How Do You Uninstall Parallels Desktop from Your Computer?
If you’ve been using Parallels Desktop to run Windows or other operating systems on your Mac, you might find yourself needing to uninstall it for various reasons—whether to free up disk space, troubleshoot issues, or simply move on to a different virtualization solution. While Parallels Desktop offers seamless integration and powerful features, removing it completely requires a bit more than just dragging the app to the Trash. Understanding the proper way to uninstall ensures that all associated files and settings are fully cleared from your system, preventing potential conflicts or leftover clutter.
Uninstalling Parallels Desktop is a process that involves more than just deleting the main application. Because it integrates deeply with your Mac’s system and creates virtual machines, there are additional components and files that may remain if not properly addressed. This overview will guide you through the essentials of what to expect when removing Parallels Desktop, helping you prepare for a clean and thorough uninstallation.
Whether you’re a casual user looking to reclaim storage or a professional switching to another virtualization platform, knowing how to uninstall Parallels Desktop correctly is key to maintaining your Mac’s performance and organization. In the sections ahead, you’ll find clear, step-by-step guidance to ensure the process is smooth and complete.
Uninstalling Parallels Desktop Using the Official Uninstaller
To properly uninstall Parallels Desktop from your Mac, it is recommended to use the official uninstaller provided with the software. This method ensures that all components, including virtual machines and supporting files, are safely removed without leaving residual data.
Start by closing Parallels Desktop and shutting down any active virtual machines. Leaving VMs running can interfere with the uninstallation process and may result in incomplete removal.
Next, locate the Parallels Desktop application in the Applications folder. Inside the Parallels Desktop folder, you will find the “Uninstall Parallels Desktop.app.” Double-click this application to launch the uninstaller.
The uninstaller will prompt you to confirm the removal. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully. You may be asked if you want to remove virtual machines and associated files. If you wish to reclaim disk space, select the option to delete these files. Otherwise, deselect to retain your VMs for future use.
Upon completion, the uninstaller will notify you that Parallels Desktop and its components have been removed. Restart your Mac to ensure all changes take effect.
Manual Removal of Parallels Desktop and Related Files
In some cases, residual files may remain after running the official uninstaller. To thoroughly remove Parallels Desktop, manual deletion of leftover files and folders is necessary. This is especially useful if you encounter issues reinstalling or upgrading the software.
Important locations to check include:
- Application Support: Contains essential configuration files.
- Preferences: Stores user preferences and settings.
- Caches: Temporary files that can be safely removed.
- LaunchAgents and LaunchDaemons: Startup scripts related to Parallels services.
Use Finder’s “Go to Folder” feature (Command + Shift + G) and enter the following paths to access and delete Parallels-related files:
| Directory | Typical Parallels Files/Folders | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| ~/Library/Application Support/ | Parallels, Parallels Desktop | Stores application data and VM configurations |
| ~/Library/Preferences/ | com.parallels.desktop.plist, com.parallels.vm.plist | User preference files |
| ~/Library/Caches/ | com.parallels.desktop, com.parallels.vm | Temporary cache files |
| /Library/LaunchAgents/ | com.parallels.vm.prl_client_app.plist | User-level background services |
| /Library/LaunchDaemons/ | com.parallels.desktop.launchdaemon.plist | System-level background services |
Always exercise caution when deleting system files. It is recommended to back up important data and verify that only Parallels-related files are being removed.
Removing Virtual Machines and Associated Files
Virtual machines created with Parallels Desktop consume significant disk space and are stored separately from the main application. If you intend to fully clear Parallels Desktop from your system, deleting these virtual machines is essential.
Virtual machine files typically reside in the following locations by default:
- ~/Documents/Parallels/: User’s default folder for VMs.
- ~/Parallels/: Alternate location depending on user settings.
Each VM appears as a package with the extension `.pvm`. To delete a VM:
- Close the VM and Parallels Desktop.
- Navigate to the VM folder.
- Move the `.pvm` files to Trash.
- Empty the Trash to permanently remove the files.
Note that deleting VM files is irreversible and will remove all virtual machine data, including installed operating systems and applications within the VM.
