Instructional: This is how you install Windows 11 on Mac using Parallels.

By Oliver, 4 September, 2025

Disclaimer

A guide based off my setup and preferences. Tweak as you will but should provide a means of getting up and running. I’ve used AI to compile, fixing errors where I’ve found them but I’m aware there may still be bugs. Please drop me a private message and I’ll edit accordingly.

Overview

A short, clear guide for blind users on macOS Sonoma. Uses VOCR for any inaccessible screen, Karabiner-Elements on Mac to map Caps Lock -> Insert, and SharpKeys in Windows to map Insert -> Caps Lock so Narrator can use Caps Lock as its modifier. Focuses on the App Store edition of Parallels. A standalone Parallels exists on the Parallels website if you need extra features later.

What you will install

  • Parallels Desktop — App Store Edition: Open in Mac App Store
    Differences and notes:
    • App Store: simplest install and activation via Apple ID; updates via App Store; good for a straightforward setup.
    • Standalone (download from Parallels): more features and integrations (for example Coherence mode, deeper file and device sharing, advanced VM and networking options). If you later need those, install it from Parallels: Parallels Desktop Standalone (trial/download).
    • Activation: you can activate the App Store edition with an active Parallels subscription key purchased on the Parallels website. Perpetual one-time keys do not activate the App Store edition. App Store in-app subscriptions do not provide a transferable license key.
  • VOCR for macOS: VOCR releases
  • Karabiner-Elements for macOS: Karabiner-Elements
  • SharpKeys for Windows:
    • Direct download: SharpKeys releases
    • Microsoft Store: open Microsoft Store and search for SharpKeys
  • Narrator tips: Narrator guide (Microsoft Support)

1) Prepare VOCR on macOS

  1. Unzip VOCR, move VOCR.app to Applications, open it.
  2. Open VoiceOver Utility (VO+F8). In General, enable Allow VoiceOver to be controlled with AppleScript.
  3. Open System Settings > Privacy & Security. Grant VOCR Accessibility and Screen Recording when prompted. If a prompt is not spoken, press VO+F1 twice to reach it.
  4. Test VOCR with Command+Shift+Control+W. You should hear Finished.
  5. Navigate OCR results with Control+Command+Arrow keys. Click the focused OCR item with VO+Space.
  6. Tip: turn Screen Curtain off while using VOCR so it can see the screen.

2) Create a simple Windows profile in Karabiner on macOS

  1. Install and open Karabiner-Elements.
  2. Profiles > Add profile > name it Windows.
  3. With the Windows profile selected, open Simple Modifications and add:
    • From key: caps_lock
    • To key: insert
  4. Switch to the Windows profile when using the VM. Switch back to your normal profile when done.

3) Install Parallels from the App Store and activate

  1. Install Parallels from the App Store link above. Launch Parallels Desktop from Applications.
  2. On first run choose one:
    • Start Free Trial
    • Restore Purchases (if you already subscribed in the App Store)
    • I Have Subscription (enter a Parallels subscription key purchased on the Parallels website)
  3. Activation notes:
    • Active subscription keys from the Parallels website can activate the App Store edition.
    • Perpetual one-time keys do not activate the App Store edition.
    • The same active subscription key works with the standalone build if you switch later.

4) Create the Windows 11 VM using the assistant (use VOCR at every step)

  1. In Parallels Control Center choose New (the plus button).
  2. Select Get Windows 11 from Microsoft, then Continue.
  3. Use VOCR on every screen during Windows setup:
    • Scan with Command+Shift+Control+W.
    • Move through OCR results with Control+Command+Arrow keys.
    • Click buttons like Continue, Next, Install, Accept, Finish with VO+Space.
    • If an Install Windows automatically option appears, use VOCR to locate and enable it.
  4. Parallels downloads and installs Windows 11 automatically. This may take time.
  5. When Installation Complete appears, use VOCR to choose Continue, then accept the Microsoft EULA.
  6. Continue using VOCR for any unlabeled or silent dialogs until the Windows desktop appears.

5) First boot in Windows and turn on Narrator

  1. Turn Narrator on with Windows key + Control + Enter.
    • On Apple keyboards in the VM this is usually Command + Control + Return.
  2. Open Settings > Accessibility > Narrator (shortcut: Windows key + Control + N) to review speech rate, verbosity, and keyboard options.
  3. For tips, commands, and tutorials: Narrator guide (Microsoft Support).

6) Keyboard tweaks that make Windows feel natural

A) Pass macOS shortcuts into Windows

  1. On the Mac menu bar open Parallels Desktop > Preferences > Shortcuts.
  2. Set Send macOS system shortcuts to Always.
  3. Result: Command+Tab behaves like Alt+Tab inside the VM. Other system shortcuts will pass through as well.

