The process of completely uninstalling Parallels Desktop from a macOS system involves more than simply dragging the application icon to the Trash. A full removal ensures all associated files, virtual machines, and system configurations are eliminated, freeing up disk space and preventing potential software conflicts.
Proper application removal is essential for maintaining system performance and stability. Incomplete uninstallation can leave behind residual files that consume valuable resources and may cause unexpected errors during future software installations or system updates. Historically, the complexities of application uninstallations have led to dedicated software tools designed to automate and thoroughly complete the process.
The subsequent sections detail the precise steps required to achieve a complete and clean uninstallation of Parallels Desktop, ensuring a smooth and efficient outcome.
1. Quit Parallels Desktop
Prior to initiating any uninstallation procedure, ensuring Parallels Desktop is fully terminated is a fundamental prerequisite. Failure to properly quit the application can result in incomplete removal of files and system extensions, as active processes may retain locks on these components. This interference can lead to residual files remaining on the system, potentially causing performance issues or software conflicts in the future. For example, attempts to remove system extensions while the application is running will almost certainly fail, requiring manual intervention and advanced troubleshooting.
The act of quitting Parallels Desktop is not merely closing the application window. It involves verifying that all associated processes, including those running in the background, are terminated. The Activity Monitor application within macOS provides a mechanism to confirm this. Checking for and terminating any lingering “prl” processes, which are commonly associated with Parallels, is essential. Neglecting this step can lead to an unsuccessful removal process, with fragments of the application persisting on the system.
In summary, ensuring Parallels Desktop is completely quit is a crucial initial step in the uninstallation process. This action prevents file locking and ensures a clean, thorough removal of the application and its components. The practical significance of this step lies in preventing future system instability and maintaining optimal macOS performance.
2. Shut down virtual machines
The complete removal of Parallels Desktop from a macOS environment requires the prior and deliberate shutdown of all active virtual machines. Failure to properly shut down these virtual environments before initiating the uninstallation procedure can lead to data corruption within the virtual machine files themselves, as well as potential complications during the uninstallation process. Running virtual machines maintain active read and write operations to their respective disk image files. Disrupting this activity by force-quitting Parallels Desktop or attempting to delete the application while virtual machines are running can result in inconsistencies or data loss within the virtual disk.
The proper shutdown procedure, initiated from within the guest operating system of each virtual machine, ensures that all processes are terminated gracefully and that data is written to disk in a consistent state. This prevents data corruption and minimizes the risk of encountering errors during the subsequent uninstallation of Parallels Desktop. For example, attempting to delete a virtual machine’s .pvm file while the virtual machine is running will typically result in an error, as the file is actively in use by the operating system. Furthermore, leaving virtual machines in a suspended or paused state is insufficient. A complete shutdown is necessary to release all resources and file locks associated with the virtual machine.
In essence, the proper shutdown of all virtual machines is an integral and non-negotiable step in the complete and safe removal of Parallels Desktop. This action mitigates the risk of data corruption, prevents potential errors during the uninstallation process, and contributes to the overall stability of the macOS environment after the application has been removed. Ignoring this step can lead to significant data loss or system instability, highlighting its practical significance in maintaining data integrity and system health.
3. Delete virtual machines
The deletion of virtual machines constitutes a critical step in the complete uninstallation of Parallels Desktop from a macOS system. The presence of virtual machine files (.pvm) after removing the Parallels application represents a failure to fully reclaim disk space and eliminate all application-related components. These files, often substantial in size, can unnecessarily consume storage resources and complicate future software installations. Consider, for example, a user who uninstalls Parallels but neglects to delete a 100GB Windows virtual machine file. This omission would result in a significant and avoidable loss of available storage capacity. The proper and deliberate deletion of virtual machines directly contributes to a thorough and effective application removal.
The procedure for deleting virtual machines typically involves locating the .pvm files, which are stored in a user-specified directory during the virtual machine creation process. These files can then be moved to the Trash and subsequently emptied. It’s crucial to verify the correct files are targeted for deletion to avoid unintentional data loss. Another scenario involves users who maintain multiple virtual machines, each containing unique and valuable data. In such cases, carefully reviewing and confirming the deletion of each virtual machine ensures the preservation of critical information while still achieving the objective of reclaiming storage space after Parallels removal. Furthermore, if Parallels was not correctly uninstall, the files might be corrupted, and will prevent the correct deletion and removal of the application and its components.