Using Third-Party Tools for Complete Removal
For users seeking an automated method to uninstall Parallels Desktop along with all associated files, third-party uninstaller applications can be helpful. These tools scan for application-related files and assist in removing them thoroughly.
Popular third-party uninstallers include:
- AppCleaner
- CleanMyMac X
- AppZapper
When using these tools:
- Ensure the application is closed.
- Launch the uninstaller and drag the Parallels Desktop app into its window.
- Review the list of files to be deleted.
- Confirm removal and allow the tool to complete the process.
While convenient, third-party uninstallers should be used cautiously. Always download from reputable sources and verify that the tool supports the latest macOS version and Parallels Desktop release.
Verifying Complete Removal
After uninstalling Parallels Desktop and cleaning up residual files, it is important to verify that the application has been fully removed to avoid conflicts during future installations.
You can perform verification by:
- Searching for “Parallels” in Finder to check for leftover files.
- Opening Activity Monitor to ensure no Parallels processes are running.
- Checking System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items for any Parallels-related startup items.
If any files or processes remain, repeat manual deletion steps or rerun the official uninstaller if available.
By following these detailed steps, you can ensure a clean and comprehensive removal of Parallels Desktop from your Mac system.
Uninstalling Parallels Desktop on macOS
To completely remove Parallels Desktop from your Mac, it is essential to follow a systematic process to ensure all associated files and virtual machines are deleted. Parallels Desktop integrates deeply with macOS, so a simple drag-to-trash of the application may leave behind residual files that consume disk space.
Follow these steps to uninstall Parallels Desktop effectively:
- Quit Parallels Desktop: Ensure the application is not running. Quit Parallels Desktop from the menu bar or use
Cmd + Q. - Remove Virtual Machines: Back up any virtual machines (VMs) you wish to keep. VMs are typically stored in
~/Documents/Parallels. Deleting the VMs will free significant storage. - Use the Uninstaller: Parallels Desktop includes a built-in uninstaller accessible from within the app or the installation disk image.
Using the Built-in Uninstaller
The most reliable method to uninstall Parallels Desktop is through its dedicated uninstaller:
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open Parallels Desktop | Launch the application and ensure no virtual machines are running. |
| 2 | Access the Uninstaller | Go to the Parallels Desktop menu and select Uninstall Parallels Desktop from the Help or Parallels Desktop menu. |
| 3 | Confirm Uninstallation | Follow the on-screen prompts to remove the application and its components. |
| 4 | Restart your Mac | Restarting ensures all changes are applied and residual files are cleared. |
Manual Removal of Parallels Desktop and Residual Files
If the uninstaller is unavailable or does not remove all components, a manual cleanup is necessary. This involves deleting application files, support files, and caches.
- Delete the Application: Locate Parallels Desktop in the
/Applicationsfolder and move it to the Trash. - Remove Support Files: Open Finder, press
Cmd + Shift + G, and navigate to the following directories to delete Parallels-related files:
| Directory | Purpose | Files to Delete |
|---|---|---|
~/Library/Preferences/ |
Application preferences | Files named com.parallels.desktop.plist and similar |
~/Library/Application Support/ |
Application data and support files | Parallels folder and related files |
~/Library/Caches/ |
Cached data | Parallels cache folders and files |
~/Library/Logs/ |
Log files | Parallels log files |
/Library/Preferences/ |
System-wide preferences | Parallels preference files, if present |
- Delete Launch Daemons and Agents: Check
/Library/LaunchDaemons/and/Library/LaunchAgents/for any Parallels-related files and remove them. - Empty Trash: After deleting all files and folders, empty the Trash to free disk space.
Uninstalling Parallels Desktop Using Terminal Commands
For advanced users, Terminal commands can assist in removing Parallels Desktop and its related files. This method should be used with caution to avoid deleting unintended files.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
sudo rm -rf /Applications/Parallels\ Desktop.app |
Removes the main Parallels Desktop application. |
rm -rf ~/Library/Preferences/com.parallels.* |
Deletes user-specific Parallels preference files. |
rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/Parallels |
Removes Parallels application support files. |