B) Make Caps Lock work as the Narrator modifier (two steps)

  1. Step 1 on macOS: Caps Lock is already mapped to Insert via your Karabiner Windows profile.
  2. Step 2 in Windows using SharpKeys, choose from the lists:
    • Install and open SharpKeys (Microsoft Store or Releases link).
    • Select Add to create a new mapping.
    • In the From list, choose Special: Insert.
    • In the To list, choose Special: Caps Lock.
    • Confirm OK to add the mapping.
    • On the main SharpKeys window, verify it shows Insert -> Caps Lock.
    • Select Write to Registry.
    • Sign out of Windows or reboot the VM.
  3. In Settings > Accessibility > Narrator > Keyboard, set Choose the Narrator modifier key to Caps Lock (or Caps Lock and Insert if you prefer both).

Optional extra SharpKeys mappings (choose from the lists)

  • Special: Right Option -> Special: Application (Context Menu)
  • Special: Right Command -> Special: Right Control
  • Steps: open SharpKeys, Add, select the From and To keys from the lists, Write to Registry, then sign out or reboot.

7) Make everyday use smoother

  • Use the VM in full screen to reduce overlap between VoiceOver speech on macOS and Narrator speech in Windows.
  • If VoiceOver speaks over Windows, toggle VoiceOver speech off while working in the VM and back on when returning to macOS.

Quick links

FAQ

  • Can I switch later to the standalone Parallels?

    • Yes. If you activated the App Store edition with an active subscription key purchased on the Parallels website, the same key can activate the standalone build. Perpetual keys do not work in the App Store edition.

  • What is the Narrator shortcut?

    • Windows key + Control + Enter. On an Apple keyboard in the VM, this is usually Command + Control + Return.
Tags
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macOS
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Disclaimer

The article on this page has generously been submitted by a member of the AppleVis community. As AppleVis is a community-powered website, we make no guarantee, either express or implied, of the accuracy or completeness of the information.

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Comments

By João Santos on Thursday, September 4, 2025 - 09:52

A few questions that are currently not answered on the original post:

  1. Other than the automated and mostly non-interactive Windows installation, what kind of difference do you feel between running Windows on Parallels as opposed to UTM?
  2. Is there anything about Parallels that not only justifies its price but also having to put up with its accessibility problems compared to UTM?
  3. A user on the other thread mentioned audio latency as a problem for them in UTM; do you experience that in Parallels?

I'm really curious about these things, because I've read people suggest Parallels a lot here and so far I don't really understand exactly what makes it stand out considering its aforementioned negative aspects.

By Oliver on Thursday, September 4, 2025 - 10:04

As this is a guide, it's probably better we keep questions to the specifics of installation rather than derailing by weighing up Parallels drawbacks and benefits.

I certainly agree it is a conversation worth having, and I suggest you create a separate forum post which I'll be more than happy to blather away at. :)

By João Santos on Thursday, September 4, 2025 - 10:28

The thread that you are asking me to create already exists, and you even commented on it. That thread also mentions UTM before I even replied for the first time, and to my knowledge you never addressed any of those questions.

For example this comment of yours:

I do get your point though. There is the question of giving our money, on mass, to a company who hasn't done anything about including accessibility for the last six years. On the other side of that, is personal choice and need. If one is willing to put up with the pain of it for a greater reward, it's really down to the individual but this is why forums such as this one are so good as, despite the hyperbole and between the flames, there is some good information that can inform people's purchasing decision.

The problem with that thread in particular, and the reason why I decided to intervene the way that I did, is precisely because the original poster asked whether Parallels was accessible using VoiceOver and people kept claiming that it was "kinda" only to end up stating that sighted assistance or an actual OCR was required to interact with it, which constitutes actual disinformation in my book because the fact of the matter is that it's definitely not accessible with VoiceOver. Not only that but subjective personal choice is hardly informative to anyone, hence my questions that for some reason everyone seems to avoid for no good reason, and you in particular mentioned "greater reward" but never actually elaborated on that, so the objective informative contribution is totally missing.

By Oliver on Thursday, September 4, 2025 - 11:28

I can't compare the options. My only experience is with parallels.

The intention of this guide is to help people who wish to install parallels. I understand one might ask why, but the hope here is this will make it easier for those who want to try and perhaps compare.

This, and please forgive the grim metaphor, is simply one way of skinning the cat... A metaphor which would have been far better had Apple not abandoned their big cat naming convention.

