Hide Windows applications in App launcher in macOS 26

Discussion in 'Parallels Desktop for Mac Feature Suggestions' started by Matthew777, Jul 26, 2025.

  1. Matthew777

    Matthew777 Junior Member

    Messages:
    10
    Right now, in the newly launched App launcher (formerly known as the Formally Launched Pad), there's no way to hide Windows applications from Parallels in the App launcher. It would be fantastic if you could collaborate with Apple to implement a feature that allows users to hide Windows applications, similar to how you can hide iPhone apps.

    Thank you for your attention to this matter!

     

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  2. CJ_7

    CJ_7 Bit poster

    Messages:
    1
    Yes this! I have been trying to find any way to hide these from my App launcer it drives me crazy that I cannot get rid of them
     
    MatthewR20 likes this.
  3. NicholasH12

    NicholasH12

    Messages:
    2
    Having the exact same issue. I have gone into the Options for the virtual machine and turned off the "Share Windows Applications with Mac" option. they are still there. Is this a bug? is there a planned fix?
     
  4. MarcoA23

    MarcoA23

    Messages:
    2
    Here's what worked perfectly for me:
    1. I went to ~/Applications (Parallels)/ and at the folder Windows 11 Applications and manually deleted the shortcuts I didn't want, keeping only the ones I actually use.
    2. Then, in Terminal, I ran the following command: chmod 555 ~/Applications\ \(Parallels\)
    This removes write permissions for everyone but keeps read permissions.
    Parallels integration continues to work normally, but it can no longer recreate the deleted shortcuts the next time you launch your VM.
    The only thing is:
    If you ever install a new Windows app and want it to appear again, restore write access temporarily with: chmod 755 ~/Applications\ \(Parallels\)
    Then restart your Windows VM, delete any shortcuts you don't want again, and finally reapply: chmod 555 ~/Applications\ \(Parallels\)
    Note: Don't remove read permissions -- that will break Parallels integration until you restore the permissions. You only need to remove write access so the shortcuts can't be regenerated.
     

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