Trial Guide · Verified 14 June 2026 Independently verified

Parallels Desktop Free Trial 2026

Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are commission-bearing. We may earn if you buy after clicking — this never changes our editorial verdict. Read our full disclosure.

Quick answer (June 2026): Yes, Parallels Desktop Free Trial 2026 offers a real free trial in June 2026. Here's the exact step-by-step to start without giving them your card up front, plus the trial terms most articles get wrong.

Start a 14-day Parallels Desktop Pro trial and run Windows, Linux, or macOS apps natively on your Mac — no rebooting required. Full Pro features from day one.

14
days free
Full Pro plan access
Credit card required
How to Start What's Included What Happens After FAQ Start Free Trial →
Step by step

How to start your free trial

1
Download Parallels Desktop
Use our link to download Parallels Desktop for Mac. The installer is about 300MB and takes 5 minutes to install.
→ Confirm your Mac model (Intel or Apple Silicon) before downloading — both are fully supported
2
Create your account
Sign up with your email to activate the 14-day trial. Your Parallels account stores your license and lets you manage subscriptions.
→ Use your primary email — Parallels sends trial reminders and renewal notices here
3
Install Windows
Parallels can download Windows 11 automatically (or import a local ISO). Apple Silicon Macs get free Windows 11 ARM via Microsoft. Intel Macs need a Windows license.
→ Apple Silicon Mac users can download Windows 11 ARM for free directly through Parallels
4
Run your first Windows app
Launch Windows from the Parallels menu bar and open any Windows application. Coherence Mode hides the Windows desktop so apps look native on your Mac.
→ Enable Coherence Mode for the most Mac-like experience — it makes Windows apps look like native Mac apps
Start 14-Day Free Trial →
Feature access

What's included vs paid

Feature Free Trial Standard ($99.99/yr) Pro ($119.99/yr)
Duration / Commitment 14 days Ongoing Ongoing
Users 1 Mac 1 Mac 1 Mac
Windows on Mac Full (14-day trial) Included Included
vCPU allocation Up to 32 vCPUs Up to 8 vCPUs Up to 32 vCPUs
RAM allocation Up to 128GB Up to 8GB Up to 128GB
Visual Studio support Included (Pro) — Included
Support type Priority (Pro) Email Priority + chat
Support Priority email Email support Priority chat + email
Price Free $99.99/yr $119.99/yr
Honesty box

What happens when it ends

⏱
14 days full Pro access — no feature limits
Every Pro feature is available during your trial including maximum CPU/RAM allocation and Visual Studio integration.
💳
No charge during the trial period
The 14-day trial is completely free. Your credit card is only charged when you choose a plan after the trial expires.
📁
Your VMs are preserved after trial
Virtual machines you create during the trial are saved locally on your Mac. Upgrading to a paid plan restores full access immediately.
🔔
Parallels sends a reminder before expiry
Expect a reminder 2-3 days before your trial ends. You can upgrade from within the app or via the Parallels account portal.
Common questions

Parallels Desktop trial FAQ

Does Parallels Desktop have a free trial?
Yes — Parallels Desktop offers a 14-day free trial of the Pro plan. Full vCPU, RAM, and feature access with no limitations during the trial period.
Does Parallels work on Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4)?
Yes — Parallels Desktop is fully optimised for Apple Silicon. Apple Silicon Macs run Windows 11 ARM, which Microsoft provides free through Parallels. Performance is excellent — often faster than native Intel Windows.
Do I need a Windows license for Parallels?
Apple Silicon Mac users can download Windows 11 ARM for free directly via Parallels. Intel Mac users need a valid Windows license (or can import an existing Windows installation).
What's the difference between Parallels Standard and Pro?
Standard ($99.99/yr) is for everyday use with up to 8 vCPUs and 8GB RAM. Pro ($119.99/yr) unlocks up to 32 vCPUs, 128GB RAM, Visual Studio integration, and advanced networking — better for developers and power users.
Can I cancel Parallels before the trial ends?
Yes — cancel within 14 days from your Parallels account portal and you won't be charged. Your VMs remain on your Mac and are accessible if you later reactivate.

Ready to try Parallels Desktop free for 14 days?

14-day full Pro trial. Runs Windows, Linux, and macOS VMs on any Mac.

Start Free Trial →
Parallels Desktop Free Trial — 14 days · Credit card required
Start Free Trial →