How To Uninstall Parallels Desktop

Have you ever found yourself needing to part ways with Parallels Desktop? Perhaps you're upgrading to a newer version, freeing up valuable disk space, or simply exploring other virtualization options. Uninstalling software can sometimes feel like navigating a labyrinth, especially complex applications like Parallels, which integrate deeply with your system. Leaving residual files behind can lead to future conflicts or performance issues, so ensuring a clean uninstall is crucial.

Completely removing Parallels Desktop not only reclaims storage space but also ensures that your macOS operating system runs smoothly and efficiently. Failing to properly uninstall Parallels can leave behind system extensions, virtual machine files, and application support files that can clutter your drive and potentially impact the performance of other programs. Knowing the correct procedures will save you time, effort, and potential headaches down the line.

What are the most common questions about uninstalling Parallels Desktop?

How do I completely remove Parallels Desktop, including all associated files?

To completely uninstall Parallels Desktop, you must first uninstall the application itself through the Parallels Desktop menu, then manually remove any remaining associated files and folders to ensure a clean removal. This includes deleting virtual machines, configuration files, and any Parallels-related folders in your user library.

To begin the uninstallation, the recommended method is to use the built-in uninstaller. Open Parallels Desktop, go to the "Parallels Desktop" menu (located in the macOS menu bar), and select "Uninstall." Follow the on-screen prompts to uninstall the main application. You will likely be asked if you also want to remove your virtual machines. Choose whether to delete them (if you no longer need them) or keep them (if you might use them with another virtualization solution later). Note that deleting a virtual machine is permanent and irrecoverable unless you have a backup. After the uninstaller completes, some residual files may remain. To ensure a complete removal, you should manually delete these files. Open Finder, then go to the "Go" menu and select "Go to Folder…" (or press Command+Shift+G). Type in the following paths, one at a time, and delete any folders or files associated with Parallels in those locations: Be extremely cautious when deleting files from the `/Library` directory, as deleting the wrong files can cause system instability. Only delete files and folders that you are certain are related to Parallels Desktop. Finally, empty your Trash to permanently remove the files.

What's the difference between dragging Parallels to the trash and using the uninstaller?

Dragging the Parallels application icon to the trash only removes the main application file. The uninstaller, on the other hand, comprehensively removes all associated files, folders, and system configurations that Parallels created during its installation and usage. This includes virtual machine files, preferences, support files, and kernel extensions.

Simply dragging Parallels to the trash leaves behind a significant amount of residual data. This leftover data can take up valuable disk space and, more importantly, may cause conflicts or instability with your macOS operating system or other applications. For example, Parallels installs kernel extensions that allow it to interact deeply with the system's hardware. These extensions won't be removed by a simple deletion and can lead to problems if you later try to install a newer version of Parallels or another virtualization program. Similarly, preference files containing your personalized settings remain on your hard drive, meaning a future install won't be "clean."

The Parallels uninstaller is designed to safely and completely remove all traces of the program. It searches for and deletes all associated files, including those hidden in system folders. This process ensures that your system is left clean and free of potential conflicts or performance issues. Using the official uninstaller ensures that all Parallels components are removed correctly and avoids potential problems associated with manually deleting files, which can be risky if you are unsure what to remove.

Can I uninstall Parallels without losing my virtual machines?

Yes, you can uninstall Parallels Desktop without losing your virtual machines. The uninstallation process specifically gives you the option to either keep or remove your virtual machines. This allows you to uninstall Parallels while preserving your operating systems, applications, and data contained within the virtual machines.

When you uninstall Parallels Desktop, a prompt will appear asking what you want to do with your virtual machines. You will typically be presented with options like "Keep," "Remove," or something similar. Choosing "Keep" is crucial if you want to retain your virtual machines for future use, perhaps with a different virtualization solution or a reinstall of Parallels. The virtual machine files themselves (typically with extensions like .pvm or .hdd) are stored separately from the Parallels application and its associated files. It’s always a good practice to back up your virtual machines before undertaking any major software changes like uninstalling Parallels Desktop. This precautionary step protects your data in case anything unexpected happens during the uninstallation process. Backups can be created by copying the virtual machine files to an external drive or using a dedicated backup tool.

What should I do if I encounter errors during the uninstallation process?

If you encounter errors while uninstalling Parallels Desktop, the first step is to try restarting your Mac and attempting the uninstallation again using the standard method (Parallels Desktop menu -> Uninstall). If that doesn't work, consult the Parallels support website for specific error code solutions or consider using the Parallels Uninstaller tool (if available) after ensuring you have a valid backup of your virtual machines.

