Troubleshooting Parallels Desktop start issues

Symptoms

Note: you may have your Virtual Machines configured to start automatically when Parallels Desktop starts. This article describes Parallels Desktop start issues only, if you need help starting a Virtual Machine please check this article Troubleshooting Virtual Machine start issues.

You are unable to start Parallels Desktop because of one of these reasons:

• Parallels Desktop hangs or crashes
• An error message comes up when you start Parallels Desktop
• Nothing happens when you try to start Parallels Desktop

Cause

It may happen because of one of these reasons:

• Parallels Desktop installation is corrupted
• macOS file system issues
• Parallels Service is blocked by Firewall or anti-virus

Resolution

As a first troubleshooting step, disable the anti-malware/firewall applications if there are any and then check if the issue still remains.

If you are unable to start Parallels Desktop or a virtual machine and you get the error message:

    Unable to connect to Parallels Service 

• Check this article for resolution: Unable to connect to Parallels Service

If you still experience the same issue:

1. Repair possible macOS file system issues, as some Parallels Desktop files may be affected by these issues:

   • Boot your Mac to Recovery mode this way.
   • Open Disk Utility.
   • Select your macOS startup volume (Macintosh HD by default) in the left column, then click First Aid -> Run -> Continue.
   • Wait till the process is over.
   • Reboot the Mac to normal mode.

2. Add Parallels Desktop in the Firewall and Privacy exception:

   • Open System Preferences.
   • Click the Security & Privacy icon.
   • Select the Privacy tab > Accessibility.
   • Click the lock icon in the preference pane, then enter an administrator name and password.
   • Drag and drop Parallels Desktop app (Finder: /Applications/Parallels Desktop) in the Allow the apps below to control your computer box.
   • Select the Firewall tab. If Firewall is enabled follow the steps below
   • Click the Firewall Options button
   • Click the Add Application (+) button.
   • Select the app you want to allow incoming connection privileges for - Parallels Desktop.
   • Click Add > OK.
3. Add Parallels Desktop to the anti-virus white list if any.