Parallels for Mac Free Trial

Author

Yolanda Bolk

6 minute read • Feb 20, 2025

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Parallels for Mac Free Trial

Do you know which operating system dominates the global market? While macOS is climbing the ladder, Windows still dominates with 72% according to Statista.

Many find themselves juggling between the sleek design of macOS and the functionality of Windows-exclusive software. Thankfully, you can have the best of both worlds with Parallels for Mac free trial. 

In this guide, we'll explore how you can take advantage of Parallels Desktop's free 14-day trial, delve into its standout features, and provide tips to maximize your trial experience. 

Let's dive in and see how this tool can enhance your computing life.

What Is Parallels Desktop for Mac and Why Do People Use It?

If you've ever needed to run Windows software on a Mac, you know the struggle. Switching between two computers, dealing with sluggish emulators, or rebooting every time you need to use a different operating system isn’t exactly convenient. Parallels Desktop for Mac changes that by letting you run Windows and macOS side by side, no restart required.

Instead of choosing one operating system over the other, like many users do, you can launch Windows apps straight from your Mac desktop, move files between operating systems, and even use Windows in full-screen mode if you prefer the traditional experience. It works seamlessly, making it easy to open Microsoft Office, run professional software like AutoCAD, and even play Windows-exclusive games — all without leaving macOS.

Many people rely on Parallels for different reasons. Gamers use it to access Windows-only titles without sacrificing performance. Professionals need it for business software that doesn’t have a Mac version. Students benefit from academic programs that require Windows compatibility. Developers test apps on different platforms without switching machines. Whether for work, study, or gaming, it offers the best of both worlds without forcing you to pick one over the other.

Getting Started: How to Access the Parallels Desktop for Mac Free Trial

Trying it out is easy. The free 14-day trial gives you full access to everything Parallels has to offer. You won’t run into locked features or missing tools, and you don’t even need a Windows license to start testing it out.

  1. To download the trial, visit this link to find the free trial section. 

  2. Click the download button to get the installation file. 

  3. Once it’s downloaded, open the file and follow the on-screen instructions to install Parallels Desktop.

  4. You’ll be asked to sign in or create a Parallels account, which is necessary to activate the trial. After that, choose how you want to install Windows. 

  5. If you don’t have a Windows license, Parallels lets you set up a free trial version of Windows directly through the software. Once installed, you can launch Windows on your Mac and start testing your favorite apps.

Before installing, make sure your Mac meets the system requirements. It works with macOS Monterey (12) or later and runs on both Apple’s M-series chips and Intel processors. At least 4GB of RAM is required, though 8GB or more is recommended for better performance. The installation file takes up about 600MB of storage, but you’ll need more space for Windows and any applications you plan to install.

Features and Limitations of the Parallels for Mac Free Trial

The free trial includes all features, from running Windows apps like native Mac programs to using Coherence Mode, which hides the Windows desktop and lets you work as if everything is running on macOS. 

File sharing between operating systems is fully enabled, and optimization tools help fine-tune performance for gaming and work tasks. 

The only limitation is time. After 14 days, you’ll need to decide whether to subscribe, but until then, you can explore every feature and see how well it fits your needs.

Making the Most of Your Free 14-Day Trial of Parallels Desktop for Mac

The best way to start is by running the Windows applications you rely on the most. Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, and other professional tools run just as smoothly as they would on a PC. 

If you’re a gamer, try launching a few Windows-exclusive titles and see how they perform. Parallels has built-in optimization for games, but settings can be adjusted to get the best balance of speed and visuals. 

For work, open Windows programs alongside your usual Mac apps and test how well they integrate. File sharing between operating systems is automatic, so you can move documents and images back and forth without hassle.

Performance can be improved by allocating more resources to the virtual machine. If you have extra RAM and storage, adjusting these settings in the Parallels configuration panel can speed things up.

Coherence Mode is another feature worth trying. It removes the Windows desktop entirely, so you can launch Windows apps as if they were part of macOS. Instead of working in a separate window, everything blends together, making multitasking between operating systems feel completely natural.

Parallels also includes hidden features that aren’t obvious at first. You can customize keyboard shortcuts to match MacOS, enabling a smoother workflow. The software supports drag-and-drop functionality, allowing you to move files between Mac and Windows with a simple click. 

It even has automatic disk space management, so storage is efficient as you install programs and save files. The trial gives full access to all these tools, so take advantage of them before time runs out.

Parallels Desktop Pricing: What to Expect After the Trial

When the trial ends, you’ll need to decide if Parallels Desktop is worth keeping. There are a few different pricing options, depending on your needs.

A standard subscription costs around $99.99 per year and includes regular updates and compatibility with the latest macOS versions. If you need more power, the Pro edition is designed for developers and power users, offering enhanced performance and extra customization options for $119.99 per year

A business edition is also available for organizations that require centralized management and additional security features for $149.99 per year.

Prices subject to change. Visit Parallels for Mac for more information

Try the Parallels Desktop Free Trial Now, Decide Later

Trying Parallels Desktop for Mac is the easiest way to see if running Windows on your Mac fits your needs. The free 14-day trial gives full access to all features, so you can test everything from work applications to gaming without any commitment. 

Download the Parallels for Mac free trial today and experience the best of both operating systems, hassle-free.

Happy Trials!

  ~ freetrials.com

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