Parallels desktop not found

We used to have parallels desktop on an older computer and used time machine to bring over files on our new mac. We are NOT using parallels on this system.


However, I'm trying to open an application and it keeps giving me the message - parallels desktop was not found. Remote desktop connection requires parallels desktop to operate. Please install parallels desktop and try again.


I'm assuming some remnants of the old parallels system are causing issues.

Any other thoughts?

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Mar 5, 2024 8:15 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 5, 2024 9:35 PM

Remote Desktop Connection is a Windows app to allow users to access a Windows computer from a remote location. This must have been installed on that old Mac. Did it migrate over when you used the Migration Assistant?


Regardless, I am guessing that this application, or one of its files, is still associated with Parallels Desktop.


Try the following:

  1. Left-click or <control>-click on the affected application or file.
  2. A submenu should appear. Select on "Get info".
  3. Look at the "Open with" to see what application is it set to. Is it set to "Parallels"?

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2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 5, 2024 9:35 PM in response to tkiper

Remote Desktop Connection is a Windows app to allow users to access a Windows computer from a remote location. This must have been installed on that old Mac. Did it migrate over when you used the Migration Assistant?


Regardless, I am guessing that this application, or one of its files, is still associated with Parallels Desktop.


Try the following:

  1. Left-click or <control>-click on the affected application or file.
  2. A submenu should appear. Select on "Get info".
  3. Look at the "Open with" to see what application is it set to. Is it set to "Parallels"?

Mar 5, 2024 9:34 PM in response to tkiper

Right Click on the file & chose... Open with & which App you want to open it with.


Or... drag that files icon & drop it on the icon of the App you want to open it with.


Or... Do a Get Info on an mpg4 file. CMD+i keys, then 2/3rds the way down look forOpen With..., select the App & click on the Change All button.


If still need be…


Open Terminal and run each of these one at a time


/System/Library/Frameworks/CoreServices.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/LaunchServices.framework/Versions/A/Support/lsregister -kill -r -domain local -domain system -domain user


sudo /System/Library/Frameworks/CoreServices.framework/Frameworks/LaunchServices.framework/Support/lsregister -kill -seed -lint -r -f -v -dump -domain local -domain system -domain user -domain network


killall Dock


sudo mdutil -E /


sudo mdutil -i on /


Rebuilding a drive index can take a long time, so be prepared to wait whether you do it through the System Preference panel or the command line.


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Parallels desktop not found

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