# 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]:


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