> 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/opening-a-windows-application.md).

# Opening a Windows Application

Opening a Windows application is as easy as opening a Mac application. Here are several ways to open Windows applications:

* From the Windows Applications folder in the Dock
* From the Windows Start menu
* From the macOS Finder
* From the Dock
* Using Spotlight search

### Windows Application Folder

This folder is available in the macOS Dock and contains all your Windows applications. As you install more applications, they are automatically added.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**: Windows Application Folder is not available in the App Store version. For more information on the differences between the Standard and App Store editions, follow this [link](https://kb.parallels.com/123796).
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/2HEAdlWdZ6WnpKlFZqi6" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To open a Windows application using the Windows Applications folder:

* Click the folder, and then choose an application.

To add the Windows applications folder to the Dock:

1. Do one of the following:
   * Click the Parallels Desktop icon in the menu bar and choose **Configure**.
   * If the Parallels Desktop menu bar is visible at the top of the screen, choose **Actions** > **Configure**.
2. Click **Options** and then click **Applications**.
3. Make sure **Share Windows applications with Mac** is selected, and then select **Show Windows applications folder in Dock**.

### Windows Start Menu

To open a Windows application from the Start menu:

1. Do one of the following:
   * Click the Parallels Desktop icon in the menu bar and choose **Windows Start Menu**.<br>

     <div align="left" data-full-width="false"><figure><img src="/files/Fe2IQUeeE1nncSNczuZG" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
   * If Windows is in Full Screen or Window mode, open the Start Menu as you normally would.\
     [**Note:** You can also Control-click or Right-click the Parallels Desktop icon.](#user-content-fn-1)[^1]
2. Click on the application you want.

### Application Icon in the Dock

When you open a Windows application, its icon appears in the macOS Dock at the bottom of the screen. By default, when you close the application, the icon disappears from the Dock. Keeping an application's icon in the Dock provides a quick way to open the application anytime.

To keep a Windows application's icon in the Dock, do one of the following:

* Right-click or Control-click the Windows application icon in the Dock and choose **Keep in Dock** from the shortcut menu.
* Drag the application's icon from the Finder to the Dock.

Now, you can open the application again anytime by clicking the icon in the Dock.

### Spotlight

You can search for and open Windows applications using Spotlight:

* Click the Spotlight icon in the upper-right corner of your screen, or press Command-Space bar on your keyboard. Then type the name of the application and select it from the list.

[^1]:


---

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