In summary, deleting virtual machines is integral to a successful and complete Parallels Desktop uninstallation. This action recovers valuable disk space, prevents the persistence of application-related data, and supports overall system efficiency. Failure to address this step undermines the intended benefits of removing the application, emphasizing the practical significance of understanding and executing this procedure correctly. The ultimate success of the uninstallation is directly tied to diligent removal of these often-overlooked virtual machine files.
4. Uninstall application
The “Uninstall application” phase represents a core component within the comprehensive process of removing Parallels Desktop from a macOS environment. It directly addresses the primary application files, system services, and associated components installed during the initial setup. Failure to properly execute this step renders the entire removal process incomplete, leaving behind residual files that can negatively impact system performance and stability. For instance, neglecting to uninstall the application via the designated uninstaller may result in orphaned system extensions that interfere with other applications or impede future software installations.
The uninstallation process typically involves utilizing the built-in uninstaller provided by Parallels Desktop, accessible through the application itself or a dedicated uninstaller application. This tool is designed to remove the core application files, system services, and registry entries associated with Parallels. Bypassing this step and simply deleting the application icon from the Applications folder leaves behind significant portions of the software, creating potential conflicts. A practical example is the persistence of kernel extensions that require specific processes to disable properly; manual deletion without the uninstaller can lead to system instability and require advanced troubleshooting to resolve. A correctly performed uninstallation leverages the developer-provided mechanisms to ensure all necessary components are identified and removed, minimizing the risk of residual issues.
In summary, the “Uninstall application” step forms an indispensable link in the chain of actions required to completely remove Parallels Desktop. Its execution directly influences the success of the entire process, determining whether residual files persist and potentially compromise system integrity. Overlooking this phase significantly increases the likelihood of encountering performance issues, software conflicts, and the need for advanced system maintenance. Therefore, understanding and meticulously executing the “Uninstall application” step is essential for a clean and effective Parallels Desktop removal, ensuring the macOS environment remains stable and optimized.
5. Remove system extensions
System extensions, often referred to as kernel extensions (kexts) on macOS, represent a critical component of many software applications, including Parallels Desktop. These extensions operate at a low level within the operating system, providing direct access to hardware resources and enabling specific functionalities. Within the context of removing Parallels Desktop, properly addressing system extensions is paramount to ensure a clean and complete uninstallation. Failure to remove these extensions can lead to system instability, software conflicts, and resource contention. The effect of neglecting this step is analogous to leaving behind structural supports after demolishing a building; they persist, obstruct, and potentially compromise the integrity of the remaining structure.
The importance of system extension removal stems from their inherent integration with the operating system’s core functions. Parallels Desktop utilizes system extensions to facilitate virtualization, networking, and hardware access within virtual machines. When the main application is removed without properly uninstalling these extensions, they continue to load during system startup, consuming resources and potentially conflicting with other applications that attempt to access the same hardware. A real-life example involves network interfaces created by Parallels extensions remaining active, causing routing issues or preventing other applications from properly configuring network settings. Another example would be the system extensions that manage input and output, that stay and can cause conflict with keyboard and mouse after the removal of parallels.
In conclusion, the removal of system extensions is an indispensable element within the process of completely uninstalling Parallels Desktop from a macOS system. Its proper execution prevents system instability, avoids software conflicts, and ensures the efficient allocation of system resources. The challenge lies in identifying and safely removing these extensions, typically requiring the use of the Parallels uninstaller or specialized system tools. Understanding the significance of this step and executing it correctly is essential for maintaining a stable and optimized macOS environment following the removal of Parallels Desktop.
6. Clean library folders
Within the context of completely removing Parallels Desktop from a macOS system, the action of cleaning library folders is a crucial step often underestimated. Library folders, both at the system and user levels, serve as repositories for application-specific data, including preferences, caches, and support files. Failure to cleanse these folders of Parallels-related remnants after uninstalling the main application results in incomplete removal, potentially leading to future software conflicts or inefficient disk space usage. For example, outdated preference files may interfere with other applications that attempt to access similar system resources. The incomplete removal of cache files can contribute to unnecessary disk clutter, impacting overall system performance. Therefore, a thorough cleaning of library folders is essential for achieving a fully uninstalled state.
