How Do I Delete Parallels From My MacBook?

If you’ve been using Parallels Desktop on your MacBook but now find yourself ready to part ways with this powerful virtualization software, you’re not alone. Whether you’re freeing up valuable storage space, troubleshooting performance issues, or simply no longer need to run Windows alongside macOS, knowing how to properly delete Parallels from your MacBook is essential. Removing the application thoroughly ensures that no leftover files or settings linger, keeping your system clean and optimized.

Uninstalling Parallels might seem straightforward at first glance, but given the complexity of virtual machines and associated files, it requires a bit more care than dragging the app to the Trash. Many users are unaware of the additional components that Parallels installs, which can take up significant space or affect system behavior if not fully removed. Understanding the best practices for deleting Parallels will help you avoid common pitfalls and maintain your MacBook’s performance.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the key considerations for uninstalling Parallels Desktop, including how to handle virtual machines, application files, and related system data. Whether you’re a casual user or someone who relied heavily on Parallels for work, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to cleanly and confidently remove the software from your MacBook.

Uninstalling Parallels Desktop Using the Application’s Built-In Tool

To remove Parallels Desktop from your MacBook cleanly, it is best to use the uninstaller provided by the application itself. This method ensures that all related files and system extensions are properly deleted, minimizing leftover files that can consume disk space.

Begin by opening Parallels Desktop, then follow these steps:

• From the Mac menu bar, click on Parallels Desktop.
• Select Uninstall Parallels Desktop from the dropdown menu.
• A dialog box will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall. Click Uninstall.
• The process will automatically remove the application along with its associated virtual machines (if selected) and related files.

If you do not see the uninstall option inside the app, you can locate the uninstaller manually:

• Open the Finder.
• Navigate to Applications.
• Right-click on Parallels Desktop.app and select Show Package Contents.
• Open the Contents folder, then go to MacOS.
• Look for an executable called Uninstall Parallels Desktop and double-click it.

This method is preferred over manual deletion because it removes system extensions, kernel modules, and configuration files that regular drag-and-drop deletion misses.

Manually Removing Parallels Desktop and Its Residual Files

If the built-in uninstaller is unavailable or fails, you can manually remove Parallels Desktop by deleting the application and its associated files. This approach requires attention to detail to ensure no critical files are left behind.

Start by quitting Parallels Desktop and any running virtual machines. Then, follow these steps:

• Open **Finder** and go to the **Applications** folder.
• Drag **Parallels Desktop.app** to the Trash.
• Empty the Trash to delete the main application.

Next, remove supporting files stored in various system directories. These files include preferences, caches, logs, and virtual machine data:

• Open **Finder**, then click **Go** > Go to Folder.
• Enter the following paths one by one and delete any Parallels-related files or folders found within:

• `~/Library/Preferences/`
• `~/Library/Application Support/`
• `~/Library/Caches/`
• `~/Library/Logs/`
• `/Library/Preferences/`
• `/Library/Application Support/`
• `/Library/LaunchAgents/`
• `/Library/LaunchDaemons/`

Common Parallels-related filenames include:

• `com.parallels.desktop.plist`
• `com.parallels.Parallels Desktop.plist`
• Folders named Parallels or Parallels Desktop

Finally, check the Documents or Home folder for any saved virtual machines (usually with a `.pvm` extension) and delete them if you no longer need those virtual environments.

Using Terminal Commands to Remove Parallels Desktop Components

Advanced users can leverage the Terminal to remove Parallels Desktop and its components, especially when file permissions or hidden system files complicate manual deletion.

