Help - How to Install Parallels with Windows 11 Home on a M2 Mac Studio?

Discussion in 'Installation and Configuration of Parallels Desktop' started by TheodoreL2, May 17, 2026 at 8:00 PM.

  1. TheodoreL2

    TheodoreL2 Bit poster

    Messages:
    1
    I got myself into a pickle tonight with the great idea of updating my Parallels with Windows 11 on my Mac Studio M2. I purchased Windows 11 Home, but the Parallels installation automatically chose Windows 11 Pro as the OS, and now I can't activate Windows with my Windows Home activation key!. And I can't figure out how to upgrade Home to Pro, the Microsoft Store is miserable in this regard. In this situation, all I need is Windows 11 Home. I have tried deleting Parallels, the associated Windows virtual machine files, then reinstalling but I can't figure out how to force Parallels to select Home instead of Pro. If anyone has any suggestions, other than shelling out money for a Windows Pro license, I would greatly appreciate the guidance. Thanks!
     
  2. IlkkaP

    IlkkaP Bit poster

    Messages:
    9
    You don't need to activate Windows 11 Pro that is automatically installed by Parallels. You can use the Pro version legally as long as you want. There are only some personalization features that are not available on a non-activated Windows 11 Pro.
     

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