The practical application of this step involves navigating to the appropriate library folders (typically `~/Library` for user-specific files and `/Library` for system-wide files) and identifying any directories or files directly associated with Parallels Desktop. Common targets include folders named “Parallels,” “com.parallels,” or variations thereof. Deleting these files and folders removes residual application data. However, caution is advised to avoid inadvertently deleting files belonging to other applications. A targeted approach, focusing specifically on Parallels-related items, ensures that legitimate application data remains intact. Furthermore, the existence of orphaned preference files in the Library folders may cause new installations to fail, or to carry on settings from previous installation.
In summary, cleaning library folders is a necessary component of a complete Parallels Desktop removal. This action prevents potential software conflicts, reclaims disk space, and ensures a clean system state. While this step may seem less critical than uninstalling the main application, neglecting it undermines the intended benefits of the removal process, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to application uninstallation on macOS. A meticulous process is needed to prevent the corruption of the install process.
7. Empty Trash
The action of emptying the Trash in macOS forms an integral and final step within the procedure of completely removing Parallels Desktop. This seemingly simple act serves as the definitive commitment to deleting files and folders previously marked for removal. Without emptying the Trash, the files remain on the system, occupying disk space and potentially causing confusion during future system maintenance. In the context of removing Parallels, this means virtual machine files, application components, and related data persist on the drive despite the initial steps taken. This persistence effectively negates the goal of freeing up resources and achieving a clean uninstallation.
The necessity of emptying the Trash is not merely a formality; it represents the final phase in reclaiming storage space and eliminating all traces of the application. Consider a scenario where a user meticulously uninstalls Parallels and moves associated files to the Trash, but then neglects to empty it. The system continues to recognize the occupied space, preventing the user from fully utilizing the freed-up resources. Furthermore, if the user attempts to reinstall Parallels or related software, the presence of these residual files may lead to conflicts or unexpected behavior. Therefore, emptying the Trash ensures that the deleted files are permanently removed from the file system, resolving these potential issues. Additionally, the macOS file system maintains metadata about files even in the Trash; emptying the Trash purges this metadata.
In conclusion, emptying the Trash is not a supplementary step but a fundamental requirement for achieving a complete Parallels Desktop removal. It solidifies the uninstallation process, freeing up disk space, preventing future conflicts, and ensuring that all remnants of the application are permanently eliminated. The omission of this final action undermines the effectiveness of all preceding steps, emphasizing its practical significance in maintaining system integrity and optimizing resource utilization. The action guarantees that a full system state can be restored.
8. Restart the Mac
Rebooting the macOS system represents a crucial concluding step in the complete uninstallation procedure for Parallels Desktop. The operating system often retains loaded system extensions, cached files, and active processes even after the primary application files have been removed. A system restart effectively flushes these residual elements from memory, ensuring that the changes implemented during the uninstallation process are fully applied. Without a subsequent reboot, these lingering components may continue to consume system resources or create potential conflicts with other applications. The act of restarting serves as a system-level refresh, guaranteeing a clean and stable operating environment following the removal of Parallels Desktop.
The importance of rebooting stems from the way macOS manages system extensions and dynamic libraries. When Parallels Desktop is uninstalled, the system attempts to unload the associated kernel extensions and release used memory. However, the operating system’s internal state may not immediately reflect these changes. A reboot forces a complete reload of all system components, ensuring that the uninstalled extensions are no longer loaded and that any associated resources are freed. For instance, network interfaces created by Parallels may persist even after the application is removed; a reboot ensures these virtual interfaces are properly deactivated. A practical situation occurs when the system needs to use the resources released by the uninstall process. This situation will only happen after a reboot, making it the final step that grants a complete removal.
In summary, restarting the macOS system following the uninstallation of Parallels Desktop is not a superfluous step but a necessary action for achieving a truly clean and complete removal. It guarantees that system extensions are unloaded, resources are released, and potential conflicts are avoided. The absence of a system restart can leave behind residual components, undermining the overall effectiveness of the uninstallation process and potentially compromising system stability. The action marks the transition of a fully operational system, where the uninstall process is finished, to a fully functional system, where the available resources can be allocated in the best possible way.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the complete removal of Parallels Desktop from macOS, providing clarity on potential issues and best practices.
