Parallels Desktop 17 was designed for specific versions of macOS (like Monterey). Unofficial repacks often cause "Kernel Panics," frequent crashes, or data loss within your Windows virtual machine.
If the cost of Parallels is the main barrier, consider these free, legal virtualization tools:
While the "Pro" version is a yearly sub, the "Standard" edition sometimes offers a one-time purchase option (perpetual license) for specific versions, though it may not include future major upgrades. Better Free Alternatives
A "repack" is a modified version of the software where the activation process has been bypassed or "cracked." These are often hosted on torrent sites or third-party blogs claiming to offer a "pre-activated" or "lifetime" license for free. While they may work temporarily, they often break when macOS updates or when Parallels runs a background license check. The Risks of Using Free Activation Keys and Cracks