Free Guide to Removing Parallels Desktop From Mac

Understanding Parallels Desktop and Why You Might Remove It

Parallels Desktop is software that allows Mac computers to run Windows and other operating systems alongside macOS. It creates a virtual machine—essentially a computer within your computer—that can run Windows applications without restarting your Mac. Many Mac users install Parallels Desktop for work purposes, to use specific Windows-only software, or to test different operating systems.

Learn About Enterprise Car Rental Jobs and Pay →

However, there are several reasons why Mac users decide to remove Parallels Desktop. Some users find they no longer need Windows applications and want to free up storage space. A single Windows virtual machine can take up 40 to 100 gigabytes of storage, depending on how many applications are installed within it. Other users switch to Mac-native alternatives for their work tasks and no longer require the virtualization software. Still others experience performance issues, such as slower Mac operation when Parallels Desktop is running in the background.

Removing Parallels Desktop properly involves more than just dragging the application to the trash. The software leaves behind support files, caches, and preference files that can accumulate on your hard drive. Understanding what Parallels Desktop does on your Mac helps you make informed decisions about removal and ensures you don't accidentally delete important files during the process.

Practical takeaway: Before removing Parallels Desktop, consider whether you might need it again in the future. If you think you may return to using Windows applications, you might back up your virtual machine files instead of deleting everything. If you're certain about removal, knowing the full scope of what gets installed helps you clean your Mac completely.

Preparing Your Mac Before Removal

Proper preparation prevents problems and data loss. Before you begin removing Parallels Desktop, take several important steps to protect your Mac and any important files associated with the software.

Learn How to Perform a Breast Self-Exam at Home →

First, back up any important files stored within your Windows virtual machine. If you've saved documents, spreadsheets, photos, or other files inside the virtual Windows environment, those files will be deleted when you remove Parallels Desktop. Connect an external hard drive or use a cloud storage service to copy these files to safety. You can also export specific files from the Windows virtual machine before removal. To do this, simply drag files from the Windows environment to a macOS folder while Parallels Desktop is running, or use file transfer methods available within Parallels Desktop.

Second, make note of any Windows applications or settings you've customized within Parallels Desktop. If you use specific Windows software for work, document the version numbers and settings you've configured. This information helps if you decide to reinstall Parallels Desktop later or switch to alternative virtualization software. Take screenshots of your Windows desktop and application preferences if needed.

Third, close all applications and restart your Mac. This ensures that no processes related to Parallels Desktop are running in the background, which can sometimes interfere with complete removal. Restarting also clears temporary files from memory.

Fourth, disable Parallels Desktop from starting automatically at login. Open System Preferences or System Settings, navigate to General, then Login Items, and remove Parallels Desktop from the list if it appears there.

Practical takeaway: Spend 15 to 20 minutes backing up important files before beginning removal. This simple step prevents irreversible data loss and gives you the option to recover files later if needed.

Uninstalling Parallels Desktop Using the Standard Method

The most common way to remove Parallels Desktop involves using the uninstaller tool that comes with the software. This method removes the main application and many associated files in one process.

How Property Tax Payments Work Educational Guide →

Start by opening the Applications folder. You can do this by clicking the Finder icon in your dock, then selecting Applications from the sidebar, or by pressing Command+Shift+A on your keyboard. Look for a folder named "Parallels Desktop" or an icon labeled "Parallels Desktop." Inside this folder, you should find an uninstaller application, typically named "Uninstaller" or "Parallels Desktop Uninstaller."

Double-click the uninstaller icon to launch it. The uninstaller window will appear, showing you what components of Parallels Desktop are installed on your Mac. You may see options to remove the main application, virtual machines, support files, and preferences. The uninstaller typically provides checkboxes next to each component. In most cases, you'll want to check all boxes to remove everything related to Parallels Desktop, unless you specifically want to keep your virtual machine files for later use.

Before clicking the final removal button, the uninstaller will ask for your Mac password. This is a security feature that prevents unauthorized changes to your system. Enter your password and confirm. The uninstaller will then process and remove the selected components. This can take several minutes, depending on how much data needs to be deleted.

After the uninstaller completes, it will confirm that Parallels Desktop has been removed. You can then close the uninstaller window. Check your Applications folder to confirm that Parallels Desktop no longer appears there.

Practical takeaway: Use the official uninstaller rather than simply dragging the application to the trash. This method removes more associated files and leaves your Mac cleaner.

Manual Removal of Remaining Parallels Desktop Files

Even after using the official uninstaller, Parallels Desktop may leave behind additional files in hidden folders on your Mac. These leftover files typically don't affect your Mac's performance, but removing them frees up additional storage space and fully cleans your system.

Learn About Designing Your Own Family Crest →

To access hidden files on your Mac, you need to show them in Finder. Open Finder and go to the Applications folder. Then press Command+Shift+Period (the period or dot key). This keyboard shortcut toggles the visibility of hidden files. Folders and files that were previously invisible will now appear slightly faded, indicating they are hidden system files.

Look for these common Parallels Desktop-related folders and remove them. Navigate to your user Library folder by opening Finder, pressing Command+Shift+G to open "Go to Folder," and typing ~/Library. Press Enter. Inside the Library folder, look for these subdirectories and delete any Parallels-related content:

• Library/Application Support/Parallels
• Library/Caches/Parallels
• Library/Preferences/com.parallels* (any files beginning with "com.parallels")
• Library/Saved Application State/com.parallels* (any folders beginning with "com.parallels")
• Library/Logs/Parallels

Additionally, check your main Library folder at /Library/Application Support/Parallels and /Library/Preferences/ for any remaining Parallels files. You may also find a Parallels folder in your Documents directory if you stored virtual machines there. Delete any of these folders after confirming you've backed up important files.

After removing these folders, empty your Trash to permanently delete the files. Press Command+Empty Trash or right-click the Trash icon and select "Empty Trash."

Practical takeaway: Manual removal of leftover files can free up an additional 5 to 15 gigabytes of storage space, depending on how many virtual machines and support files were present on your Mac.

Troubleshooting Common Removal Issues

Sometimes the removal process doesn't go smoothly. Understanding common problems and their solutions helps you complete removal successfully.

Learn About Home Rum Making and Legal Requirements →

If the uninstaller won't launch, your copy of Parallels Desktop may be corrupted or damaged. Try downloading a fresh copy of Parallels Desktop from the official Parallels website and running its uninstaller instead. Alternatively, you can manually delete the files using the method described in the previous section.

If you see a message saying "Parallels Desktop is running" when you try to uninstall, this means the application or related processes are still active. Quit Parallels Desktop completely by right-clicking its icon in the Dock and selecting "Quit." If it still won't close, open Activity Monitor (found in Applications/Utilities), search for any processes with "Parallels" in the name, select them, and click the "X" button to force quit them. Then try the uninstaller again.

If the uninstaller asks for your password and rejects it, ensure you're using the correct password for your Mac user account. If