Windows 10: Can I continue to run windows 11 without activating it even after purchasing parallels?

I'm using the trial version of Parallels 18 on M2 MacBook. I fully intend to purchase Parallels VM after the trial ends. During installation process, I was promoted to install windows 11 which has not been activated. I'm aware that I require a separate product key to activate windows 11. But I want to know if I can run windows 11 without activating it even after purchasing parallels? Keeping in mind that I don't really have a need to customize windows. I only use it to open certain windows specific programs like excel plugins. Also I have already purchased MS officepackage includes excel, wo

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Activating Windows 11 on parallels

Hi,

I have installed windows 11 through parallels on MacBook M1. The installation process was automatic, guided by the parallels and eventually I got Windows 11 Home Edition. It is not activated. When I try to activate, it takes to the Microsoft store but there is no option to purchase the windows 11 key. I would like to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro version. Any ideas?

 

Activating Windows 11 on parallels

Hi,

In case someone still is trying to activate Windows 11 Pro in a Parallels 17 for Mac M1's Windows 10 Home default edition. Here is what I did:

1. In your Paralles' Windows 11 Home session, click on the Image File icon (top right corner, besides Network icon) at the Parallels' window.

2. Select the Image file that was used to installed the current version of Windows 11. (This will show you the contents of the ISO used)

3. Copy all the contents (boot, efi, sources, support, bootmgr.efi, setup.exe) into a new folder in Downloads folder (i.e. ...\Downloads\Window11setup)

4. open notepad.exe to create file ei.cfg , add the following lines to this file and save it.

[Channel]

_Default

[VL]

0

5. Save ei.cfg file in folder ...\Downloads\Windows11setup\sources\

6. Save your data if you need it, even thought the setup will ask you if you need to keep personal data.

7. Run the setup.exe from ...\Downloads\Windows11setup\

8. You will presented with a Windows 11 version selection window.

9. Select Windows 11 Pro and follow the steps.

10. Once Windows 11 Pro has been installed, go to activate and add your Pro license key. IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE FIRST ACTIVATION, TRY IT AGAIN. It did work for me.

Thanks to this site for the ei.cfg file instructions:

How To Select Pro Edition While Installing Windows 10)

Hope the above works for you!

 

Windows 10 Upgrade within Parallels 11

i am currently running Parallels 11 with Windows 7 Pro on my Apple Mac 2010 27inch. when trying to upgrade the Windows Virtual Window to Windows 10 I get the error message that I do not have enough Ram. The Apple Mac has 8gb of Memory whereas the upgrade
requires only 2gb.

I have no problems with running Parallels 11 with Windows 7 Pro but would like to complete the step and upgrade the Virtual window to Windows 10.

Any ideas please