What's the solution to "To activate Parallels Desktop 18, this license key must be upgraded."?

[Namkyung]

I have been using Parallels Desktop 18 since 2022 on Macbook Air 2020. Just a week ago I was opening Parallels as usual, and suddenly it led me to the login page in the windows OS. This was not my first time seeing this screen, but I tried my password and it kept saying that it's a wrong password.

So I did some searching and the solution was 'update my Parallels to the latest version', which I followed.

But then I had to choose my key that I wanted to activate, and when I tried to activate my Parallels Desktop 18, it said "To activate Parallels Desktop 18, this license key must be upgraded." The update cost more than my budget, so I'm seeking a way to keep using my Desktop 18 instead of installing 19.

I apologize for my long description of my status quo, and the question is as follows :
Are there any possibilities that Parallels Desktop 18 is no longer supported on my Macbook Air? If not, how can I continue using my Parallels Desktop?
I attached a file which shows the screen that I am seeing.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Nischay Gaya]

I have been using Parallels Desktop 18 since 2022 on Macbook Air 2020. Just a week ago I was opening Parallels as usual, and suddenly it led me to the login page in the windows OS. This was not my first time seeing this screen, but I tried my password and it kept saying that it's a wrong password.

So I did some searching and the solution was 'update my Parallels to the latest version', which I followed.

But then I had to choose my key that I wanted to activate, and when I tried to activate my Parallels Desktop 18, it said "To activate Parallels Desktop 18, this license key must be upgraded." The update cost more than my budget, so I'm seeking a way to keep using my Desktop 18 instead of installing 19.

I apologize for my long description of my status quo, and the question is as follows :
Are there any possibilities that Parallels Desktop 18 is no longer supported on my Macbook Air? If not, how can I continue using my Parallels Desktop?
I attached a file which shows the screen that I am seeing.

Thank you in advance.

Hello @Namkyung ,

Thank you for contacting Parallels Support.

We have checked our records and we can observe that you have a Parallels Desktop for Mac Permanent License version 17.

Kindly note that you can only Parallels Desktop 17 on a Mac with OS version macOS Monterey 12.0 or older. On the other hand, if you have the latest MacOS such as Ventura 13.xx and Sonoma 14.xx, this version of Parallels will not be compatible which explains as to why you are being prompted to upgrade your license.

To address this issue, we recommend upgrading your Parallels Desktop to the latest version 19 which is fully compatible with newer macOS.

You can refer to this knowledge base article for more information on the compatibility: https://kb.parallels.com/114381

1. Since you are an existing user of Parallels Desktop 17, you will be eligible to purchase an upgrade license to the latest Parallels Desktop 19, which is cheaper than purchasing a new full license:

-Upgrade License to Standard (One-time purchase): https://buy.parallels.com/329/purl-pd19u-st

-Upgrade License to Pro (Subscription-Based license): https://buy.parallels.com/329/purl-pd19u-pr

2. Standard license as a subscription-based plan: https://buy.parallels.com/329/purl-pd19f-std1y

Please note the One-time purchase and a subscription-based license has some difference in term of future upgrades and support options as highlighted in this Knowledge Base article: https://kb.parallels.com/122929

Once you have a proper license, you will be able to activate your parallels desktop build by referring to the following article: https://kb.parallels.com/124225

We appreciate your understanding in this matter.

Have a great week ahead

 

[JasonV5]

I have the same problem My license is 18 and it tells me I need to upgrade to 18. ???

 

[AmiteshA]

I have the same issue. My license is 18 and it tells me I need to upgrade to 18. Bought a new laptop and can't use it now. Help please!

 

[MCal27]

Same here! I have an old Mac running Mojave and want to use one of my existing Parallels 18 licenses with it. I attempt to activate and I'm told I ned to upgrade my licence!? To be clear I've downloaded and installed Parallel 18 and that's the highest I can use with this Mac. If I upgrade I'll be buying another copy of 26..which isn't what I need in this case.... Anyone found a fix?