> 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/pdfm-ug/parallels-desktop-for-mac-27-users-guide/parallels-desktop-preferences-and-virtual-machine-settings/adding-and-removing-devices.md). # Adding and Removing Devices Adding new devices to a virtual machine is easier than connecting new devices to a real computer. Removing or disconnecting devices is also easy. The following types of virtual devices can be added to the configuration or removed from it: * Hard drive * Optical drive * Network adapter * Printer port * Serial port * TPM chip {% hint style="info" %} **Note**: Any aforementioned devices can only be added to the corresponding virtual machine when it is stopped. The **Add** becomes disabled when the virtual machine is running. {% endhint %} ### Adding a New Device to a Virtual Machine 1. Choose **Configure** from the **Actions** menu to open Virtual Machine Configuration. 2. Click the **Hardware** button at the top of the **Virtual Machine Configuration** dialog to open the pane for editing hardware devices. 3. Click the **Add** button (+) in the bottom part of the **Virtual Machine Configuration** dialog and select the device to be added to your virtual machine.

Note: The Add button is disabled when the virtual machine is running. You need to stop the virtual machine before you can use this button.

4. If you select any device except for a hard disk, the corresponding device with a typical configuration is added at once and ready for use.
If you selected a hard disk, you should specify some parameters: * The hard disk type: a new image file, an existing image file, or a physical disk. * If you're adding an existing image file, provide the path to it on your Mac. If you're adding a physical disk, specify its location. * The hard disk size for the new hard disk image file.\ \ Click **OK** to add the hard disk. After you add a new virtual hard disk to the virtual machine configuration, it will be invisible to the operating system installed inside the virtual machine until the moment you initialize it. For detailed information on how to initialize the newly added hard disk, please refer to the documentation and help resources of the operating system installed in your virtual machine. After the new device is added, you can manage its properties as usual and start using it. ### Removing Devices from the Virtual Machine Configuration 1. Choose **Configure** from the **Actions** menu to open Virtual Machine Configuration. 2. Click the **Hardware** button at the top of the **Virtual Machine Configuration** dialog to open the pane for editing hardware devices. 3. Select the device you want to remove and click the **Remove** button (-) in the bottom part of the **Virtual Machine Configuration** dialog. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.parallels.com/landing/pdfm-ug/parallels-desktop-for-mac-27-users-guide/parallels-desktop-preferences-and-virtual-machine-settings/adding-and-removing-devices.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.