How I add the external ssd A VM is running on to that VM?

Hi,

I have a new Win 11 VM running on an external ssd and want to install some apps I have also stored on the SSD. Is it even possible as my MacBook Pro needs to see the drive to run the VM and Parallels doesn't seem to let both the VM and the host see the drive at the same time. I can copy the stuff to another another drive so I have a work around, but I am just curious.

Cheers,
Brian