Overview
- Whether it’s a forgotten project, an outdated operating system, or just a VM you’re done with, knowing how to delete Parallels VM from Mac is essential.
- If you need to reinstall the same VM later, you’ll need to download the operating system image again and configure the VM settings from scratch.
- You can move the VM folder to a different location on your Mac to keep it safe.
Parallels Desktop is a powerful tool for running Windows and other operating systems on your Mac. However, sometimes you might find yourself needing to remove a virtual machine (VM) to free up disk space or simply because you no longer need it. Whether it’s a forgotten project, an outdated operating system, or just a VM you’re done with, knowing how to delete Parallels VM from Mac is essential. This guide will walk you through the process, step by step.
Understanding the Process: Deleting a Parallels VM
Deleting a Parallels VM is a straightforward process that involves removing the virtual machine‘s files and settings from your Mac. It’s important to note that this action is permanent, so make sure you have a backup of any important data from the VM before proceeding.
Method 1: Deleting a Parallels VM Through the Parallels Desktop Application
This is the most direct way to delete a VM using the Parallels Desktop interface. Here’s how:
1. Open Parallels Desktop: Launch the Parallels Desktop application on your Mac.
2. Locate the VM: In the Parallels Desktop window, find the VM you want to delete.
3. Select the VM: Click on the VM to select it.
4. Access the Actions Menu: Click on the “Actions” menu, which is usually represented by a gear icon.
5. Choose “Delete”: From the Actions menu, select “Delete” or “Remove.”
6. Confirm Deletion: A confirmation dialog box will appear. Click “Delete” or “Remove” to finalize the process.
7. Wait for Completion: Parallels Desktop will remove the VM’s files and settings from your Mac. This may take a few moments depending on the size of the VM.
Method 2: Deleting a Parallels VM Manually
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can delete the VM’s files directly from your Mac’s file system. This method is useful if you encounter any issues with the Parallels Desktop interface.
1. Locate the Parallels Folder: Open Finder and navigate to the following location: `/Users/[your username]/Library/Parallels/`
2. Find the VM Folder: Inside the `Parallels` folder, you’ll find folders representing each of your VMs. Locate the folder for the VM you want to delete.
3. Move to Trash: Drag the entire VM folder to the Trash.
4. Empty Trash: Select “Empty Trash” from the Finder menu to permanently delete the VM files.
Important Considerations:
- Data Backup: Always back up any important data from your VM before deleting it. You can use the built-in Parallels backup tools or export data from the VM manually.
- Disk Space: Deleting a VM will free up disk space on your Mac. The amount of space freed will depend on the size of the VM.
- Reinstallation: If you need to reinstall the same VM later, you’ll need to download the operating system image again and configure the VM settings from scratch.
Preventing Accidental Deletion:
- Rename the VM: To prevent accidental deletion, consider renaming the VM to something easily identifiable.
- Move the VM: You can move the VM folder to a different location on your Mac to keep it safe.
- Disable the VM: You can disable the VM to prevent it from being accidentally launched.
Final Thoughts: Embracing a Clean and Efficient System
Deleting a Parallels VM can be a simple and efficient way to manage your virtual machine environment. By freeing up disk space and removing unused VMs, you can maintain a clean and organized system. Remember to always back up any crucial data before deleting a VM to ensure you don’t lose any valuable information.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Can I delete a VM while it’s running?
A: No, you cannot delete a VM while it’s running. You need to shut down the VM before deleting it.
Q: What happens to the data in the VM when I delete it?
A: Deleting a VM permanently removes all of its data, including any files, applications, and settings. Make sure you have a backup of any important data before deleting the VM.
Q: Can I recover a deleted VM?
A: Once a VM is deleted, it is permanently removed from your Mac. However, if you have a backup of the VM’s files, you can potentially restore it.
Q: What are the benefits of deleting a VM?
A: Deleting a VM frees up disk space on your Mac, improves system performance, and helps to keep your virtual machine environment organized.
Q: What if I’m having trouble deleting a VM?
A: If you encounter any issues, you can try restarting your Mac or contacting Parallels support for assistance.