Virtualization

Can I delete Parallels Desktop from my Mac?

Yes, you can delete it

You can delete the application, but this action does not remove your virtual machines or local data folders. Your license remains linked to your account, though it must be deactivated on this Mac to use it elsewhere.

Last updated: October 31, 20263 min read

See how much space Parallels Desktop really takes before you decide

Parallels Desktop data usually takes 10 GB – 500 GB on a Mac. The free scan shows the exact size on your Mac before you change anything.

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Application: Parallels Desktop
Typical data size: 10 GB – 500 GB
Category: Virtualization
File Location: ~/Parallels

What you lose and keep when removing Parallels Desktop

Specific to Parallels Desktop

Deleting the application binary leaves your virtual machine packages in ~/Parallels untouched, so your Windows installations and snapshots remain on disk. The app’s typical data footprint of 10 GB – 500 GB stays intact until you manually remove those files. System services and configuration files also persist, requiring separate deletion if you want a complete cleanup. Your license is safe in your account, but it will not function on another Mac until deactivated here.

Where your Parallels Desktop data lives

These folders hold your own Parallels Desktop data. Deleting the app leaves them in place; removing them is what actually deletes it.

~/Parallels Your files · virtual machine packages with disks and snapshots Back up first: your data/Library/Preferences/Parallels Settings · system-wide settings, the VM registry and licence data; deactivate the licence first Back up first: your data

Account and sync: Your Parallels Desktop license is linked to your Parallels account.
License: The license is tied to your Parallels account and can be moved to another Mac after it is deactivated on this one.
Your files: Each virtual machine is a single .pvm package in the Parallels folder that contains its disk, snapshots and settings.

Preparing your Mac before you delete Parallels Desktop

Ensure all virtual machines are shut down to prevent data corruption or file locks during removal. You must deactivate the license within the app’s Account & License window to free the seat for other devices. Local projects and files inside the virtual machines are not backed up to the cloud, so verify you have copies of any critical data. Removing the app does not clear these local folders, meaning the significant storage space remains occupied.

Shut down every virtual machine and quit the application completely.Deactivate the license in the Account & License window.Copy needed files out of each virtual machine to your Mac.Back up .pvm packages if you plan to restore them later.

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How to delete Parallels Desktop completely

Quit Parallels Desktop, move it to the Trash, then remove what it left in ~/Parallels. The full step-by-step guide:

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Frequently asked questions

Will deleting Parallels Desktop delete my files?

No. Removing the app doesn't touch documents you saved in other folders. Only the app and, if you remove them, its own support files are deleted.

Does deleting the app free up my disk space?

No, the large .pvm packages in your Parallels folder remain on your drive until you delete them separately.

Can I use my license on another Mac immediately?

Only after you deactivate it on this Mac, as the license is tied to your account and requires manual release.