Downloading and installing software like Parallels Desktop for ChromeOS is crucial for those looking to run Windows applications on their Chromebooks.
While the term “desktop” might seem a bit old-school, this software acts as a bridge, allowing seamless integration of these environments.
Fortunately, in 2025, the process of getting Parallels Desktop up and running on your ChromeOS device is straightforward.
If you’re in need of a guide to download and install Parallels Desktop for ChromeOS, this article will walk you through each step, making the setup a breeze.
Before getting started
Hardware Requirements
| Component | Minimum Requirements | Recommended for Best Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i3 (11th Gen or newer) or AMD Ryzen 3 (5000 series) | Intel Core i5 or i7 + fan cooling; AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 + fan cooling |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB | 16 GB or more |
| Storage | 128 GB | 256 GB or more |
Check out our list of the best Chromebooks for Work
Software Requirements
- ChromeOS Version: ChromeOS version 85 or later is required to run Parallels Desktop.
- Google Admin Console: Required for setting up organizational units and configuring Parallels Desktop properties. Admins must have sufficient privileges.
- Enterprise Licenses: Chrome Enterprise Upgrade or Chrome Education Upgrade licenses are necessary for deployment.
- Microsoft Windows: A Windows ISO image and a valid Windows license are required to install Windows applications.
Downloading Parallels Desktop on ChromeOS
Follow these steps to download and install Parallels Desktop on your ChromeOS device:
- Visit the Official Website:
- Go to the Parallels Desktop for ChromeOS page to access the latest version.
- Purchase a License:
- Obtain a Parallels Desktop license directly from the website or through your organization.
- Download the Software:
- Click on the download link provided on the site to get the installation file.
- Install Parallels Desktop:
- Locate the downloaded file in your Downloads folder and double-click it to start the installation. Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Set Up Windows Environment:
- You will need a Windows ISO file to create a virtual machine. Download this from Microsoft’s official site or use an existing image, then follow Parallels’ setup instructions.
Setup and Configuration of Parallels Desktop on ChromeOS
Configuring Parallels Desktop for optimal performance and integration on your ChromeOS device is essential for a smooth user experience. Follow these steps to set up and configure the software effectively:
- Launch Parallels Desktop:
- Open the Parallels Desktop application from your ChromeOS Launcher.
- Install Parallels Tools:
- After launching Windows, install Parallels Tools to enhance integration between Windows and ChromeOS. This can be done by clicking on the Parallels Tools CD drive in Windows Explorer and running the setup.
- Configure Performance Settings:
- Adjust CPU and RAM allocation to optimize performance based on your device’s capabilities. For instance, allocate more resources if your device has higher specifications (e.g., 16 GB RAM).
- Set Up Shared Folders:
- In the Parallels settings, navigate to Options > Sharing.
- Enable shared folders to allow seamless access to files between ChromeOS and Windows. You can choose specific folders or enable access to your entire Downloads folder.
- Enable Integration Features:
- Under Options > Integration, enable features such as Shared Profile, which allows you to use ChromeOS credentials in Windows applications.
- Consider enabling clipboard sharing for easy copy-pasting between systems.
- Network Configuration:
- Ensure that the Windows virtual machine is set to use the same network as your ChromeOS device for better connectivity and access to shared resources.
- Regular Updates:
- Keep both ChromeOS and Parallels Desktop updated to benefit from the latest features and security improvements.
Try Parallels on ChromeOS today so you can run Windows Apps and Games on your Chromebook!
Running Windows Applications with Parallels for ChromeOS
Parallels Desktop for ChromeOS allows you to run Windows applications seamlessly on your Chromebook. Here’s a quick guide on how to manage these applications effectively.
- Launching Windows Applications:
- Open Parallels Desktop from your ChromeOS Launcher.
- Start your Windows virtual machine. Once Windows is running, you can access any installed Windows applications just like you would on a traditional PC.
- Managing Applications:
- Use the Parallels toolbar at the top of the screen to manage settings, enter keyboard shortcuts, and adjust volume.
- Applications can be pinned to the taskbar for quick access.
- File Sharing Between Environments:
- Shared folders are automatically created by Parallels, allowing you to access files between ChromeOS and Windows easily.
- To share specific folders, right-click on them in the ChromeOS Files app and select Share with Parallels Desktop. These folders will appear in Windows under Network > ChromeOS.
- You can also drag and drop files between the two environments, enhancing productivity.
- Offline Access:
- One of the key benefits of Parallels Desktop is that it allows you to work offline. Your Windows applications and files are available even without an internet connection, ensuring continuous productivity.
- User Experience:
- The integration between Windows and ChromeOS is designed for a smooth user experience, making it easy to switch between applications and environments.
- Printing and other peripheral functionalities are supported, allowing seamless use of devices connected to your Chromebook.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter problems during or after the installation of Parallels Desktop on ChromeOS, consider the following quick tips:
- Check Chrome Policies:
- Open your Chrome browser and enter
chrome://policyto view the policies. Ensure that the following policies are set correctly:- PluginVmAllowed: Should be set to “true”.
- PluginVmImage: Ensure this policy is present and correctly configured.
- UserPluginVmAllowed: Verify that users are allowed to use Parallels Desktop.
- Open your Chrome browser and enter
- Error Codes:
- If you receive error codes during setup, refer to the specific error messages:
- Error code: 4 indicates a configuration issue with the Windows image URL.
- Error code: 8 suggests a network problem preventing the image download.
- Error code: 10 means there’s a mismatch in the SHA-256 hash of the downloaded file.
- If you receive error codes during setup, refer to the specific error messages:
- Reboot and Refresh Policies:
- After applying changes in Google Admin Console, reboot your Chromebook to ensure policies take effect.
- Contact Support:
- For further assistance, visit Parallels support for detailed troubleshooting steps or create a support ticket if needed.
For more detailed documentation, you can refer to:
Wrapping up
Using Parallels Desktop on ChromeOS provides significant benefits, including seamless access to Windows applications and enhanced productivity through integration features.
With its ability to run Windows software alongside ChromeOS applications, users can leverage the strengths of both environments effectively.
Explore the capabilities of Parallels Desktop to maximize your productivity and streamline your workflow.