> 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/v20-en-us/parallels-desktop-for-mac-20-users-guide/install-or-upgrade-parallels-desktop/installing-parallels-desktop.md).

# Installing Parallels Desktop

You can be up and running with Parallels Desktop in a few easy steps:

1. Make sure you have the latest update of macOS.
2. Do one of the following:
   * If you downloaded Parallels Desktop from [the Parallels website](http://www.parallels.com/download/desktop/), double-click the disk image file, most likely in your **Downloads** folder.
   * If you purchased a boxed copy of Parallels Desktop with a USB thumb drive, connect the drive to your Mac, open it, and double-click the disk image file.
   * If you purchased a boxed copy with a link to the installation file, open the link in your web browser, download Parallels Desktop, and double-click the disk image file.
   * If you purchased a boxed copy with an installation disc, insert the disc.
3. Double-click the **Install** icon and follow the onscreen instructions to install Parallels Desktop.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** If your Mac doesn't have a DVD-ROM, you can use the download link, available in the retail box, to download Parallels Desktop over the Internet.
{% endhint %}


---

# 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/v20-en-us/parallels-desktop-for-mac-20-users-guide/install-or-upgrade-parallels-desktop/installing-parallels-desktop.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.