Connect to the Internet or a Network

Parallels Desktop allows you to use three types of networking with Windows:

  • Shared Networking: Windows applications share a network connection with macOS. This is the default setting.
  • Bridged Ethernet: Windows can use one of your Mac's network adapters. This makes Windows appear as a separate computer on the network.
  • Host-only networking: Windows can access only your Mac.

In most cases, you don't need to adjust network settings. If your Mac is set to connect to a network or to the Internet, Windows applications have access to the same network and the Internet.

The Bridged Ethernet networking mode is more complex and you may need to contact your system administrator to set it up properly.

Read on for detailed information on these types of networking and how to configure them.

In This Section

Share Network Access Between macOS and Windows

Apply Separate Network Settings to Windows

Use Host-Only Network Settings

Use Wi-Fi with Windows

Connect Windows to a VLAN