Is it safe to delete Parallels Desktop virtual machines?
Virtual machines you created in Parallels Desktop, each stored as one package with its disks and settings.
Review first
It's your own data, or hard to recreate. Decide item by item.
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What it is
Parallels Desktop stores each virtual machine as a .pvm package, or .macvm for macOS virtual machines on Apple silicon, in the Parallels folder in your home folder, or in the app's own folder for the App Store edition. The package holds the machine's virtual disks, snapshots and settings. Everything you keep in the virtual machine is stored in this package.
If it's removed
The virtual machine, its snapshots and everything stored in it are removed.
What to do instead
In Parallels Desktop, shut down the virtual machine and open Control Center. Control-click the machine, choose Remove, then click Move to Trash.
The free analyzer finds it and explains it, with these steps. The app doesn't remove it for you.
Sources
- docs.parallels.com/landing/pdfm-ug/parallels-desktop-for-mac-27-users-guide/advanced-topics/working-with-virtual-machines/about-virtual-machines/set-where-virtual-machines-are-stored
- kb.parallels.com/en/5029
- kb.parallels.com/en/117333
- kb.parallels.com/en/125561
Last checked on 26 Sep 2026. Every entry is written and checked by hand; the app and the command-line tool use the same words.