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how to delete parallels

how to delete parallels

3 min read 05-02-2025
how to delete parallels

Parallels Desktop is a popular virtualization application for macOS, allowing users to run Windows and other operating systems alongside their Mac OS. But what if you decide you no longer need Parallels? This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to completely uninstall Parallels Desktop from your Mac, ensuring a clean removal and freeing up valuable disk space. We'll cover various methods, addressing different scenarios and potential issues.

Understanding the Uninstallation Process

Deleting Parallels isn't as simple as dragging the application to the Trash. Parallels installs various components across your system, including virtual machines (VMs), settings files, and kernel extensions. A complete uninstall requires removing all these elements. Failure to do so can lead to residual files clogging your hard drive and potentially causing conflicts with other software.

Method 1: Using the Parallels Uninstaller

This is the recommended and easiest method. Parallels Desktop includes a built-in uninstaller that handles the majority of the cleanup process.

Steps:

  1. Quit Parallels Desktop: Ensure Parallels Desktop is completely closed. Check your Dock and Activity Monitor (Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor) to ensure no Parallels processes are running.

  2. Locate the Uninstaller: Open Finder and navigate to the Applications folder. Locate the Parallels Desktop application. You might need to find the Parallels folder and then find the Parallels Desktop application within that folder.

  3. Run the Uninstaller: Right-click on the Parallels Desktop application and select Show Package Contents. Within the contents, find the Uninstall Parallels Desktop.app application and run it. Follow the on-screen instructions. The uninstaller will guide you through the process of removing Parallels Desktop and its associated files.

  4. Restart Your Mac: After the uninstallation is complete, restart your Mac to ensure all changes take effect.

Method 2: Manual Uninstallation (Advanced Users)

If the built-in uninstaller fails or you prefer a more manual approach, you can delete Parallels components directly. However, this method is more complex and requires careful attention to detail. A mistake could damage your system.

Steps:

  1. Follow Steps 1 & 2 from Method 1.

  2. Identify Parallels Files and Folders: The primary Parallels installation directory is usually found in your home directory under Library/Parallels. However, other files may be scattered in various locations, including /Library/Parallels.

  3. Delete Parallels Folders: Once you have identified the Parallels folders, carefully move them to the Trash. Be extremely cautious not to delete any other files or folders.

  4. Empty the Trash: After deleting all the identified Parallels files and folders, empty the Trash.

  5. Restart your Mac: Reboot your computer to ensure everything is properly removed.

Important Note: This manual method is significantly more risky than using the built-in uninstaller. Proceed with extreme caution. Incorrectly deleting system files could lead to system instability.

Deleting Virtual Machines

Deleting Parallels Desktop removes the application itself. However, your virtual machines (VMs) are separate entities and need to be deleted individually.

  1. Open Parallels Desktop (if not already running): If you choose to delete your VM(s) before uninstalling Parallels Desktop, you can access the VM(s) from here.

  2. Access the VM: Open the Parallels Desktop application and locate your virtual machine.

  3. Delete the VM: Right-click on the virtual machine and choose the option to delete it. Parallels will prompt you to confirm the deletion.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues during the uninstallation process, try these steps:

  • Restart your Mac: A simple restart often resolves minor issues.
  • Run the uninstaller again: Sometimes, a second attempt is needed.
  • Check for residual files: Use a utility like OmniDiskSweeper to locate any remaining Parallels files.
  • Contact Parallels Support: If you continue to have problems, contact Parallels support for assistance.

By following these instructions carefully, you can effectively remove Parallels Desktop and reclaim your disk space. Remember to choose the method that best suits your technical expertise. Always back up your important data before performing any significant system changes.

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