# Can I delete Parallels virtual machines (.pvm) on Mac?

- URL: https://moreroom.app/folders/vm-parallels
- Item: Parallels virtual machines
- Location: `~/Parallels` (items inside)
- Verdict: Keep — your data — Your data. Shrink it from its app; don’t delete the folder.
- Comes back on its own: no
- Typical size: 20–150 GB per VM
- Source: MoreRoom rules catalogue (2026-10-17), by Yando Pte. Ltd.

## What is it?

Each `.pvm` package in `~/Parallels` is a complete virtual computer, usually Windows or Linux, with its operating system, apps and your files inside. Snapshots are stored in the same package. A single VM is typically 20–150 GB.

## What happens if you delete it?

No. A deleted virtual machine and every file in it are gone unless you have a backup.

## How to remove it properly

Delete virtual machines you no longer need from Parallels Desktop’s Control Center (right-click › Remove › Move to Trash). To shrink one you keep, delete old snapshots and use the disk-reclaim option in the VM’s configuration. You can also move a VM to an external drive while it is shut down.

## Before you delete it

Copy any documents out of the VM first. Shut the VM down (not suspended) before moving it.