How to Run Mac and Windows Simultaneously using Parallels Desktop

Are you looking to run both macOS and Windows on your Intel-based Mac computer? With Parallels Desktop, you can do just that. In this guide, we'll show you how to import your Boot Camp partition into Parallels Desktop and start running both operating systems simultaneously.

Option 1: Set Parallels Desktop to Run Windows from the Boot Camp Partition

If you've already installed Windows on your Mac using Boot Camp, you can set Parallels Desktop to work with Boot Camp. To do this, follow these steps:

* Locate where you want to store Windows and your data, and then click Choose.

* Right-click the Boot Camp version of Windows and click Import Boot Camp.

* Right-click on the Parallels Desktop icon in the Dock and open Control Center (Virtual Machines list in older versions).

* Set Parallels Desktop to use Boot Camp, as described in the steps above.

Option 2: Import Windows and Your Data from Boot Camp into Parallels Desktop

Alternatively, you can create a new virtual machine using a separate virtual hard disk that stores an exact copy of the imported Boot Camp partition. To do this:

* Close Configuration and continue installation.

* In Configuration, switch to Hardware tab > Hard Disk 1: Choose physical Boot Camp partition.

* Make sure the Customize settings before installation box is checked.

* On the next page, check the Continue without a source box.

* Choose the type of operating system installed in Boot Camp.

* Choose Install Windows or another OS from DVD or image file, and then click Continue.

* In Parallels Wizard, choose Use Windows from Boot Camp, then click Continue.

Important: Boot Camp Assistant can only operate on the primary disk where macOS is installed. Additionally, Parallels Desktop only supports Boot Camp partitions created using Apple Boot Camp Assistant.

By following these steps, you'll be able to run both Mac OS X and your Boot Camp Windows installation simultaneously using Parallels Desktop.

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