Skip to main content
Glama
PopBot

Parallels Pro MCP Server

Set Parallels VM headless mode

vm_set_headless
Destructive

Configure a Parallels VM to run in the background headlessly or display a GUI window. Set enabled to true for headless startup or false to show the VM window.

Instructions

Configure whether the VM runs headlessly in the background or displays a GUI window.

Args: vm: The VM name or UUID. enabled: If true (default), sets startup-view to headless. If false, sets startup-view to window.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
vmYes
enabledNo

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
vmYes
uuidYes
messageYes
headlessYes

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. First observedv0.1.0

TDQS

A3.6/5.0
Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already mark this as mutable and destructive, and the description adds that it affects the VM's startup-view setting and the resulting rendered mode. It does not disclose whether the change applies immediately, requires a stopped VM, or what side effects occur, but it does not contradict the annotations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is short, front-loaded with the main purpose, and each sentence serves a clear role. The parameter breakdown is compact, though the boolean explanation could be slightly tighter.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness3/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a simple two-parameter setter with an output schema and safety annotations, the description covers purpose and parameters adequately. However, it omits usage guidance and important runtime semantics such as whether the setting takes effect immediately or only after restart, leaving an agent to infer those details.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The schema has 0% description coverage, so the description carries the full burden. It specifies that 'vm' accepts a name or UUID and explains that 'enabled' maps to headless vs window startup-view, including the default true. This adds meaning that the bare schema does not provide.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description uses a specific verb ('Configure') with a specific resource (the VM) and states exactly what is changed: headless background vs GUI window. It is naturally distinguished from sibling VM operations like vm_start and vm_status because it is the only headless-mode setter.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

There is no explicit guidance about when to use this tool versus alternatives, nor any prerequisites or exclusions. The purpose implies usage, but the description never says 'Use when...' or mentions related tools that might be confused with it.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.