> 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/use-windows-on-your-mac/getting-started/launching-windows.md).

# 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](/landing/pdfm-ug/v26-en-us/parallels-desktop-for-mac-26-users-guide/use-windows-on-your-mac/getting-started/opening-a-windows-application.md). If Windows isn't already running when you open a Windows application, it starts automatically [in Coherence mode](/landing/pdfm-ug/v26-en-us/parallels-desktop-for-mac-26-users-guide/use-windows-on-your-mac/setting-how-windows-works-with-macos/merging-windows-and-macos.md).

{% 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://content.gitbook.com/content/cetaenGhHD5GRrct7U5v/blobs/ek70NNTbJdGsHtgUIgls/image.png)\
   **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.
3. Click anywhere in the Windows window that appears.

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


---

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