How to install windows 8.1 oem (without installation CD) with Parallels on Mac?

Question

Have bought a Parallels Desktop 9 bundle that came with Windows 8.1 OEM (with just the product key and no CD). Have successfully installed Parallels on my mid-2013 Macbook Air (without any previous Windows), but just don't know how to install the Windows. The Windows envelop just contains licensing details, no procedures included. Have tried to download the "Windows ADK" thing from the Microsoft OEM page, just wouldn't install at all. Pls help!!! Many thanks!!

Answer 1

Hi LonerT.  I'm sure that's correct!
Again, for anyone trying to install Windows8.1 (on parallels-Mac), just as you say "Microsoft also has an online store, which [could] be leveraged to accept Product Keys and allow media downloads on any OS......"
Indeed, it's a real trap that if you go to the MSFT online store, it says "pay and download!"  But in fact - believe it - the only thing you can download is a small Windows program (!!!) which can only run ON WINDOWS (!!!!!), which is then a "download manager".  Which is kind of bizarre if you think the whole idea is, that it is someone BUYING WINDOWS because they DON'T HAVE IT! 
If you read the discussion lists even Windows dudes get furious at it - it's like "just have a f'ing link to the file, the iso file".  What the heck is the point of downloading a "Download Manager" ??? Anyways.
{If, for some reason, you DO HAVE ON HAND the actual DVD (64bit) for Windows8.1, then yes you CAN JUST BUY A PRODUCT KEY online at MSFT's store, which is great.  But then, very few people actually buy Windows8.1 on dvd -- when you buy a "windows laptop" it has a whacky OEM version, etc.}
It's great fun to have Windows8.1 running in a window on your Mac! (See image below.)
But again, after vast investigation we found YOU DO NEED TO GET A PHYSICAL DVD.  Fortunately they sell Windows everywhere, you can grab a copy at the local supermarket!
(You can run Windows8.1 in a mac window, or, full screen as you prefer.  We have had no problems with macs with any number of extra displays, it seems to figure it out.)
You want the box that looks like this .. "8.1 version complete"
Use only the 64bit disk, throw away the 32bit disk. The box includes a product key on a piece of plastic.  Again if by coincidence you have a friend with one of these, just use their DVD, and, you can buy a product key at MSFT's online shop. Once again installation is trivial with Parallels10 - but ya gotta get the DVD.