I am new to Parallels, and just purchased it a week or so ago. I didn't have a copy of Windows to use, so I downloaded the Windows 8.1 preview (Windows 7 look) that was included in the Parallels set up. It is now my understanding that Microsoft will be shutting down the preview in the beginning of 2014. Because of that, I have started to research the best way to upgrade, and it has left me a little confused... and with a few questions that I hope someone can help out with.
1. Do I download directly from the Microsoft website, and if so, which copy do I choose? I saw their preview upgrade page, and it isn't clear to me. Am I going to have to purchase the Pro version, or can I upgrade to the standard Windows 8.1?
2. When I do purchase a copy, will it use the same VM space that my current Windows occupies, or will it create a new VM?
3. Will I retain the programs that I have on my current Windows VM? If not, then what are the steps to get them copied over?
Thanks in advance for any help you can give me!
1. Do I download directly from the Microsoft website, and if so, which copy do I choose? I saw their preview upgrade page, and it isn't clear to me. Am I going to have to purchase the Pro version, or can I upgrade to the standard Windows 8.1?
2. When I do purchase a copy, will it use the same VM space that my current Windows occupies, or will it create a new VM?
3. Will I retain the programs that I have on my current Windows VM? If not, then what are the steps to get them copied over?
Thanks in advance for any help you can give me!