Troubleshooting Windows 11 VM Activation in Parallels on Mac
Question
Hi All,
Hey all. We allow users to run Windows 11 VM in Parallels on a Mac. It’s Pro edition installed, no key, and the users cloud assigned licensed takes over and enrolling steps up to Ent and is activated. Does anyone know if this approach is supported and correct? The very rare time Windows won’t activate but got me thinking if this is the correct method or not and if not what is.
Posted by Chris Evans in HTMD FB Group
Answers ( 2 )
Replied by Hugh Baker
Adam Brewer Was just considering buying a Mac and doing exactly this. Thanks for your answer.
Replied by Lukas DeejayTechpro
Adam Brewer yep that’s the way. It’s also worth noting Pro volume licenses as a base license would not be compliant too, you would need full Retail Pro licenses as a base for every VM.
System builder licenses are also not allowed for VMs as well.
Replied by Chris Evans
Adam Brewer Wicked thanks Adam. I knew this with physical hardware but not VM. I wonder if MAK keys can be used for the Pro set up.
Fore More Details Best Guide to Install Windows 11 using Parallels Desktop on macOS
https://www.anoopcnair.com/install-windows-11-using-parallels-desktop/
Replied by Adam Brewer
Windows Enterprise is effectively a “step-up” license. It requires a proper Windows Pro license underneath it. On physical hardware, like a Dell or Lenovo PC, it comes with an underlying Windows Pro OEM license. Even if you reimage the device with an Enterprise ISO, the Pro OEM license is tied to the hardware and counts as your “underlying” Pro license.
With a Parallels VM, you must purchase a full Windows Pro license and then you can use user-based licensing to “step-up” to Enterprise. Installing a Pro image that you don’t own a license for and then activating Windows Enterprise is not compliant, even if it appears to “work”.
Microsoft licensing is not always enforced through technical means.
Replied by Jeff Irvine
Adam Brewer yup, this is the answer.
Replied by Lloyd Cutler
Adam Brewer yep!