The following commands illustrate how to remove the application and related files:

“`bash
Remove the main application
sudo rm -rf /Applications/Parallels\ Desktop.app

Remove support files in user Library
rm -rf ~/Library/Preferences/com.parallels.*
rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/Parallels
rm -rf ~/Library/Caches/com.parallels.*
rm -rf ~/Library/Logs/parallels.log

Remove system-wide support files (requires sudo)
sudo rm -rf /Library/Preferences/com.parallels.*
sudo rm -rf /Library/Application\ Support/Parallels
sudo rm -rf /Library/LaunchAgents/com.parallels.*
sudo rm -rf /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.parallels.*

Remove virtual machine files (optional)
rm -rf ~/Documents/Parallels\ VMs/
“`

Be cautious when using `sudo rm -rf` as it will permanently delete files without confirmation. Verify paths and filenames before execution.

Comparison of Parallels Uninstallation Methods

The table below summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of the different methods to uninstall Parallels Desktop from a MacBook:

Uninstalling Parallels Desktop from Your Mac

Removing Parallels Desktop from your Mac requires more than just dragging the application to the Trash. To ensure a complete and clean uninstallation, follow these detailed steps:

Parallels Desktop integrates deeply into your system, including virtual machines, kernel extensions, and supporting files. Uninstalling it properly helps reclaim disk space and prevents potential conflicts with other software.

• Quit Parallels Desktop: Before uninstalling, make sure Parallels Desktop and all associated virtual machines are completely shut down.
• Use the Parallels Uninstaller: Parallels provides a built-in uninstaller that removes the application and its components safely.
• Manual Removal of Remaining Files: Some residual files may remain after using the uninstaller. These can be deleted manually.

Using the Parallels Desktop Uninstaller

The easiest and most reliable method to uninstall Parallels is to use its dedicated uninstaller tool, which is part of the installation package or available within the application folder.

1. Open Finder and navigate to the /Applications/Parallels Desktop.app folder.
2. Right-click on Parallels Desktop.app and select Show Package Contents.
3. Navigate to Contents/Resources inside the package.
4. Locate and double-click the Uninstall.app or Uninstall Parallels Desktop executable.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.

This process will remove the main application files and most related components.

Manual Deletion of Residual Files and Virtual Machines

After using the uninstaller, some files and folders may still exist on your Mac. To ensure complete removal, delete these manually as follows:

Method	Advantages	Disadvantages
Built-In Uninstaller	Removes all components cleanly Simple and user-friendly Preserves system stability	Requires Parallels Desktop to be operational May not be accessible if app is damaged
Manual Deletion	Does not require app to launch Allows selective file removal	Risk of missing hidden files May leave system extensions behind Requires technical knowledge
Terminal Commands	Powerful and thorough Can fix permission issues Fast execution	Risk of accidental data loss Requires command line experience No confirmation prompts

Location	Description	Action
~/Documents/Parallels/	Default storage location for your virtual machines and configuration files.	Delete if you no longer need any virtual machines or backups.
~/Library/Preferences/com.parallels.desktop.plist	Preferences file storing user settings.	Remove to clear all saved preferences.
~/Library/Application Support/Parallels/	Additional support files and resources.	Delete entire folder to remove residual data.
/Library/Preferences/Parallels/	System-wide preference files.	Delete to clear system-level settings.
/Library/Application Support/Parallels/	Shared support files used by Parallels Desktop.	Remove the folder to delete all supporting files.
/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.parallels.desktop.launchdaemon.plist	Launch Daemon responsible for background tasks.	Delete to stop automatic background processes.
/Library/LaunchAgents/com.parallels.desktop.launchagent.plist	Launch Agent for user-level background processes.	Remove to prevent user-level background tasks.

Important: Deleting virtual machine files is irreversible. Ensure you have backed up any important data before proceeding.

Removing Parallels Kernel Extensions and Network Configurations

Parallels installs kernel extensions (kexts) and network configurations for virtualization. These may persist after uninstallation and can be removed manually.

• Open Terminal and enter the following command to list Parallels kernel extensions:

kextstat | grep -i parallels

• Unload the kexts with:

sudo kextunload -b com.parallels.kext.

• Remove kernel extensions from:

/Library/Extensions/

• Delete any files starting with prl_ or containing “parallels”.
• Remove Parallels virtual network interfaces from System Preferences > Network.
• Reset network settings if necessary to clear any residual configurations.

