Erin Penney
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Piracy is not all it’s cracked up to be: How to tell if you have a Parallels Desktop crack

Cracking software can feel like the perfect crime.

After all, who does it hurt? What’s the harm? It’s just software, right? And maybe you’d prefer to spend your money elsewhere.

Let’s talk about that for a second, though.

First, if it’s the perfect crime, that does mean it’s still a crime. Congratulations, you’re on your way to being the next Blackbeard.

Second, you’re doing more harm to yourself by giving in to your newfound pirate nature. It costs a little piece of your soul—and the peace and safety of your computer, probably.

Third, you’re right.

It’s just software. But it might not be just software you get, if you know what I mean.

And last—how much is it really worth if Parallels Desktop costs less than a cup of coffee a week?

Rather than give you a sales pitch, though, let’s look at the facts. Let’s talk about why cracked software isn’t what it’s, um, cracked up to be—and if you decide to switch to legit software, don’t worry.

We won’t tell anyone what you’ve been doing in the darkness.

Ready to turn in your Jolly Roger for a life of honesty again? We won’t judge. Get your very own Parallels Desktop license here.

Are there risks in using pirated or cracked Parallels Desktop versions?

Possessing stolen or unauthorized goods can be a dangerous thing. They might be traceable, they could be flagged if you try to get rid of them or use them, and they could put you in legal hot water.

Software works the same way.

Most times, companies can see when counterfeit product keys get used, and will turn off their access. Then, because you don’t have access, you might go get another cracked copy of Parallels Desktop. Rinse and repeat.

Ultimately, it ends up being more expensive to keep buying so many illegitimate copies. You’ll probably just end up wondering why you didn’t buy the legit one in the first place.

Then, there’s the fact that using stolen software exposes you to risks—some you might expect and some you probably don’t.

Because pirated software comes from unknown sources, there’s a non-zero chance of it including at least one type of malware, or malicious software.

This can include:

Keyloggers and spyware

These little bugs are used to track your inputs so they can steal banking information and passwords.

Ransomware

This aggressive form of malware is designed to take your device hostage, with the condition that it will release your device after you pay a ransom.

Spoiler alert: You probably shouldn’t expect the computer kidnappers to be honest about releasing your device.

Viruses and worms

These infiltrators typically attach themselves to files so they can access devices and networks—and then wreak havoc.

I’m using a pirated version of Parallels Desktop. So what?

So…you’re on your way to being a big-time crime-doer, it seems. It’s okay, though—it’s not too late to turn back.

Though we can comfortably say you’ll get amnesty for your past if you switch out your cracked version of Parallels Desktop for a real one, we can’t know for sure what will happen if you stick with using your ill-gained loot.

But we can say these are a few likely consequences:

1. Legal ramifications

Pirating or cracking software, including Parallels Desktop, infringes on copyright law and is a crime in many countries.

It’s even worse if you’ve distributed pirated software commercially or participated in distribution, which can end up with you, our budding pirate-to-be, facing criminal charges and jail time.

And yes, seeding can count as participating in distribution.

Heads up: Even if you’re in a different country from where a copyright was registered, you’re not immune. Many countries have treaties and agreements to extend copyrights beyond their borders and protect against international piracy.

2. Civil consequences

Remember how we said international crime-doing isn’t safe either? Pirating software may leave you open to lawsuits by the copyright holder.

That’s us, in case you were wondering.

3. Ethical and moral quandaries

Sure, it might save you a few bucks, but the pirate life isn’t cheap. Someone always has to pay, and when you take for yourself, you’re taking from the creators—in this case, our developers. Their families. Their kids. Their pets.

That’s right, stealing Parallels Desktop means stealing food from babies and kittens.

You monster.

4. Your own consequences

If that Parallels Desktop crack you found includes any unwanted stowaways, you could get more than you bargained for. Pirated software often contains malware that can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and data breaches.

It’s not hard for hackers to get their hands on your saved passwords and personal information. And they don’t need much to do it—you’d be surprised how much they can pull from the cookies on your browser, for example.

Okay, I’m worried now. How do I tell if I have a cracked copy of Parallels Desktop?

Well, in many cases, you’ll probably remember downloading it from a sketchy website or forum after that Google search for “how to crack Parallels Desktop” that we definitely didn’t see.

That said, maybe you thought you got a legit copy of Parallels Desktop, but didn’t.

We’ve actually heard from users wondering why their lifetime copy didn’t come with an activation key or, you know, the product.

After buying Parallels Desktop from the official Parallels website, you’ll get an email with a product activation key, which will look like 30 characters split into five groups of six.

If you didn’t get one and it didn’t show up in your spam folder, your copy could be a counterfeit.

How do I get a legitimate copy of Parallels Desktop?

Good news—getting a legit copy is easy.

First, buy it on our official site here. You can also purchase legitimate copies from our authorized resellers like Amazon or the App store.

Then, head to https://my.parallels.com/ to register or log into your account.

Once you’re logged in, you’ll find your products, subscriptions, and a place to register your license key, which links your copy of Parallels Desktop to your device.

Do I need more than one Parallels Desktop license if I have multiple Macs?

Cue the legal fine print (don’t worry, it’s quick).

According to the Parallels End User License Agreement (EULA), users may use one copy of the software activated by a license key on a single instance owned, leased, or controlled by the user.

Or, to put it simply, one license key, one device.

The only way this changes is if you have to switch which device your Parallels Desktop is on.

For example, if you get a new Mac to replace your old one, you can simply uninstall Parallels Desktop from the old device and reactivate it on the new device, no new license needed.

Why should I buy Parallels Desktop directly?

If things like not stealing from babies and kittens or protecting your own data and banking information aren’t persuasive enough, we’ve got a few other reasons to buy directly from us.

We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee

If you’re not satisfied with your legitimate software, you can come back to us within 30 days of your purchase to get a full refund, no strings attached.

That’s not an option in the pirates’ distribution network.

You know it will work

Counterfeit copies might not function correctly. Or at all.

Our software works as promised.

It comes with the good kind of bonuses

No viruses or malware here. A legit copy of Parallels Desktop can also give you access to Parallels Toolbox, a kit of over 50 productivity-boosting tools to help you do what you need to.

Our official Parallels Desktop statement

Right from the desks of our legal team.

Pirated or cracked versions of Parallels Desktop are unauthorized and risky. They can contain malware that puts your device and data at risk.

Be especially cautious of downloads labeled as:

We price Parallels Desktop consistently across our genuine authorized dealers. If you see a lower price elsewhere, it is likely pirated or cracked.

Get your genuine copy of Parallels Desktop now

Ready to ditch the pirate life? Download your genuine copy of Parallels Desktop or try a 14-day free trial from the official Parallels website.

It comes with our forgiveness, too. We’ll pretend this never happened.