Many uninstallation errors stem from corrupted files, incomplete processes, or permissions issues. Restarting your Mac clears temporary files and processes that might be interfering with the uninstallation. If the issue persists, visit the official Parallels website and search for error messages or related issues in their knowledge base. Parallels provides extensive documentation and troubleshooting guides that address common uninstallation problems. Look for articles specifically related to your version of Parallels Desktop and the error code you're encountering.

In some cases, a dedicated Uninstaller tool is available directly from Parallels, or instructions are provided to manually remove specific files and folders associated with the application. If these manual steps are suggested, proceed with caution and only delete the files and folders explicitly listed by Parallels support. Always back up your virtual machine files before undertaking manual removal, as incorrect deletion can lead to data loss. If uncertain, contacting Parallels support directly for personalized assistance is the safest option.

Where can I find the Parallels uninstaller if I can't find the original application?

If you can't find the Parallels Desktop application itself, you can typically find the uninstaller image (.dmg) file within your Downloads folder, or possibly within an older backup of your system. If you are certain it's been completely deleted, you can download a fresh copy of the Parallels Desktop installation file from the Parallels website. You don't need to install the entire application, just mount the .dmg and extract the uninstaller tool.

The key is to obtain the Parallels Desktop installation image (.dmg) matching the version you had installed, even if you no longer have the application itself. The uninstaller is packaged within that image. Once you download the .dmg file from the Parallels website (you might need to log in to your Parallels account), simply double-click it to mount it as a virtual drive. Inside this virtual drive, you should find the "Uninstall Parallels Desktop" application. This tool is specifically designed to remove all components of Parallels, including virtual machines (if you choose to), associated files, and system extensions.

Alternatively, Parallels provides a dedicated support article with direct download links to uninstaller utilities for various versions of Parallels Desktop. Searching the Parallels Knowledge Base for "uninstall Parallels Desktop" will lead you to these articles. These direct download links can be more convenient than downloading a full installation image, especially if you only need to remove the software. Before running the uninstaller, it is advisable to back up any virtual machines or critical data stored within Parallels, as the uninstallation process can, if configured incorrectly, remove these files.

How do I uninstall Parallels from the command line?

To uninstall Parallels Desktop from the command line, you'll typically use the `prlctl` command with the `uninstall` option, often requiring root privileges. Open Terminal and run `sudo prlctl uninstall` to initiate the uninstallation process. You may be prompted for your administrator password.

The `prlctl uninstall` command is the recommended and generally most reliable method for command-line uninstallation. This method ensures that all Parallels Desktop components are properly removed from your system, including virtual machines, application data, and system extensions. Using the command line can be particularly useful when you need to automate the uninstallation process or are troubleshooting issues that prevent a graphical uninstall. Before running the uninstall command, it's advisable to back up any critical virtual machine data. While the uninstallation process should not inherently delete your VMs, it's always a good practice to safeguard your data. After executing `sudo prlctl uninstall`, carefully monitor the Terminal output for any errors or warnings. If you encounter problems, consult the Parallels documentation or support resources for further assistance. In some cases, force-uninstall options might be available for troubleshooting, but should only be used as a last resort.

Does uninstalling Parallels free up significant disk space?

Yes, uninstalling Parallels Desktop typically frees up a significant amount of disk space. The Parallels application itself, along with any associated virtual machines (VMs), can consume a substantial portion of your hard drive, especially if you have multiple or large VMs installed.

Uninstalling Parallels removes the application files, which contribute to the overall disk usage. However, the biggest space savings come from deleting the virtual machines themselves. Each VM is essentially a large file (or set of files) that contains the operating system (like Windows, Linux, or older versions of macOS) and all the applications and data installed within it. These VM files can easily range from tens to hundreds of gigabytes, depending on their configuration and usage. Therefore, removing these VMs alongside the Parallels application results in a considerable amount of reclaimed disk space. To ensure you maximize the freed-up space, it's crucial to correctly uninstall Parallels and remove the VMs. Simply dragging the Parallels application to the Trash might not remove all associated files and VMs. It’s recommended to use the built-in uninstaller provided by Parallels or follow their official uninstallation guide. After uninstalling, you should also check your hard drive for any lingering Parallels-related folders or VM files that might have been missed during the initial uninstall process and delete them manually.

And that's all there is to it! You've successfully uninstalled Parallels Desktop. We hope this guide was helpful. Thanks for stopping by, and feel free to come back any time you need a little tech assistance. We're always happy to help!