[RESOLVED] How to install apps from App Store in macOS VM?

I just test Parallels on my MacBook Pro M2. I installed MacOS VM and want to install some apps (iMovie etc.). How can I archive this? Registering my Apple ID is not possible (it's a known limitation).

 

If you can't get the AppleID logged in, then I don't think that is possible without simply downloading the correct installer manually, but that's not what you're asking to do.

 

I don't know where to download iMovie, Photometer and other apps. AFAIK installation is only possible via AppStore.

BTW: It is a Parallels limitation not to be able to login with an Apple ID. See https://kb.parallels.com/128867 (no. 13).

A VM where I cannot install (standard) apps looks useless for me. :-(

 

I've had good luck installing the app on the Host system, and then dragging the app to the Guest system.

 

I just try it with iMovie. Drag and drop was not possible - only via a shared folder. But iMovie dos not start - graphics is not supported.

 

same problem here.
I have just bought Parallels and installed Sonoma MAC OS as a guest OS. Using a Sonoma M2 MBP. App store in the guest OS isn't working; also, the apple id is not logging in. Error : "The action could not be completed" when trying to login with apple id.

Any ideas how to install apps in the guest OS with the apple store ? also how to sync my guest Mac OS with my apple id notes , contacts, etc ?

Thanks a lot!

 

I had similar success by copying the app from the host and pasting it into the guest's Application folder.

 

I have tried to login in App store with 15.3.1 and also with 15.4 Beta and it´s still NOT working to login for downloading Apps, however iCloud is working

 

Correct, Parallels say iCloud login on Apple (ARM) hardware isn't supported, however I find since macOS 15 it doesn't work on INTEL versions either. I've tried all the versions of Parallels and macOS 15.0 to 15.5 - still the same.

 

Is App Store working with Mac OS 15.5 now?

 

Nope....

 

Just upgraded to Parallels 20.3.2 with macOS 15.5 (Intel) on Host and Guest; no change still gets the same.... Sigh.
Note1 macOS 10.14.6 Guest on same is fine.
Note2 Windows 11 and Ubuntu 25.04 fine too

 

What about Tahoe?

 

Tahoe works fine - I've tried it myself (Host MacOs - Tahoe, Virtual MacOs (Also Tahoe))

 

And does your App Store work?

 

Interesting,

a) Tried to add my apple account and failed https://support.parallels.com/Ticke...3246302/Screenshot-2025-11-19-at-16-47-02.png
I am able to reproduce this 'n' number of times

b) I tried to login via the browser to see if there was any issue, but I was able to successfully login; so that rules out the issue 1. Internet access 2. my ability to login in my account.

c) I am running the latest version of Parallels and I downloaded the macOS Tahoe VM via Parallels.

Still no success! What's the connection settings you are using (VM settings)?