> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.parallels.com/landing/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.parallels.com/landing/parallels-desktop-developers-guide/command-line-interface-utility/manage-virtual-machines-from-cli/general-virtual-machine-management/register-unregister-a-virtual-machine.md).

# Register/Unregister a Virtual Machine

### Registering a Virtual Machine

**prlctl register** <*path*>

Registers a virtual machine in Parallels Desktop. The <*path>* parameter specifies a path to the virtual machine file.

#### Optional Parameters

**--uuid** <*UUID*>

If included, the specified UUID will be assigned to the virtual machine. A UUID can be generated using console utilities like `uuidgen(1)`in macOS. If this option is not included, the original UUID will be used.

**--regenerate-src-uuid**

If included, the virtual machine source ID will be automatically generated (the SMBIOS product ID will be changed as well).

**--force**

If included, all validation checks will be skipped.

### Unregister a Virtual Machine

**prlctl unregister** <*vm\_id* | *vm\_name*>

Unregisters the specified virtual machine.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Notes**: Use the **register** command when you have a virtual machine on the host that doesn't show up in the list of the virtual machines registered with Parallels Desktop. This can be a machine that was previously removed from Parallels Desktop or a machine that was manually copied from another location.

Once a VM is registered, all VM restrictions on the filesystem are removed. If you would like to protect the VM from editing, you should restrict registering or removing the VM in Parallels Desktop preferences.

The **unregister** command removes a virtual machine from Parallels Desktop but does not delete it from the host. You can re-register such a machine with Parallels Desktop later using the **register** command.
{% endhint %}


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