[gjsman-1000]

Parallels now automatically downloads Windows 11 and sets it up for you (including skipping Microsoft account), just tried today. However, it is not an activated Windows install, and it will take you to the Store asking you to purchase a Windows 11 Pro license for $199, but you can use it unactivated with the typical non-activated Windows restrictions. According to internet commentators, Windows 11 Pro x86/x64 retail keys are now acceptable whereas they previously were not, so if you have any of those lying around (or a Windows 10, or 8.1, or 7 Pro key as they are often grandfathered-in), they'll do the trick.

Which, if you are buying Windows for this purpose, I'd strongly recommend just buying a retail package. If you buy in the Microsoft Store, it will be tied to your Microsoft Account which isn't really desirable, as retail keys are transferrable between computers [1] whereas OEM keys and MSA-purchased keys aren't.

[1] Many people don't know this - don't buy the OEM version of Windows for $20 cheaper. It will be tied to your unique hardware - but retail keys won't. Upgrade your workstation three years from now? If you have a retail key, you can wipe Windows from your old PC and activate on the new one, completely within the license, with no need to purchase again.

[sgjohnson]

> don't buy the OEM version of Windows for $20 cheaper. It will be tied to your unique hardware

Not only that, but with the OEM version you won't actually have a valid license. Yes, Windows will activate and none will be the wiser, but legally speaking, you still won't have a license.

And at that point you might as well run a KMS emulator for $0.

[kiwijamo]

My Windows key is tied to my Microsoft account and it's survived several changes of computers. Interesting that this is not the case for those keys purchased thu the store. TIL.

[gjsman-1000]

I mean, the MSA-purchased version is a retail key, but it doesn't give you a unique activation key and seems to use a generic one (at least when doing upgrades), so... trying to move this "retail" copy is really, really hard and inconsistent compared to a version you have a key for.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/transf...

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/transf...

So, I will admit that it is possible. It's just really hit-or-miss and complicated, which can easily be avoided by just buying a retail package from somewhere with a code inside.