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+--- Thread: How to Run Windows Apps on Chromebook with Parallels Desktop for ChromeOS (/showthread.php?tid=592)
How to Run Windows Apps on Chromebook with Parallels Desktop for ChromeOS - Sneakyone - 09-09-2024
How to Run Windows Apps on Chromebook with Parallels Desktop for ChromeOS
Parallels Desktop for ChromeOS allows you to run full-featured Windows applications directly on your Chromebook. This solution is ideal for enterprise and education users who need access to Windows apps while working in a ChromeOS environment. This guide will walk you through the setup process for running Windows apps on a Chromebook using Parallels Desktop for ChromeOS.
Step 1: Check Requirements for Parallels Desktop
Before setting up Parallels Desktop on your Chromebook, make sure your device meets the following requirements:
1. Your Chromebook must be a Chromebook Enterprise model or have Chrome Enterprise Upgrade.
2. Ensure that your Chromebook has at least 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage for optimal performance.
3. You need an IT administrator to set up and configure Parallels Desktop. Parallels Desktop for ChromeOS is primarily intended for enterprise environments.
Step 2: IT Administrator Setup of Parallels Desktop
Parallels Desktop for ChromeOS requires administrative setup by your organization's IT administrator. Here's an overview of what they need to do:
1. Your IT administrator will need access to Google Admin Console to configure Parallels Desktop for your organization's Chromebooks.
2. The administrator must set up Windows virtual machines (VMs) in the Admin Console, deploy Windows images to the ChromeOS devices, and ensure Parallels licenses are assigned to users.
Step 2.1: Admin Console Configuration
1. In the Google Admin Console, go to Devices > Chrome > Apps & extensions > Parallels Desktop.
2. Configure the settings and policies for deploying Parallels Desktop and Windows VMs to users.
Step 2.2: Assign Parallels Licenses to Users
1. Ensure that each user has an active Parallels Desktop license assigned in the Google Admin Console.
Step 3: Install Parallels Desktop on Your Chromebook
Once your IT administrator has configured Parallels Desktop and assigned licenses, you can install it on your Chromebook.
Step 3.1: Install the Parallels Desktop App
1. Open your Chromebook and sign in using your enterprise account.
2. Go to the Launcher (circle icon in the bottom-left corner), and search for Parallels Desktop in the apps list.
3. Click to open the Parallels Desktop app. If it's not installed, your IT administrator may need to push it to your Chromebook.
Step 3.2: Set Up Windows on Parallels Desktop
1. Once Parallels Desktop launches, follow the prompts to set up Windows. This will install a virtualized version of Windows on your Chromebook.
2. The installation process may take several minutes depending on the size of the Windows image and your internet connection.
Step 4: Run Windows Apps on Chromebook
After setting up Parallels Desktop with a Windows VM, you can start running Windows applications on your Chromebook.
Step 4.1: Open Windows in Parallels Desktop
1. Open the Parallels Desktop app from your Launcher.
2. Click on the Windows virtual machine to start it.
Step 4.2: Install Windows Apps
1. Once Windows is running, you can install Windows apps just like you would on any Windows PC.
2. Use the Start menu to find and install applications such as Microsoft Office, Adobe software, or other Windows-exclusive programs.
Step 4.3: Launch Windows Apps from ChromeOS
1. Parallels Desktop allows seamless integration with ChromeOS. You can pin your favorite Windows apps directly to the ChromeOS shelf for easy access.
2. After installing a Windows app, it will appear in your Launcher under Windows apps.
3. Click on a Windows app from the Launcher or ChromeOS shelf to open it directly in the Parallels virtual machine.
Step 5: Manage Resources and Settings
To optimize performance and manage your Windows virtual machine:
Step 5.1: Adjust Parallels Settings
1. Open Parallels Desktop and click on the gear icon in the top-right corner to access settings.
2. Adjust resource allocation (CPU, memory, storage) for Windows, depending on your Chromebookâs capabilities.
Step 5.2: Save and Restore VM States
1. Parallels Desktop allows you to save the state of your virtual machine when you close Windows.
2. You can resume your Windows session at any time by opening Parallels Desktop again.
Step 6: Shut Down or Restart Windows
To safely shut down or restart Windows running in Parallels Desktop:
1. Open the Start menu in the Windows virtual machine.
2. Select Shut down or Restart as needed. Alternatively, you can close the Parallels Desktop window to suspend the VM.
Conclusion
Parallels Desktop for ChromeOS allows Chromebook users to run full-featured Windows applications without leaving the ChromeOS environment. By following this guide, you can set up Windows on your Chromebook and use essential Windows apps seamlessly alongside ChromeOS. This solution is ideal for enterprise users who need access to both Chrome and Windows environments.