> 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/v26-en-us/parallels-desktop-for-mac-26-users-guide/parallels-desktop-preferences-and-virtual-machine-settings/virtual-machine-settings/options/application-settings.md).

# Application Settings

In the **Applications** pane, you can choose whether Windows applications are shared with macOS and macOS applications with Windows, add a folder containing Windows applications to the Dock, set whether Windows applications bounce in the Dock to alert, and more.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**: This feature is not available for virtual machines running Linux or macOS.
{% endhint %}

To open these settings, choose **Actions** > **Configure** > **Options**, then click **Applications**.

<figure><img src="https://4273121642-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FcetaenGhHD5GRrct7U5v%2Fuploads%2FC6RJ73L3ZxHEnEqhCvFw%2FPDFM-123163_Coherence_Improvement.png?alt=media&amp;token=b609b633-c1cd-45c1-836b-0c46d5cb6034" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

| Option                                             | Description                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |
| -------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Share Windows applications with Mac**            | When sharing Windows applications is enabled, you can open Windows applications from the macOS Finder. You can also choose to add a folder to the Dock containing all your Windows applications for easy access.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |
| **Show Windows applications folder in Dock**       | <p>Select this option to add a Windows Applications Folder to the Dock</p><p>This folder is available in the macOS Dock and contains all your Windows applications. As you install more applications, they are automatically added.<br></p><p><a href="https://download.parallels.com/desktop/v19/docs/en_US/Parallels%20Desktop%20User&#x27;s%20Guide/43124.htm"><img src="https://download.parallels.com/desktop/v19/docs/en_US/Parallels%20Desktop%20User&#x27;s%20Guide/49454.png" alt="WAF"></a></p><p><br>To open a Windows application using the Windows Applications folder, click the folder and then choose an application.</p> |
| **Show Dock icons in Coherence only**              | <p>You can choose whether or not to show icons for Windows applications in the macOS Dock when in Window or Full Screen mode. If you prefer to work with applications by manipulating them on the Windows desktop, you may not want to be distracted by seeing them in the Dock alongside your macOS application icons.</p><p>To show Windows application icons in the Dock when in Window or Full Screen mode, deselect <strong>Show Dock icons in Coherence only</strong>.</p>                                                                                                                                                          |
| **Dock icons bounce to alert**                     | <p>When a Windows application icon in the Windows taskbar would normally flash to alert you to something, such as a new message in Skype or a notification in Microsoft Outlook, by default its icon also bounces repeatedly in the macOS Dock.</p><p>To enable or disable Windows application icons bouncing to alert, select or deselect <strong>Dock icons bounce to alert</strong>.</p>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |
| **Show Windows notification area in Mac menu bar** | Select this option to display the Windows system tray icons in the macOS menu bar.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |
| **Share Mac applications with Windows**            | Select this option to enable sharing macOS applications. When enabled, you can open macOS applications from within Windows or Windows applications.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       |


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