# Parallels Tools for Mac

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**: Parallels Tools do not install automatically when you set up a macOS virtual machine. Also, macOS virtual machines have certain limitations compared to virtual machines with other operating systems, namely, no Coherence mode, no Shared Profile, etc. For more on this, consult this [KB article](https://kb.parallels.com/128867).
{% endhint %}

### Installing Parallels Tools on a macOS Guest

To install Parallels Tools in a macOS virtual machine:

1. Start the macOS virtual machine.
2. When macOS boots up, go to the menu bar and choose **\<VM\_name>** > **Install Parallels Tools**. The Parallels Tools ISO image gets connected to the virtual machine's CD/DVD drive. The guest OS mounts it automatically.\
   \
   [**Note**: Parallels Tools installation image is always mounted on macOS virtual machines running on Apple silicon Macs.](#user-content-fn-1)[^1]
3. Open the Parallels Tools volume folder in Finder and double-click **Install**.
4. When prompted, enter the administrator password.
5. When the installation of Parallels Tools is complete, restart your virtual machine.

### Reinstalling Parallels Tools

To reinstall Parallels Tools:

1. Start your macOS virtual machine.
2. When macOS boots up, log in to the graphical session and choose **Reinstall Parallels Tools** from the **Virtual Machine** menu. Parallels Tools will be reinstalled automatically.

### Updating Parallels Tools

If a newer version of Parallels Tools for Mac is available, Parallels Tools update automatically.

### Ensuring Parallels Tools Have Been Installed

You can easily confirm whether Parallels Tools were installed. Start your virtual machine and look at the status bar of its window. If the tip `Press Ctrl + Alt to release the mouse and keyboard` appears in the status bar of the virtual machine's window, this means that Parallels Tools were not installed. When Parallels Tools are installed, you do not need to press any key to release the mouse and keyboard. They are released automatically.

[^1]:


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