Create Branded Windows Client for Mass Distribution

To allow IT administrator to deploy a branded Parallels Client for Windows to end user PCs, Parallels RAS includes the functionality that simplifies the process.

First, you need to create a Theme that includes the necessary branding features. See Parallels Client for Windows Theme Settings. After that, you need to create a Parallels Client for Windows installation package that will use the Theme. To do so:

1. On the Themes tab, click Tasks > Generate Windows Client Package.
2. In the dialog that opens, specify the following options:
   • Select a Theme to use to create the package. The Theme must have the Parallels client settings configured.
   • Specify the target folder on your local computer (e.g. "c:\temp").
   • Select or clear the "Open the folder in Windows Explorer .... " option as needed.
3. Click Generate. This will create the ClientDownloader.exe file. When you run the file, it will download the latest version of Parallels Client for Windows installer (MSI) and will apply the custom Theme to it.

You can now distribute this installer to end users. When they run the installer, it will install the Parallels Client for Windows with all the customizations (start menu shortcuts, desktop shortcut, images and icons) as specified in the Windows client Theme.

In the future, if you need to upgrade an installed copy of Parallels Client for Windows to a newer version, you don't need to repeat the instructions described above. Simply upgrade the older version and the branding features will remain intact.