> 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/pdfm-ug/parallels-desktop-for-mac-26-users-guide/use-windows-on-your-mac/getting-started/installing-windows-applications.md).

# Installing Windows Applications

You install Windows applications on your Mac just as you would on a Windows PC. The most common ways of installing applications are:

* Installing the application from [Microsoft Store](https://apps.microsoft.com/home).
* Downloading the application or installation file from the Internet or a network.
* Using a CD or DVD installation disc.

### Install an Application from Microsoft Store

1. [Start Windows](/landing/pdfm-ug/parallels-desktop-for-mac-26-users-guide/use-windows-on-your-mac/getting-started/launching-windows.md).
2. Open the [**Start Menu**](/landing/pdfm-ug/parallels-desktop-for-mac-26-users-guide/use-windows-on-your-mac/getting-started/opening-a-windows-application.md#windows-start-menu) and click on **Microsoft Store** or use the search bar to find it.
3. Sign in with your Microsoft account if prompted, and use the search bar to find the required app.
4. Click Get to install the app.

<figure><img src="/files/wq4ABRRIEcvb9bgejfGJ" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Install an Application from the Internet or local network

1. [Start Windows](/landing/pdfm-ug/parallels-desktop-for-mac-26-users-guide/use-windows-on-your-mac/getting-started/launching-windows.md).
2. Launch your preferred web browser and download the application from the developer's website.\
   \
   [**Note**: It is important to download Windows applications using one of the browsers installed in the Windows virtual machine. Many websites attempt to detect your operating system, so downloading apps using your Mac's browser will likely produce the macOS version of the app.](#user-content-fn-1)[^1]
3. Double-click on the installation file and follow the instructions.

For more information about connecting to the Internet and networks, see [Connecting to the Internet or a Network](/landing/pdfm-ug/parallels-desktop-for-mac-26-users-guide/use-windows-on-your-mac/connecting-to-the-internet-or-a-network.md).

### Install an Application from a CD/DVD Installation Disc

1. [Start Windows](/landing/pdfm-ug/parallels-desktop-for-mac-26-users-guide/use-windows-on-your-mac/getting-started/launching-windows.md).
2. Insert the installation disc.
3. In most cases, an AutoPlay dialog opens. Click the option to run a setup or install file, then follow the onscreen instructions.

For more information about using CD and DVD discs with Parallels Desktop, see [**CD/DVD**](/landing/pdfm-ug/parallels-desktop-for-mac-26-users-guide/parallels-desktop-preferences-and-virtual-machine-settings/virtual-machine-settings/hardware-settings/cd-dvd-settings.md).

[^1]:


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.parallels.com/landing/pdfm-ug/parallels-desktop-for-mac-26-users-guide/use-windows-on-your-mac/getting-started/installing-windows-applications.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.