# Activating and Registering Parallels Desktop

After the installation, activate and register Parallels Desktop. Do the following:

1. Sign in to your Parallels account:

   <figure><img src="https://4047593329-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNgaOYFJddKmopmi2cfn5%2Fuploads%2F92tCkPjhhOaqf4mqlqRj%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=6b2edd08-05a0-4cd5-9c21-9d2a500b9ee0" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Parallels Desktop Account Sign In Page</p></figcaption></figure>

   Parallels account allows you to:

   * store your product activation keys - you will never forget or lose them;
   * prevent anyone but you from using your license keys;
   * manage your subscriptions to Parallels products;
   * contact the Parallels Support and track your support requests;
   * download the latest versions of Parallels products and accompanying documentation;
   * get info about the latest updates to your products and beta versions of new products;
   * work with remote computers via a web browser (as a Parallels Desktop user, you will get Parallels Access for free);
   * manage Parallels Desktop licenses on the Macs belonging to your company (if you use Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition).

   To sign in, do one of the following:

   * If you have an account, select **I have a password**, enter your email and password, and click **Sign In**.
   * If you don't have a Parallels account, select **I am a new user**, enter an email address that will be used to create the account, your name and password, and click **Create Account**.
2. In the next step, enter your Product Activation Key to activate Parallels Desktop.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** If you purchased Parallels Desktop from the Parallels Online Store, a key was sent to the email address you provided. If you bought a boxed copy, you can find your key printed on the installation disc sleeve.
{% endhint %}

If you already have a license available and associated with your account, just select the license and click **Activate**.

### If You Don't Have a Product Activation Key

If you don't yet have a product key and would like to try out Parallels Desktop for a limited time with a free trial Product Activation Key, click **Try Free for 14 days**. To purchase a key that lets you use Parallels Desktop permanently, click **Buy**.