paste the key into the Windows License Key field on the Windows License Key screen, then click Continue.
Select Productivity in the I Will Primarily use Windows for list, then click Continue.s
Leave the default settings on the Name and Location screen, then click Create.
Wait for Windows installation to finish.
When the Installation Complete splash screen appears, click to continue.
Review the Windows License Agreement, then click Accept.
Windows 11 is now installed and ready to use. You can now install Microsoft Project and 365 and Office apps available free of charge through the University of Pittsburgh Microsoft 365 Apps portal. For step-by-step guidance, see the Microsoft Project and 365 and Office apps Installation Guide.
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.