UnbitParallels Desktop alternative for Mac
Only need to open a BitLocker drive? Unbit is free, read-only, needs no drivers and runs entirely on your Mac.
Parallels Desktop is a virtualization app. Many people use a Windows virtual machine to unlock a BitLocker drive, because Windows supports BitLocker natively. It works, but it is a much bigger setup than Unbit.
Parallels Desktop vs Unbit
| Feature | Unbit | Parallels Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Paid: annual subscription, or a one-time purchase for the Standard edition. A Windows licence is not included |
| Write support | No. Read-only by design: open files and copy them to your Mac | Handled by Windows inside the virtual machine, so it behaves like on a Windows PC |
| Drivers and system access | No kernel extension or macFUSE. Uses disk image support built into macOS. Needs Full Disk Access | No BitLocker driver on macOS. You connect the USB drive to the Windows virtual machine, where it is no longer visible on the Mac |
| Apple silicon | Yes – universal app for Apple silicon and Intel | Yes – macOS Big Sur or later on Apple silicon, macOS Catalina or later on Intel |
| Unlock with | Password or 48-digit recovery key | Password or recovery key, entered in Windows |
| Extras | Menu bar app with automatic drive detection, safe eject and optional keychain memory. Does not encrypt drives or change BitLocker settings | A full Windows virtual machine that also runs Windows apps. Needs a Windows installation and licence, plus disk space and memory for the virtual machine |
Who should pick what
Choose Parallels Desktop if you…
- already run Windows in Parallels Desktop
- want full Windows behaviour for the drive, including writing
- also need Windows apps on your Mac
Choose Unbit if you…
- just want to open one drive without installing Windows
- do not want to buy a Windows licence or run a virtual machine
- want the drive to show up in Finder like any other disk
FAQs
Is Unbit a good Parallels Desktop alternative?
If you only need to open a BitLocker drive on your Mac and copy files off it, yes: Unbit is free, read-only, needs no drivers and runs locally. If you need to write to the drive or manage BitLocker settings, Parallels Desktop may be the better fit.
Can Parallels Desktop open BitLocker drives on a Mac?
Yes, indirectly. You connect the USB drive to a Windows virtual machine and unlock it with Windows' own BitLocker support. It is a general virtualization workflow rather than a dedicated BitLocker feature.
Do I need a Windows licence to use Parallels Desktop?
According to Parallels, a Windows licence is not included and you need one to activate Windows. Unbit needs no Windows at all.
Sources
Facts about Parallels Desktop come from its own pages and documentation below.
Last checked on October 1, 2026. Product details, prices and features may change, so please verify them with the vendor before you decide. All product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Unbit is an independent app and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Parallels Desktop or its makers. This page is for information only.
Open your BitLocker drive for free
No licence, no drivers, no Windows PC required.