Installing and Running Windows 8 Using Parallels Desktop on a Mac

Get a copy of Parallels. It costs $79.99. You’ll also need a copy of Windows 8, either on DVD or other media or as an .iso file. Before you install Windows 8, you must install Parallels Desktop, which is the same simple process as installing any Mac program. Now you’re ready to install Windows 8. But since you’re installing Windows 8 as a virtual machine, you have to install it from within Parallels Desktop. Run Parallels and select File→New. A screen like the one shown in Figure 1.1 appears.


Getting started to create a virtual machine for Windows 8 on a Mac using Parallels

On this screen, you have the choice of migrating Windows from an existing PC (which makes sense if you already have a Windows 8 PC) or installing Windows from either a DVD or an .iso file. Down toward the bottom of the screen, there’s also an option for downloading Windows 8 for free. Keep in mind that this will be a trial version of Windows 8, not a fully paid one, so you can only use it for 90 days. It will likely be the Enterprise edition of Windows 8. You’ll download it as an .iso file. 

When you migrate, you’ll choose the method you want to use for the migration: over a network, from an external storage device, or using a USB cable you can buy from Parallels in the company’s “Switch to Mac” kit. From there, follow the wizard’s instructions. 

If you’re instead installing a fresh copy of Windows 8, select the “Install Windows or another OS from DVD or image file,” and click that option. On the next screen (Figure 1.2 ), choose whether you’re going to install from a DVD or .iso file (Parallels calls it an image file). If you’re installing from an .iso file, browse to the location of the file and choose it. Then click Continue.