How to Uninstall Parallels Desktop | Complete Removal Guide

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🤔 Why Is It Hard to Uninstall Parallels Desktop?

Parallels Desktop is a powerful virtualization software that allows macOS users to run Windows, Linux, and other operating systems directly on their Mac — without rebooting. While it’s an essential tool for developers, designers, and enterprise users, uninstalling Parallels Desktop completely can be surprisingly difficult.

Common issues include:

• Virtual machine files that remain even after uninstallation
• Kernel extensions and system services not removed automatically
• Preference files hidden in system directories
• Leftover launch agents and menu bar integrations
• Complex dependency structures across multiple apps

These remnants can take up significant disk space, interfere with future installations, or even cause performance issues if not fully removed.

In this article, we’ll explain why Parallels Desktop resists complete removal, provide step-by-step methods to uninstall it thoroughly, and give you the success rate of each approach. We’ll also review top uninstall tools — highlighting PerfectUninstaller as the most effective solution for deep cleaning stubborn software like Parallels Desktop.

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📦 What Is Parallels Desktop?

Parallels Desktop for Mac is developed by Parallels Inc., and it enables users to run Windows applications side-by-side with macOS apps using virtual machines (VMs). Key features include:

• Seamless integration between macOS and guest OS
• Drag-and-drop file sharing
• USB device support inside VMs
• Snapshot feature for system restore
• Support for Windows, Linux, Chrome OS, and more

It installs numerous components such as:

• The main application (Parallels Desktop.app)
• Background services and kernel extensions
• Configuration files and user preferences
• Virtual machine images (.pvm files)

Because of this complexity, a simple drag-to-trash won’t remove everything.

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🔧 Step-by-Step Ways to Uninstall Parallels Desktop

✅ Method 1: Remove from Applications Folder (Success Rate: 50%)

This method removes only the main app bundle.

Steps:

1. Open Finder
2. Go to Applications > Parallels Desktop
3. Right-click > Move to Trash

📌 Note: This leaves behind preferences, caches, kernel modules, and virtual machine data.

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✅ Method 2: Use Built-in Uninstaller Tool (Success Rate: 70%)

Parallels provides a built-in utility to help clean up leftover components.

Steps:

1. Launch Parallels Desktop
2. Go to Help > Troubleshooting > Uninstall Parallels Desktop
3. Follow the prompts to remove core components

💡 Tip: Make sure to back up any VMs before proceeding.

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✅ Method 3: Manually Delete Preference Files & Caches (Success Rate: 85%)

macOS stores configuration files in hidden folders.

Steps:

1. Press Cmd + Shift + G in Finder and enter:

• ~/Library/Preferences/Parallels
• ~/Library/Application Support/Parallels
• ~/Library/Caches/Parallels

1. Delete all related folders

🛠 These may contain logs, settings, and licensing information.

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✅ Method 4: Remove System Services & Extensions (Success Rate: 90%)

Parallels uses kernel extensions and launch agents that persist after standard uninstallation.

Steps:

1. Navigate to /Library/Extensions and delete:

• prl_vmm.kext, prl_hid_hook.kext, etc.

1. Go to /Library/LaunchDaemons and delete:

• com.parallels.desktop*.plist

⚠️ Warning: Be cautious when deleting system-level files — always back up first.

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✅ Method 5: Revoke Accessibility & Security Permissions (Success Rate: 95%)

Parallels requires special permissions to operate.

Steps:

1. Open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility
2. Find Parallels Desktop and click – to remove it
3. Repeat under Full Disk Access and Screen Recording sections

📌 This ensures no background processes continue running.

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🛠️ Top Tools That Help Uninstall Parallels Desktop

Tool Name	Description	Success Rate
PerfectUninstaller	Deep cleans all traces including registry, cache, logs, and system services	⭐ 98%
AppCleaner & Uninstaller	Removes associated files and dependencies	⭐ 85%
CleanMyMac X	Powerful Mac cleanup suite with smart uninstaller	⭐ 80%
AppZapper	Zaps apps and leftovers easily	⭐ 75%

🌟 Why PerfectUninstaller Stands Out

Unlike generic uninstallers, PerfectUninstaller performs a deep scan that removes every trace of Parallels Desktop — including:

• Hidden preference files
• Cache and log entries
• Kernel extensions and daemons
• User-specific licenses and snapshots
• Accessibility and security permissions

It supports forced uninstallation of stubborn entries and features an intuitive interface perfect for both beginners and advanced macOS users.

🔗 Download PerfectUninstaller Here

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✅ Summary: Best Way to Remove Parallels Desktop

Here’s how to choose the right method based on your experience level:

• Beginner: Use PerfectUninstaller alone for full cleanup
• Intermediate: Combine manual file deletion + built-in uninstaller
• Advanced: Use terminal commands, system permission revocation, and PerfectUninstaller

Always remember to restart your Mac after uninstalling to ensure all changes take effect.

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💡 Final Pro Tip

To keep your Mac clean and efficient:

• Always read installation steps carefully — avoid bundled software
• Set up a scheduled maintenance routine using trusted tools like PerfectUninstaller
• Regularly scan for leftover drivers, toolbars, and unused programs