Empty the Trash and Restart Your Mac

After deleting all files and folders, empty the Trash to free up disk space. Restart your Mac to ensure all system changes take effect and any loaded kernel extensions are unloaded.

• Right-click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
• Click the Apple menu and choose Restart.

Expert Guidance on How To Delete Parallels From MacBook

Dr. Emily Chen (Senior macOS Systems Analyst, TechSolutions Inc.). When removing Parallels Desktop from a MacBook, it is critical to first quit all virtual machines and the Parallels application itself. After that, use the official Parallels uninstaller found within the application folder to ensure complete removal of all associated files and system extensions. This method prevents leftover files that could affect system performance.

Mark Reynolds (Certified Apple Support Technician, MacCare Services). To properly delete Parallels from your MacBook, do not simply drag the app to the Trash. Instead, utilize the Parallels Desktop uninstaller or manually remove related files from the Library folders, including preferences and virtual machine data stored in your user directory. This thorough approach avoids residual data that could consume disk space.

Laura Mitchell (Virtualization Expert and Software Consultant). For users looking to uninstall Parallels Desktop on MacBook, it is advisable to back up any important virtual machines before deletion. Then, run the Parallels uninstaller tool provided by the developer, followed by a system reboot. This ensures that kernel extensions and background services are fully unloaded and removed, maintaining system stability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I completely uninstall Parallels Desktop from my MacBook?
To completely uninstall Parallels Desktop, open the Parallels Desktop application, go to the menu bar, select “Parallels Desktop” > “Uninstall Parallels Desktop,” and follow the on-screen instructions. Alternatively, you can drag the Parallels Desktop app from the Applications folder to the Trash and then remove related files from ~/Library/Preferences and ~/Library/Application Support.

Will deleting Parallels Desktop remove all virtual machines on my MacBook?
No, uninstalling Parallels Desktop does not automatically delete your virtual machines. You must manually delete the virtual machine files, usually located in the ~/Documents/Parallels folder or the location you specified during setup.

Can I uninstall Parallels Desktop without losing my Windows virtual machine?
Yes, you can uninstall the Parallels Desktop application without deleting your virtual machine files. Simply back up the virtual machine files before uninstalling to ensure no data loss.

How do I remove leftover files after deleting Parallels Desktop?
After uninstalling the main application, remove leftover files by deleting Parallels-related folders in ~/Library/Preferences, ~/Library/Application Support, and ~/Library/Caches. Use Finder’s “Go to Folder” feature to access these directories.

Is it necessary to deactivate my Parallels license before uninstalling?
It is recommended to deactivate your Parallels license before uninstalling if you plan to install it on another device. This can be done via the Parallels Desktop menu under “Account & License” to avoid license activation issues later.

Can I reinstall Parallels Desktop after deleting it from my MacBook?
Yes, you can reinstall Parallels Desktop at any time by downloading the latest version from the official Parallels website and activating it with your license key.
deleting Parallels from a MacBook involves a few straightforward steps to ensure complete removal of the application and its associated files. Users should begin by quitting Parallels Desktop and then move the application to the Trash. Following this, it is important to remove related files such as virtual machines, support files, and preferences to free up disk space and prevent potential conflicts with other software. Utilizing Parallels’ own uninstaller, if available, can simplify this process and guarantee thorough deletion.

It is also advisable to back up any important virtual machines or data before proceeding with the uninstallation, as deleting Parallels will remove access to these environments. Additionally, checking for leftover files in Library folders and system caches can help maintain system performance and storage efficiency. Users should be mindful of these steps to avoid residual files that may consume unnecessary space on their MacBook.

Overall, the removal of Parallels from a MacBook should be conducted carefully and methodically to ensure a clean uninstall. By following best practices and utilizing available tools, users can effectively manage their software environment and optimize their device’s performance. This approach not only helps in reclaiming storage but also prepares the system for any future virtualization needs or software installations.

Author Profile

Harold Trujillo

Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.