> 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/virtual-machine-settings/hardware-settings/hard-disk-settings.md).

# Hard Disk Settings

In the **Hard Disk** pane, you can view and configure the virtual machine's hard disk-related settings.

To open these settings, choose **Actions** > **Configure** > **Hardware**, then click **Hard Disk**.

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/hVLphlNWs82OS4cXatMx/blobs/pFDf9knYMg2BDokebSh6/Screenshot%202024-01-19%20at%2018.31.59.png" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<table><thead><tr><th width="214">Option</th><th>Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Source</strong></td><td>Use this field to specify the virtual hard disk file (<code>.hdd</code>) that emulates the virtual machine hard disk. To use a virtual hard disk file, choose it from the list, or click <strong>Choose an image file</strong> and specify the path to the desired image file (<code>.hdd</code>).</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Advanced</strong> > <strong>Properties</strong></td><td>Click this button to edit the hard disk size.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Advanced</strong> > <strong>Location</strong></td><td>Use this field to specify the type of interface for connecting the hard disk. This option is for advanced users only.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Advanced</strong> > <strong>Enable TRIM</strong></td><td>In most cases, the space that the virtual machine takes up on your hard disk expands as you add files and other data but isn't reduced when you delete data. To set Parallels Desktop to automatically reduce disk space, select <strong>Enable TRIM</strong>. This option may affect the performance of HDD (but not SSD) disks.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Advanced</strong> > <strong>Sync free space with Mac</strong><br>(Windows/NTFS only)</td><td>This option ensures that the actual remaining free disk space is correctly identified and displayed for the guest machine's virtual HDD based on the free space available on your Mac. The option is enabled by default.</td></tr></tbody></table>


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