Can a product key for Parallels Desktop 20 activate Parallels Desktop 18 on an Intel Mac?

Hi,

I would like to ask about the title.

When I tried to install Parallels Desktop 20 on an Intel Mac, version 18 was installed instead.
Can a product key for Parallels Desktop 20 activate Parallels Desktop 18 on an Intel Mac?

Sincerely,

 

Hi,

Thank you for your support.

I have a permanent license for Parallels Desktop 16.
I am considering upgrading it to a permanent license for Parallels Desktop 20.
I want to use Parallels Desktop on my Intel Mac in the same way as I do now.

So, I would like to know: if I purchase a permanent license for Parallels Desktop 20, will I be able to activate it on an Intel Mac where Parallels Desktop 18 was auto-installed by the installer?

Sincerely,

 

Hi Shizu,

The full permanent license for Parallels Desktop 20 will activate Parallels Desktop 18. And if you upgrade your Mac and macOS then you will be able to install Parallels Desktop 20 and use the same key.

 

Hi, Alev,

Thank you for your support and the helpful information.

Could you please clarify what you mean by "the full" permanent license? Is it considered an upgrade license?

Your explanation mentioned that the full permanent license for Parallels Desktop 20 will activate Parallels Desktop 18. And if I upgrade my Mac and macOS, I can install Parallels Desktop 20 and use the same key.

Thank you for this clarification. It helps me understand the compatibility better.

Additionally, I tested my product key for Parallels Desktop 16 (upgraded from version 10) and confirmed it could activate version 15. However, I noticed that the permanent license for version 16 (upgraded) cannot activate version 15. Could you help me understand why this might be the case?

Would it be necessary to purchase a new license to maintain my current environment for legacy games on legacy Windows systems?

Sincerely,

 

Hi Shizu, by "Full" I meant that it is not an upgrade license. But the upgrade key should work as well if you can confirm it with the previous license key of Parallels Desktop (confirmation key from 2 versions back are officially supported, but older can work as well).

The activation of version 18 using permanent license only works with keys distributed with versions 19 and 20.

 

Hi, Avinash Bundhoo and Alev,

I wanted to share the good news!
I upgraded my key and it successfully activated.

Thank you so much for your support and guidance. I really appreciate your help.

Sincerely,
Shizu