How To Remove Parallels From Mac

Ever felt like your Mac is running a bit sluggish after experimenting with virtual machines? Parallels Desktop, while a fantastic tool for running Windows or other operating systems on macOS, can sometimes leave behind residual files and configurations even after you think you've uninstalled it. These leftovers can quietly consume valuable disk space and potentially interfere with system performance. Ensuring a complete and thorough removal of Parallels is crucial for maintaining a clean and optimized Mac.

Leaving behind remnants of Parallels can not only impact your machine's speed and storage, but also potentially lead to software conflicts down the line. From hidden preference files to lingering kernel extensions, a truly clean uninstall requires a few extra steps beyond simply dragging the application to the Trash. Understanding these steps is essential for both maximizing your Mac's performance and preventing future headaches.

What are the common pitfalls of uninstalling Parallels, and how do I avoid them?

How do I completely uninstall Parallels Desktop from my Mac?

To completely uninstall Parallels Desktop from your Mac, the best approach is to use the built-in uninstaller provided by Parallels. This will ensure that all associated files, applications, and virtual machines are properly removed, preventing residual issues and freeing up disk space. Avoid simply dragging the Parallels application to the trash, as this leaves behind many supporting files.

First, ensure Parallels Desktop is not running. If it is, quit the application completely. The easiest and most reliable way to uninstall is through the Parallels Desktop application itself. Open Parallels Desktop (if you haven’t already deleted it), and go to the Parallels Desktop menu in the menu bar (located at the top of your screen). Select "Uninstall" from the menu options. A prompt will appear asking if you want to remove Parallels Desktop and its virtual machines. If you want to remove your virtual machines as well, ensure the box indicating their deletion is checked. If you wish to keep your virtual machines (perhaps to use them with another virtualization solution later), uncheck this box. Follow the on-screen instructions, which may require you to enter your administrator password. After the uninstallation process is complete, it's a good practice to restart your Mac to ensure all changes are fully applied. Restarting clears any caches or temporary files that may still be present.

What's the best way to remove Parallels virtual machines to free up disk space?

The most effective way to remove Parallels virtual machines and reclaim substantial disk space is to use the Parallels Control Center to properly delete the virtual machine files. This ensures all associated data, including the virtual hard drive, configuration files, and snapshots, are completely removed, preventing orphaned files from lingering and occupying space.

Deleting the virtual machine directly through Finder (dragging the .pvm file to the Trash) is *not* recommended. While this might seem like a quick solution, it often leaves behind related files, snapshots, and configuration data scattered throughout your system, failing to fully recover the disk space. Using the Parallels Control Center guarantees a more thorough and clean removal process. To correctly remove a virtual machine: Open Parallels Desktop, go to the Control Center (usually accessible from the Parallels menu or by opening Parallels Desktop if no VM is running). Right-click on the virtual machine you want to remove, and select "Remove." You will then be presented with two options: "Keep Files" and "Move to Trash." If your goal is to free up disk space, choose "Move to Trash." This will delete the virtual machine and all its associated files. Empty your Trash to permanently reclaim the space. Keep in mind that if you have created snapshots of your virtual machine, each snapshot consumes additional disk space. Deleting the VM through the Parallels Control Center will also remove these snapshots. If you have important data within the virtual machine, ensure you back it up before proceeding with the removal.

Are there any hidden files or folders I need to delete after uninstalling Parallels?

Yes, after uninstalling Parallels Desktop using its built-in uninstaller (or dragging the application to the Trash), there are often hidden files and folders that remain and should be removed for a complete cleanup. These leftovers typically contain configuration settings, cached data, and other support files that are not automatically deleted during the standard uninstall process.

These hidden files are usually located in your user Library folder (~/Library) and potentially within the system-level Library folder (/Library). The user Library folder is hidden by default in macOS. To access it, open Finder, click "Go" in the menu bar, and press the Option key. The "Library" option will appear in the dropdown menu. Click it to open the folder. Look for folders related to Parallels or Parallels Desktop within the Library folder, such as in Application Support, Caches, Preferences, and Logs.

Common locations to check and clean include (but are not limited to):

Be cautious when deleting files from the Library folder. Ensure that the files or folders you delete are directly related to Parallels to avoid inadvertently removing important data for other applications. If you are unsure, it is better to leave the file untouched. Empty the Trash after deleting these files to finalize the removal process.

Can I use an uninstaller app to remove Parallels, and is it recommended?

Yes, you can use an uninstaller app to remove Parallels from your Mac, but it is generally not recommended as the primary method. While uninstaller apps can help remove associated files, they often miss components that Parallels installs deep within the system, potentially leading to lingering performance issues or instability. Using the built-in uninstaller within Parallels Desktop is the preferred method.

