# Launching Windows

To use Windows applications on your Mac, your Windows virtual machine must be running.

The simplest way to start Windows is to [open a Windows application](https://docs.parallels.com/landing/pdfm-ug/v20-en-us/parallels-desktop-for-mac-20-users-guide/use-windows-on-your-mac/getting-started/opening-a-windows-application). If Windows isn't already running when you open a Windows application, it starts automatically [in Coherence mode](https://docs.parallels.com/landing/pdfm-ug/v20-en-us/parallels-desktop-for-mac-20-users-guide/use-windows-on-your-mac/setting-how-windows-works-with-macos/merging-windows-and-macos).

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

{% hint style="info" %}
**Important:** If Windows was previously shut down, you may need to enter your Windows password.
{% endhint %}

You can also start Windows by doing the following:

1. Open Parallels Desktop.
2. In the **Control Center**, double-click on the Windows virtual machine.\
   ![](https://4047593329-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNgaOYFJddKmopmi2cfn5%2Fuploads%2FwLv3mrCFYuqufJwfiyXX%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=d83f5ccd-d85c-4243-ae9f-58fcb797f8da)\
   [**Note:** The **Control Center** lists all virtual machines that are registered in Parallels Desktop. If a virtual machine is stored on an external drive and it's not connected to your Mac, the virtual machine icon is displayed as a question mark (?). To start such a virtual machine, connect the external disk to the Mac.](#user-content-fn-1)[^1]
3. Click anywhere in the Windows window that appears.

Windows starts, and you can begin using Windows applications alongside macOS.

[^1]: