In Windows 11 VM, opening a file with Mac application doesn't load the file

I

IlkkaP

Junior Member
Apple M2 Pro, macOS Tahoe 26.4
Parallels Desktop 26 for Mac Standard Edition Version 26.3.0 (57392)
VM: Windows 11 Pro 25H2 (26200.8117) Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.297.0 (newly installed VM, latest updates)

When right-clicking (for example) a .PDF file in Windows 11 VM File Explorer and selecting "Open with..." Adobe Acrobat (Mac), Adobe Acrobat launches correctly in macOS, but fails to load the .PDF file selected. I am able to manually open the PDF file through Adobe Acrobat menus Other file storage -> Your computer -> Browse -> Network -> Windows 11 (name of the VM) -> [C] Windows 11 -> Users -> my name -> OneDrive -> Documents -> ... etc. so the basis sharing set-up seems to be OK.

This problem occurred after updating to the previous version of Paralles Desktop with the "change .lnk" issue, but apparently is a separate problem (or is it?). Where could the problem be?
 
IlkkaP said:
Apple M2 Pro, macOS Tahoe 26.4
Parallels Desktop 26 for Mac Standard Edition Version 26.3.0 (57392)
VM: Windows 11 Pro 25H2 (26200.8117) Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.297.0 (newly installed VM, latest updates)

When right-clicking (for example) a .PDF file in Windows 11 VM File Explorer and selecting "Open with..." Adobe Acrobat (Mac), Adobe Acrobat launches correctly in macOS, but fails to load the .PDF file selected. I am able to manually open the PDF file through Adobe Acrobat menus Other file storage -> Your computer -> Browse -> Network -> Windows 11 (name of the VM) -> [C] Windows 11 -> Users -> my name -> OneDrive -> Documents -> ... etc. so the basis sharing set-up seems to be OK.

This problem occurred after updating to the previous version of Paralles Desktop with the "change .lnk" issue, but apparently is a separate problem (or is it?). Where could the problem be?
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Hello,
Thank you for your post.
We have created a ticket to assist you and will be following up via the ticket.
Regards,
Parallels Team
 
I also can't get support via email even though I have an active subscription ending through 10/16/2026 but my account when i login shows only expired non-subscription licenses. Same account, same email. And no access to email support or phone support.
 
I have an active support case on the issue. The case has been escalated to their Development team for investigation at code-level since they have reproduced the issue on their side.

The work-around is to open the document through the menus of the Mac application by navigating to Windows VM file system. Also copying & opening the document from the C:\Mac\Home\Documents (i.e. This PC > Home on 'Mac' (Z:)) works although not very useful.
 
I feel like this isnt limited to Adobe ive tried to do the same with VLC (MAC) and UnArchiver (Mac) and neither would work with Parallels. This wasn't the case before newest Mac update
 
I have had the same issue since 1st of April when updating to MacOS 26.4. Parallels 26.3.1 didn't help. Any resolution?
 
I am experiencing the same problem, and it's not limited to Adobe Acrobat. I'm also seeing it in UPDF (my PDF app) and Preview.

I've tried reinstalling the Toolbox and Parallels Tools on both the Mac and Windows sides, but the issue persists. I know it's not related to the individual applications because if I open the files directly from Finder (by navigating through the VM directory), they open correctly.
 
I'm experiencing the same issue. I've tried multiple troubleshooting steps without success. Hopefully someone finds a workaround, or Parallels releases a fix soon.
 
Same issue here. Cannot open PDF or JPG files from within a Windows App. using Mac applications (Preview, Acrobate for Mac, etc.). Although I am ablle to open them via windows File Explorer so appeaers somehting is stopping Windows aplications having access to files-apps on the mac side.

Had the same issue last year and parallels eventually got round to fixing it but has no reappeard with the OSX 26.4 update.
 
Hello All,

Please note that our Development team is aware of this issue and it is being investigated.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience but can assure you it is actively being worked on.

Regards,
Parallels Team
 
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