The Parallels uninstaller, accessed through the Parallels Desktop application itself (or the .dmg file you used to install it), is specifically designed to remove all components of the software, including virtual machines, supporting files, and system extensions. This ensures a complete and clean removal, minimizing the risk of leftover files cluttering your system. The built-in uninstaller knows exactly what to look for and where it's located. Using it allows you to make sure that any sensitive virtual machines will be removed properly.

If you've already tried using an uninstaller app and are experiencing issues, or if you want to ensure that Parallels has been completely removed, consider running the Parallels uninstaller afterward. You can download the latest installer from the Parallels website (even if you don't plan to reinstall) and use its uninstallation function. This will help identify and remove any remaining files missed by the uninstaller app. Following the uninstallation instructions in the Parallels knowledge base is also highly recommended for best results.

How do I remove Parallels if I'm having trouble with the standard uninstall process?

If the standard Parallels uninstall isn't working, you can try a manual removal which involves deleting the Parallels application, removing virtual machine files, and clearing associated system files and folders. This process requires careful attention to detail to ensure all components are removed, but can effectively eliminate stubborn installations.

Start by force quitting Parallels Desktop and any related processes using Activity Monitor (located in Applications/Utilities). Search for any processes with "Parallels" in their name, select them, and click the "X" button in the toolbar to force quit them. Next, manually delete the Parallels Desktop application from your Applications folder by dragging it to the Trash and emptying it. After that, you'll need to hunt down and delete the virtual machine files themselves, which are typically stored in your Documents folder or within the Parallels folder. These files usually have a ".pvm" or ".hdd" extension. Carefully inspect the contents of the Parallels folder before deleting anything, making sure you are removing the correct files.

The final step involves removing residual files and folders from your system library folders. Open Finder, click "Go" in the menu bar, and select "Go to Folder...". Enter each of the following paths, and delete any files or folders associated with Parallels that you find (exercise extreme caution when deleting files from these locations, as removing the wrong files can destabilize your system):

After removing these files and folders, restart your Mac. This should completely remove Parallels Desktop. If you're still experiencing issues, using a dedicated uninstaller application designed for macOS could provide a more automated and thorough cleanup.

What happens to my Windows license after I uninstall Parallels?

Uninstalling Parallels Desktop from your Mac does *not* automatically invalidate or remove your Windows license. Your Windows license is tied to the virtual machine (VM) you created within Parallels, not to the Parallels software itself. The key consideration is whether you intend to reuse that Windows installation.

If you plan to use your existing Windows installation (the virtual machine) in another virtualization solution like VMware Fusion or Boot Camp (if applicable for your Mac), you'll need to keep the virtual machine files intact *before* uninstalling Parallels. Uninstalling Parallels only removes the Parallels application itself, but leaves the virtual machine files (which contain Windows and your files) untouched by default. If you then install a different virtualization program, you should be able to import the existing virtual machine file to continue using Windows, and your license should still be valid. Make sure that the other virtualization solution you choose is compatible with importing a Parallels virtual machine.

However, if you plan to completely remove Windows from your Mac and do not intend to use it again, you can delete the virtual machine file *after* uninstalling Parallels. Deleting the virtual machine effectively "removes" Windows. In this case, while your Windows license remains technically valid (as it's a perpetual license unless it explicitly states otherwise), it's no longer actively in use and cannot be used until you install Windows on another machine or create another VM. Consider backing up the virtual machine file if you want to preserve the license and Windows environment for potential future use.

Is it necessary to deactivate my Parallels license before removing the application?

Yes, it is highly recommended to deactivate your Parallels Desktop license before removing the application from your Mac. Deactivating the license ensures that it is properly released from your current installation and available for use on another computer or for a future reinstallation. Failing to deactivate can lead to issues activating Parallels on another machine or reactivating it later on the same machine.

Deactivating the license is a straightforward process that can usually be done within the Parallels application itself. Typically, you'll find the option to deactivate under the "Parallels Desktop" menu, often located under "Account & License" or a similar heading within the application's settings. The specific wording may vary slightly depending on the version of Parallels you are using. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the deactivation process. If you are unable to deactivate within the application due to technical issues or because you no longer have access to the original Mac, you can usually contact Parallels support for assistance in deactivating the license from their end. By deactivating your Parallels Desktop license before removing the application, you avoid potential licensing conflicts and ensure a smooth experience when you need to use Parallels again in the future. It's a best practice to maintain control over your software licenses and prevent unnecessary activation problems. Remember to keep a record of your license key in a safe place for future reference.

And that's all there is to it! Hopefully, you've successfully removed Parallels from your Mac and freed up some valuable space. Thanks for reading, and feel free to swing by again for more helpful Mac tips and tricks!