> 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/use-windows-on-your-mac/protecting-your-data/setting-password-requirements.md).

# Setting Password Requirements

For added security, you can set Parallels Desktop to require an administrator password to perform certain functions.

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 **Security**.
3. Select one or more of the following to require a macOS administrator password to perform the selected action:
   * **Change virtual machine state**: A password is required to [start, stop, suspend, pause, or shut down](/landing/pdfm-ug/v20-en-us/parallels-desktop-for-mac-20-users-guide/use-windows-on-your-mac/getting-started/shutdown-and-suspend-windows.md) Windows.
   * **Exit full-screen mode**: A password is required to exit the [full-screen mode](/landing/pdfm-ug/v20-en-us/parallels-desktop-for-mac-20-users-guide/use-windows-on-your-mac/setting-how-windows-works-with-macos/running-windows-in-full-screen-mode.md).
   * **Manage snapshots**: A password is required to [create or delete a snapshot](/landing/pdfm-ug/v20-en-us/parallels-desktop-for-mac-20-users-guide/advanced-topics/working-with-virtual-machines/saving-snapshots-of-a-virtual-machine.md) or revert to a snapshot.
   * **Change virtual machine configuration**: A password is required to change the virtual machine configuration.

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