> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.parallels.com/landing/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.parallels.com/landing/pd-ag/getting-started/installing-and-activating-parallels-desktop.md).

# Installing and Activating Parallels Desktop

As an administrator of your organization's Parallels Desktop setup, you may need to experiment with Parallels Desktop first, test certain features or workflows, and create a virtual machine image manually. To do that, install your separate copy of Parallels Desktop on your machine:

1. Download the installation image from [here](https://parallels.com/directdownload/pd/).<br>

   <figure><img src="/files/Dm2iu7WkCulWb6gk54hE" alt="" width="416"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
2. Use a license key from the My Account admin dashboard to activate.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Note**: We strongly recommend using secondary sublicense keys for this type of installation and not sharing your primary license key with end users. For allocating secondary keys, follow the advice [here](/landing/pd-ag/getting-started/dividing-users-into-groups/dividing-users-into-groups-with-sublicenses.md).
{% endhint %}


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