Parallels Desktop
Parallels Desktop is a Mac virtualization app that lets you run Windows, Linux, and other operating systems in virtual machines.
What is Parallels Desktop?
Parallels Desktop is a virtualization app for macOS that helps users run Windows, Linux, and other operating systems alongside Mac apps on one computer. It is commonly used by people who need Windows-only business software, development tools, testing environments, or access to another desktop OS without restarting the Mac. The app can create and manage virtual machines, integrate files and devices between macOS and the guest system, and support workflows such as software testing, training, and compatibility checks. It also supports using macOS features together with virtualized apps, making it useful for mixed-platform work on a single desktop. Parallels publishes both direct-download and App Store editions, and Mac users often encounter it when setting up Windows 11 on Apple silicon Macs or maintaining cross-platform work environments.
Key features
- Run Windows, Linux, and other operating systems in virtual machines on a Mac
- Create and manage separate virtual machines for testing, work, or compatibility tasks
- Use Windows-only apps without restarting into another operating system
- Share files, folders, and connected devices between macOS and a guest OS
- Set up development, QA, and training environments in isolated virtual machines
- Run supported Windows 11 environments on Apple silicon Macs
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Safety overview
Status: Safe
Parallels Desktop is legitimate virtualization software. Its access to disks, networking, USB devices, and system integration features is normal for an app that creates and runs virtual machines. Because virtual machines can store large files and may include work or personal data from another operating system, use trusted guest OS images and keep both macOS and the virtual machines updated. If you remove the app, any virtual machines you created may remain on disk until you delete them separately.
Recommendation: Keep Parallels Desktop if you use virtual machines or need Windows or Linux on your Mac. If you no longer use it, you can remove the app, but first decide whether you want to keep, export, or delete any virtual machines and their files.
Common paths
/Applications/Parallels Desktop.app~/Parallels
Cache paths
~/Library/Caches/com.parallels.desktop.appstore
Support paths
~/Library/Application Support/Parallels
Preference paths
~/Library/Preferences/com.parallels.desktop.appstore.plist
Container paths
~/Library/Containers/com.parallels.desktop.appstore
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