how to remove duplicate windows OS?

Discussion in 'macOS Virtual Machine' started by StephenC21, Jan 19, 2024.

  1. StephenC21

    StephenC21 Bit poster

    Messages:
    4
    Today, while going through a recent Parallels update, I noticed there are 2 Operating Systems in the Control Center pop-up window. This appears to have been an install error on my end a few months ago when originally installing Parallels. I wish to delete the one named: Windows 10 (1), which is not fully installed. When I select this OS, it takes me to the Windows License Agreement page, just short of being fully installed.

    What is the best method for deleting 'Windows 10 (1)' from my machine?
    Are there any additional steps that need to be taken to return the allotted hard drive space back to the host Mac machine?

    Hardware = 2019 MacBook Pro, running Ventura 13.5.1.
    Parallels Software = 19.2.1

    [​IMG]
     
  2. LeRoi

    LeRoi Hunter

    Messages:
    179
    Right click on the one you want gone and select Remove from the menu. You can either keep thee PVM file or trash it. You might also check in your Users folder under Parallels and make sure you only have one PVM file there.
     
    MuhammadT3 likes this.
  3. Avinash Bundhoo

    Avinash Bundhoo Staff Member

    Messages:
    704
    Hello,
    Thank you for your feedback.
    To delete the virtual machine, please follow the steps below:
    1. Launch Parallels Desktop.app, but do not start your virtual machine.
    2. Click on the Parallels icon on the Mac menu bar > select Control Center.
    3. Right-click on your virtual machine and select Remove "virtual machine name"...
    4. Select Keep files if you wish to access the files from this virtual machine later. The virtual machine will be removed from the list, but it will remain in its original location.
    5. Select Move to Trash, if you do not need any data from this virtual machine and want to erase it completely.

    Note: The Move to Trash operation is irreversible. After moving the VM to Trash you might not be able to restore it.

    You can go to the link https://kb.parallels.com/5029 for more information.

    Thanks
     
    MuhammadT3 likes this.
  4. StephenC21

    StephenC21 Bit poster

    Messages:
    4
    thank you. that concludes my inquiry.
     
  5. MuhammadT3

    MuhammadT3 Bit poster

    Messages:
    1
    1. Open Disk Management Press the Windows key + R and type "diskmgmt.msc" and hit enter. This opens the Disk Management utility.
    2. Identify the Partitions Here you will be able to see all partitions on your hard drives. Check for any duplicate Windows partitions or volumes.
    3. Delete the Duplicates Right-click on the duplicate volume/partition and select "Delete Volume". Confirm by clicking "Yes" when prompted. This will remove that partition entirely.
    4. Extend Existing Partition If you deleted a partition located next to your main Windows partition, right click on the main one and choose "Extend Volume". Extend it to reclaim that empty space to add it back into your primary partition all mobile.
    5. Reboot Once done removing any duplicates, reboot your system for the changes to take effect and then verify you only have the one Windows OS installation showing up during boot.
     
  6. StephenC21

    StephenC21 Bit poster

    Messages:
    4
    Thank you. I stopped at Step 2 and pose this question:

    How can I tell which partition to keep and which to delete? The only difference I can find in Disk Management is when Right Clicking each drive. I'm presently logged into the virtual machine I wish to keep.

    - Select Partition 1 , Right Click , HELP is the only pop up.
    [​IMG]

    - Select Partition 2, Right Click,
    [​IMG]
     

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