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How to Completely Delete Parallels from Your MacBook: A Pro’s Guide

So, you’re ready to bid adieu to Parallels Desktop on your MacBook. Perhaps you’ve found a different virtualization solution, or maybe you simply no longer need to run Windows or other operating systems alongside macOS. Whatever the reason, ensuring a complete and clean uninstall is crucial to free up valuable disk space and prevent lingering issues. The most effective way to completely delete Parallels from your MacBook involves using the built-in uninstaller, which handles the application itself and its associated virtual machines. Navigate to your Applications folder, locate the Parallels Desktop application, and either right-click and choose “Move to Trash” or simply drag it to the Trash icon in your Dock. Then, and this is crucial, empty your Trash.

The Importance of a Clean Uninstall

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s underline why a thorough uninstall matters. Simply dragging the application icon to the Trash isn’t enough. Parallels, like many sophisticated applications, scatters files across your system: preference files, support files, virtual machine images, and more. Leaving these remnants behind can lead to:

Wasted Disk Space: Virtual machine images, in particular, can consume a significant amount of storage.
Potential Conflicts: Old files can sometimes conflict with other applications or future installations.
Performance Issues: Unnecessary background processes related to Parallels can subtly impact your Mac’s performance.

Therefore, a complete uninstall ensures your system remains lean, clean, and optimized.

Step-by-Step Guide to Deleting Parallels

Here’s a detailed walkthrough of the proper uninstallation process:

Quit Parallels Completely: Ensure that Parallels Desktop and any running virtual machines are completely shut down. Look for the Parallels icon in the menu bar (top right of your screen) and choose “Quit Parallels Desktop” if it’s present. Also, check Activity Monitor (Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor) to ensure no Parallels-related processes are running.
Use the Built-in Uninstaller (Preferred Method): This is the recommended approach.
- Open Finder and navigate to the Applications folder.
- Locate the Parallels Desktop application.
- Right-click (or Ctrl-click) on the Parallels Desktop icon.
- Select “Open Package Contents“. This reveals the application’s internal files and folders.
- Within the “Contents” folder, find the “_uninstall” executable file (or sometimes it’s named “Parallels Uninstaller“).
- Double-click the “_uninstall” file to launch the Parallels Uninstaller.
- Follow the on-screen prompts. The uninstaller will ask if you want to remove the application and your virtual machines. Be careful! If you want to keep your virtual machines for later use with another virtualization program, do not select the option to remove them.
Alternative Method (Dragging to Trash): Only use this if the uninstaller is unavailable or malfunctioning. This method is less thorough but still necessary in such cases.
- Navigate to your Applications folder.
- Locate the Parallels Desktop application.
- Drag the Parallels Desktop icon to the Trash icon in your Dock.
- Empty the Trash.
Remove Virtual Machines (If Desired):
- Locate your Virtual Machines: By default, Parallels stores virtual machine files in the ~/Parallels folder (your user directory, then the “Parallels” folder). You might have moved them to a different location, so double-check.
- Drag to Trash: Drag the virtual machine files (they usually have a .pvm extension) to the Trash. These files can be quite large, so ensure you actually want to delete them. You might want to back them up first if you think you might need them again in the future.
- Empty the Trash.
Remove Lingering Files (Advanced Users): This step is optional but recommended for a truly clean uninstall. Be very careful when deleting files in these locations, as you could inadvertently remove something important.
- Open Finder and go to the menu bar. Select “Go” then “Go to Folder…“
- Enter the following paths, one at a time, and check for any Parallels-related files or folders. Delete them if found:
  - ~/Library/Preferences
  - ~/Library/Application Support
  - /Library/LaunchDaemons
  - /Library/LaunchAgents
  - /Library/Preferences
  - /private/var/db/receipts/ (Look for files with “com.parallels” in their name)
- Empty the Trash.
Restart Your Mac: A restart ensures that any remaining temporary files are cleared and the uninstallation process is fully completed.

Verifying a Successful Uninstall

After following these steps, it’s wise to confirm that Parallels is indeed gone. Check the following:

Applications Folder: Ensure the Parallels Desktop application is no longer present.
System Preferences: Look for any Parallels-related preference panes. If you find any, right-click on them and choose “Remove [Preference Pane Name]”.
Activity Monitor: Confirm that no Parallels processes are running after a restart.
Disk Space: Check your available disk space. It should have increased significantly after deleting the virtual machines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What if the Parallels Uninstaller is Missing?

If you can’t find the uninstaller within the application package, you might have a corrupted installation. Try downloading the latest version of Parallels Desktop from the official website and reinstalling it. Then, use the uninstaller from the newly installed version. If that fails, the “Dragging to Trash” method followed by manual removal of lingering files (step 5 above) is your best bet.

2. Can I Keep My Virtual Machines After Uninstalling Parallels?

Absolutely. When running the Parallels Uninstaller, do not select the option to remove virtual machines. The uninstaller specifically asks if you want to delete them. Alternatively, you can simply leave the .pvm files untouched in their folder and only delete the Parallels application itself. You can then potentially use these virtual machines with another virtualization software in the future.

3. Where are Virtual Machines Usually Stored?

By default, Parallels stores virtual machines in the ~/Parallels folder (your user directory, then the “Parallels” folder). However, you might have specified a different location during the virtual machine creation process. Check your Parallels settings if you’re unsure.

4. Is it Safe to Delete Files in the Library Folders?

Deleting files in the ~/Library and /Library folders requires caution. Only delete files or folders that are clearly associated with Parallels. If you’re unsure, it’s best to leave them alone. Deleting essential system files can cause instability.

5. How Can I Reinstall Parallels After Uninstalling It?

Simply download the latest version of Parallels Desktop from the official Parallels website and follow the installation instructions.

6. Will Uninstalling Parallels Delete My Windows License?

No. Your Windows license is associated with the virtual machine, not the Parallels application itself. As long as you keep your virtual machine file (the .pvm file), you can reuse your Windows license if you reinstall Parallels or use another compatible virtualization program.

7. What’s the Best Way to Back Up My Virtual Machines?

The simplest way to back up your virtual machines is to copy the entire .pvm file to an external hard drive or cloud storage service.

8. I’m Getting Errors During the Uninstall Process. What Should I Do?

Errors during uninstallation often indicate corrupted files. Try reinstalling Parallels and then running the uninstaller again. Also, ensure you have sufficient disk space and administrative privileges.

9. Does Uninstalling Parallels Affect My Mac’s Performance?

Yes, a clean uninstall of Parallels can improve your Mac’s performance by freeing up disk space and preventing unnecessary background processes from running.

10. I Found Parallels Files in Other Locations. Should I Delete Them?

If you find files clearly labeled as related to Parallels in locations other than those mentioned above, it’s generally safe to delete them. However, always exercise caution and back up your system before making significant changes.

11. Can I Use a Third-Party Uninstaller to Remove Parallels?

While third-party uninstallers can be helpful, using the built-in Parallels Uninstaller is generally recommended for the most thorough and reliable removal. If you do use a third-party uninstaller, ensure it’s reputable and specifically designed for macOS.

12. After uninstalling Parallels, my network settings seem off. How do I fix this?

Sometimes Parallels can modify network settings. After uninstalling, go to System Preferences -> Network. Ensure your primary network interface (usually Wi-Fi or Ethernet) is properly configured and that there are no lingering Parallels-related network adapters or virtual interfaces. You might need to renew your DHCP lease or manually configure your DNS settings. If problems persist, try restarting your Mac and your network router.