If you haven't yet, you will need to install Parallels Desktop 10 on your computer before proceeding. Please see Parallels - Installing Parallels 10 Desktop for instructions.

• Important: The DoIT Tech Store only sells physical copies of Windows 8. If your Mac computer does not have a DVD drive, you will need to create an .iso image of the installation DVD in order to proceed. For assistance, please visit one of our Service Desks, or, if you have access to a different Mac computer with a DVD, you can create the .iso image using these instructions: http://kb.parallels.com/4917

To install Windows on Parallels:

1. Insert your Windows installation DVD into your computer (or mount your .iso file). From your Mac's Applications folder, launch Parallels Desktop.

2. Open the File menu and select New...

   

3. Click Install Windows or another OS from DVD or image file, then click Continue.

   

4. Parallels Wizard will detect the installation media automatically. Verify that the correct media is highlighted and click Continue.

   

5. In the Windows Product Key window, leave Express installation checked, then enter the product key you received with your copy of Windows 8. Click Continue.

   

6. Select the way in which you will be primarily using Windows 8. Productivity is appropriate for most users, but the four options are:

   • Productivity
   • Games only
   • Design
   • Software development

   If you are not sure which profile to choose, please see the following Parallels support article: http://kb.parallels.com/122658

   

7. Specify a name and location for your virtual machine.

   • The name can be anything you want, but it is generally best to give it a name that is recognizable, e.g. Windows 8.
   • The default location for Parallels virtual machines is /Users/username/Documents/Parallels, but this can be changed if desired.

   If you want other user accounts on your Mac to have access to this installation of Windows, select Share with other users of this Mac.

   If you want to change your default virtual machine settings select Customize settings before installation. These settings can also be changed easily after installation.

   

8. Click Continue to begin the installation. Once Windows is installed, launch it by opening a Windows application or by clicking the Power button in the Parallels Virtual Machines list.

   • Important: The first time you start Windows, Parallels Tools will be installed to allow seamless operation between Windows and OS X. Please do not cancel or stop the installation process. Once the Parallels Tools are installed, you will be prompted to restart Windows.

9. For instructions on installing Microsoft Office on Windows, please see: Parallels - Installing Microsoft Office on a Windows Virtual Machine

Document adapted from http://kb.parallels.com/en/4729