# Running macOS Virtual Machines

You can install a copy of macOS in a virtual machine and use it as a guest operating system. This can be useful, for example, if you want to test software in another version of macOS or without having to log in and out of your main account.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Note**: in the App Store Edition, this feature is only available on Intel Mac machines, and not available on Apple Silicon Macs. For more information on the App Store Edition, follow this [link](https://kb.parallels.com/123796).
{% endhint %}

To install macOS in a virtual machine:

1. Open Parallels Desktop and choose **File** > **New** or use the **+** button in the top right corner of the **Control Center**.
2. Under **Free Systems**, select **Download macOS**, click **Continue**, and follow the onscreen instructions. This process installs the latest publicly available version of macOS.
3. If you wish to install another version of macOS, use the **Install Windows, Linux, or macOS from an Image File** option and follow the onscreen instructions. This method also supports drag'n'drop.

<figure><img src="/files/FcHeRzunZkioEsCI8ysg" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**: Starting from Parallels Desktop version 19, you can use .ipsw files to set up macOS virtual machines on Apple Silicon Macs.\
\
To install from a .ipsw file, double-click on it, choose the name of your new virtual machine, and click **Create**.<br>

For information on creating a macOS machine using the command line interface, refer to the [respective section](/landing/parallels-desktop-developers-guide/command-line-interface-utility/manage-virtual-machines-from-cli/general-virtual-machine-management/create-a-virtual-machine.md) of Parallels Desktop Developer's Guide.
{% endhint %}

Several limitations remain for macOS virtual machines, some of which are specific to CPU architecture. For example, [Coherence mode](/landing/pdfm-ug/v19-en-us/parallels-desktop-for-mac-19-users-guide/use-windows-on-your-mac/setting-how-windows-works-with-macos/merging-windows-and-macos.md) is not supported for any macOS virtual machines.

You can also copy and paste text and drag and drop files between host and guest macOS, just as you can when using Windows as a guest OS, but only on Intel-based Macs.

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Warning**: Due to the limitations of Apple's own virtualization framework, signing in with Apple ID or connecting your macOS virtual machines to iCloud for backup, sync, or remote management (**System Settings** -> **Apple ID**) is not supported on Apple Silicon Macs.
{% endhint %}

For the latest limitations of macOS virtual machines running on Apple Silicon Macs, check this [KB article](https://kb.parallels.com/en/128867).

You can [set whether function keys and other system shortcuts trigger actions in the host or guest version of macOS](/landing/pdfm-ug/v19-en-us/parallels-desktop-for-mac-19-users-guide/use-windows-on-your-mac/mouse-trackpad-and-keyboard/customizing-keyboard-shortcuts.md).


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