# Set Where Virtual Machines Are Stored

By default, Parallels Desktop stores virtual machines in \~/Parallels.

To change the default location for new virtual machine installations:

1. Do one of the following:
   * Click the Parallels Desktop icon in the menu bar and choose **Preferences**. Then click **General**.
   * Right-click the Parallels Desktop icon in the Dock and choose **Preferences**. Then click **General**.
2. Choose a location from the **Virtual Machines Folder** menu.

All newly created virtual machines are stored in the new location. Any existing virtual machines remain in their original locations.