By Igna Triay on Thursday, September 4, 2025 - 12:28

If using karabiner, another option is to make a complex rule that will do the switch from Caps lock to insert automatically whenever parallels is focused, and switch back to caps lock when parallels is not focussed. I.e, if your on your vm, capslock will be insert, but as soon as you say, tab away from the vm and back to the desktop, insert will revert back to caps lock automatically, and yes, this happens even if the vm is still powered on as long as its not the focussed application, it'll switch back. That way you don’t have to switch between different profiles. If anyone is interested, I will paste the link to a text file containing. The rule for karabiner, Adjust open the text file in text edit, select all, copy, then go to karabiner, complex modifications, add your own rule, paste into the text box that shows up, save, and your all set.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/j3za5d3b4xfmy7w4xow7w/Caps-Lock-to-Insert-when-Parallels-is-focused-otherwise-Caps-Lock-karabiner-complex-rule.txt?rlkey=xofke235gn6ss85xzc41xs43b&st=a7g3zfya&dl=0

By Oliver on Thursday, September 4, 2025 - 13:57

Thanks so much for this. I found a script but couldn't get it working. This one worked perfectly.

I'm hesitant to include it in the guide as it add more complexity. What do you think?

The problem with this whole set up is, it's a pain from start to finish. I guess we could provide files like these, I could share my sharpkeys profile, but but think that just adds to the confusion.

By Maldalain on Thursday, September 4, 2025 - 15:19

It’s because of amazing people like Oliver—and so many others—that AppleVis is such a great place for anyone looking for advice or support. Huge thanks for this guide and for all the contributions you’ve shared with the community!

By Igna Triay on Thursday, September 4, 2025 - 15:51

I myself don’t use sharpkeys, I actually configured my virtual machine so that The shortcuts are within parallels itself, but that was just me. But yeah, i'd include the files and the karabiner rule. I mean its a one time thing, set it once and that's it. I wouldn't say its a pain from start to finish, I mean if its the first time using say VOCR or karabiner I can see that it might be a pain, but if your already used to VOCR and karabiner etc its easy.

By Gus Pacleb on Thursday, September 4, 2025 - 16:08

Thanks for the step by step guide! You beat me to it. I've been wanting to do something like this for a while but could not figure out the best way to structure it so it would make sense. Huge thanks for creating.

I posted this on a previous thread, but I'll also post here for those who may want a little more separation between VM and MacOS.

You can disable every single equivalent of a VM shortcut so that all keys get passed along to Windows. This is useful for those who who are okay with adapting and want to use standard windows commands, and want total isolation of keyboard input to be sent to the VM and the VM only.

In Parallels preferences in the same section where you can configure keyboard shortcuts, VO OCr and activate the Windows 11 option. Upon activation VO will announce that you're in a table on the last option. Rerun a VO OCR scan and you'll see a bunch of keyboard commands. Selecting one, on the left side will put you in a giant list. Press space to check or uncheck the mapped shortcut. I have all of mine unchecked. You can repeat this for the application shortcuts section as well, which is further up and to the left when running an OCr scan.

I hope this is helpful.
Gus

By Cowboy on Thursday, September 4, 2025 - 22:11

If you can make command tab work like alt tab inside of windows, how do you then switch out of the VM and back into the macOS while leaving the VM running? I know that while running VMware command tab moves me between all of the open Mac applications including VMware. What am I missing here?

By Igna Triay on Friday, September 5, 2025 - 00:09

2 ways. You go back to the dock or to the desktop of the mac with VO shift d. Or you could always use say, the application chooser via the trackpad to directly jump to another application as well.

By Oliver on Friday, September 5, 2025 - 08:13

How did you configure the shortcuts in parallels? I was hitting a wall. Though I could put a key in to the "from", the "To" is a combo box which, when I VOCR click on it, doesn't show the options even if vanilla VO reads out the list.

I do have a vague memory of using parallels in the past and the layout for shortcuts being different.

By Oliver on Friday, September 5, 2025 - 08:21

I'll let this run for a little longer and compile suggestions, all of which are great.

I do have to make a choice though as, after we manage to install, quite a few things are down to personal preference such as switching the option and command keys/windows and alt, locking the keyboard to the VM etc.

I suppose we need a more specific goal. Mine was to create, as much as possible a perfect replica of windows including all key mappings and for it to work in a kind of sand box where, though we can access mac files, there is no over spill from mac or vice versa. Saying all that, I know some people do like the coherence mode which allows apps from the stand alone version of parallels to be broken out and to sit like any other mac app. Personally, I don't like this. It's messy and there is a lot of chatter between the windows screen reader and voiceover.

Maybe I should split the guide into two. The first being a basic guide to get the user up and running, and then we compile a second guide for customisation?

What's everyone's thoughts?

By Dennis Long on Friday, September 5, 2025 - 09:34

I like your suggestion. Thanks for all you do its appreciated.