Question 1: Is simply dragging the Parallels Desktop application icon to the Trash sufficient for complete removal?
No. This action only removes the main application file. Associated system files, virtual machines, and configuration data remain on the system, consuming disk space and potentially causing conflicts.
Question 2: What are the potential consequences of not completely uninstalling Parallels Desktop?
Incomplete uninstallation can result in residual files occupying disk space, system instability due to orphaned system extensions, and potential conflicts with other applications accessing similar resources.
Question 3: How are virtual machine files (.pvm) removed?
Virtual machine files are located in the directory specified during virtual machine creation. These files must be manually moved to the Trash and the Trash emptied to fully reclaim disk space.
Question 4: What is the role of the Parallels Desktop uninstaller?
The uninstaller is designed to remove application files, system services, and registry entries associated with Parallels. Utilizing the uninstaller ensures a more complete removal compared to manual deletion.
Question 5: Why is restarting the Mac recommended after uninstalling Parallels Desktop?
Restarting the system flushes residual system extensions and cached files from memory, ensuring that the changes implemented during the uninstallation process are fully applied and preventing potential conflicts.
Question 6: Where are the Library folders and how can they be accessed?
The user-specific Library folder is located at `~/Library`. The system-wide Library folder is located at `/Library`. These folders contain application-specific data that must be removed manually to achieve a complete uninstallation.
Complete application removal requires a multi-step process, including using the uninstaller, deleting virtual machines, cleaning library folders, and restarting the system. Skipping any of these steps can lead to incomplete removal and potential system issues.
The next section provides additional resources for troubleshooting common uninstallation problems.
Valuable Insights for Effective Parallels Desktop Removal
This section offers targeted recommendations to facilitate the thorough removal of Parallels Desktop from macOS, minimizing potential system issues and ensuring optimal performance.
Tip 1: Utilize the Parallels Desktop Uninstaller: Employ the built-in uninstaller application accessible within Parallels or through the Applications folder. This tool is designed to remove core application files, services, and associated registry entries, ensuring a more complete removal than simply deleting the application icon. For example, using the uninstaller ensures system extensions are correctly deactivated, preventing potential conflicts.
Tip 2: Target Virtual Machine Files (.pvm): Virtual machines represent substantial disk space consumers. Locate and remove these files after shutting down the virtual machines. The default location for these files is the user’s Documents folder under a “Parallels” subfolder, but the actual location is specified during virtual machine creation.
Tip 3: Address System Extensions Methodically: System extensions are critical for Parallels operation. Verify their removal through the uninstaller. Failure to remove these extensions can lead to resource contention and potential system instability.
Tip 4: Inspect Library Folders Diligently: Examine both the user-level (`~/Library`) and system-level (`/Library`) Library folders for Parallels-related directories and files. Cleanse these folders to eliminate residual application data, such as preference files and caches.
Tip 5: Emphasize Proper Virtual Machine Shutdown: Always shut down virtual machines from within the guest operating system prior to initiating the removal process. This prevents data corruption within the virtual machine files and facilitates a smoother uninstallation.
Tip 6: Verify Application Termination: Before attempting any uninstallation steps, ensure Parallels Desktop and all related processes (e.g., “prl_vm_app”) are completely terminated via Activity Monitor. Incomplete termination can prevent the removal of certain files or system components.
Tip 7: Reboot Post-Removal: A system restart after the removal process is highly recommended. This ensures that any unloaded system extensions and temporary files are completely cleared from memory, leading to a stable system state.
Employing these measures ensures a more comprehensive removal, preventing potential system performance issues and maximizing available disk space.
The following section offers final conclusions.
Conclusion
The process, how to remove parallels from mac, necessitates a meticulous approach that extends beyond a simple application deletion. Effective uninstallation requires the careful removal of virtual machines, system extensions, associated files within library folders, and culminates in a system restart. Each step contributes to a complete removal and the prevention of potential system instability or resource conflicts.
Adherence to these detailed procedures ensures the efficient reclamation of disk space and maintenance of optimal macOS performance. The commitment to a thorough uninstallation process promotes a stable computing environment and minimizes the risk of future software complications. These detailed steps represent a vital component of responsible system administration.
