> 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/parallels-desktop-preferences/general-preferences.md).

# General Preferences

Use **General** Preferences to specify whether the Parallels menu is available in the macOS menu bar, change the folder where your virtual machines are stored, and more.

<figure><img src="https://848397067-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FhVLphlNWs82OS4cXatMx%2Fuploads%2Fzdlmzgxkj0it8HavzXmN%2FPDFM-122038_PDPref-General.png?alt=media&amp;token=a3b69922-e693-465f-a752-255c6b597bc1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To open these preferences, choose **Parallels Desktop** > **Preferences**, then click **General**.

| Option                             | Description                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |
| ---------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Parallels menu**                 | Choose whether the Parallels Desktop menu is available in the macOS menu bar. This menu provides a quick access to the Parallels Desktop menus, Preferences, Control Center, help resources, virtual machine actions, and more.                                                                                                                                                             |
| **Virtual machines folder**        | Set where new virtual machines are stored. By default, they are saved to the *Parallels* folder inside the user's home folder.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |
| **Virtual machine Dock icons**     | <p>Choose which type of icons your virtual machines have in the Dock:</p><ul><li><strong>OS Icon</strong>. The Dock icon shows the type of the guest operating system.</li><li><strong>Live Screenshot</strong>. The Dock icon shows a miniature image of what you see in the guest operating system.</li><li><strong>None</strong>. The virtual machine has no icon in the Dock.</li></ul> |
| **Check for updates**              | Set the frequency that Parallels Desktop checks for software updates.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       |
| **Download updates automatically** | When this option is selected, Parallels Desktop downloads updates automatically and asks whether you want to install them.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |
| **Check Now**                      | Click this button to check for updates manually. You can also choose **Check for Updates** from the **Parallels Desktop** application menu.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |


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