残废软件（Crippleware）是一种试用形式的软件，它的特点在于它在用户付费（一次性付费或持续付费）前会限制一些重要的功能，例如保存、打印甚至输入。有些残废软件其实已是一个完整的软件，只要输入一个串行号就能正常使用。正是因此，残废软件比较容易破解。

常见的残废软件包括VMware（在用户购买软件授权之前，将不能启动虚拟电脑）。

讨厌残废软件的用户通常认为残废软件无法让其真正地了解该软件的操作使用。

Crippleware has been defined in realms of both software and hardware. In software, crippleware means that "vital features of the program such as printing or the ability to save files are disabled until the user purchases a registration key". While crippleware allows consumers to see the software before they buy, they are unable to test its complete functionality because of the disabled functions. Hardware crippleware is "a hardware device that has not been designed to its full capability". The functionality of the hardware device is limited to encourage consumers to pay for a more expensive upgraded version. Usually the hardware device considered to be crippleware can be upgraded to better or its full potential by way of a trivial change, such as removing a jumper wire. The manufacturer would most likely release the crippleware as a low-end or economy version of their product.