Encrypt a Virtual Machine to Protect It from Unauthorized Use

If you store any important data using guest OS programs, it is highly recommended that you encrypt the virtual machine to protect your data from any unauthorized use.

Encrypt a Virtual Machine

To encrypt a virtual machine (it must be shut down):

1. Start Parallels Workstation.
2. In the sidebar , select the virtual machine you want to encrypt and click Virtual Machine > Configure > Options > Security .
3. In the Security pane, click Turn On , specify a password, and click OK .

Warning! The specified password is very important. You must record it. Without this password, you can't start the virtual machine.

Change Your Password

To change the password for an encrypted virtual machine (it must be shut down):

1. Start Parallels Workstation.
2. In the sidebar , select the virtual machine which password you want to change and click Virtual Machine > Configure > Options > Security .
3. In the Security pane, click Change Password , specify a new password, and click OK .

Remove Encryption from the Virtual Machine

To remove encryption from the virtual machine (it must be shut down):

1. Start Parallels Workstation.
2. In the sidebar , select the virtual machine which encryption you want to remove and click Virtual Machine > Configure > Options > Security .
3. In the Security pane, click Turn Off , specify the encryption password, and click OK .