File Extension Database

Open VMDK File

VMDK (Virtual Machine Disk) is a file format that stores virtual disks containing virtualized operating systems, applications, and data. Popularized by VMware, VMDK files are now used by various virtualization platforms, including VirtualBox by Oracle, and QEMU. In this article, we will explore the possible formats of VMDK files and the ways to open and use them.

Different Formats of VMDK Files

VMDK files can be divided into several types based on their internal structure and use. The main formats are:

Monolithic Sparse: This type of VMDK file consists of a single file that grows dynamically as more data is added. It allows efficient use of storage space but may lead to fragmentation over time.
Monolithic Flat: A monolithic flat VMDK file is a single file that occupies the maximum size of the virtual disk. This type of VMDK file provides the best performance, but it may consume more storage space than necessary.
TwoGBMaxExtentSparse: VMDK files in this format are split into several smaller files, each of which can have a maximum size of 2GB. This is useful for systems that cannot handle large files or have strict storage limitations.
TwoGBMaxExtentFlat: Similar to TwoGBMaxExtentSparse, this format splits VMDK files into multiple 2GB files. However, the files are preallocated and occupy their full size, providing better performance at the cost of increased storage usage.

Opening and Using VMDK Files

To open and use a VMDK file, you will need a virtualization program that supports the format. Some popular options are:

VMware: The VMware suite of products, including VMware Workstation, Fusion, and vSphere, natively support VMDK files. VMware is one of the leading providers of virtualization solutions and provides comprehensive features and options for working with VMDK files.
VirtualBox: Oracle VM VirtualBox is an open-source virtualization platform that supports VMDK files. To use VMDK files in VirtualBox, you need to create a new virtual machine, then attach the VMDK file as the virtual disk.
QEMU: The QEMU project is another open-source virtualization platform that can use VMDK files. With QEMU, users can "boot" a VMDK file by specifying the disk image file as the argument when launching the virtual machine.

Converting VMDK Files to Other Virtual Disk Formats

In some cases, you may need to convert a VMDK file to another disk format to use it in a different virtualization platform. Tools to convert VMDK files include:

VMware vCenter Converter: VMware provides the vCenter Converter tool, which allows you to convert VMDK files to other formats supported by VMware products.
StarWind V2V Converter: StarWind V2V Converter is a free utility that supports the conversion of VMDK files to formats like VHD, VHDX, and QCOW2.
QEMU-img: The QEMU project includes a command-line utility called qemu-img that can convert VMDK files to other QEMU-supported disk formats, such as Qcow2, VDI, and VPC.

VMDK File Important Information

VMDK files are essential for managing and operating virtual machines. It is crucial to keep backups of VMDK files, as data loss or corruption can render a virtual machine unusable. Make sure to stay informed about the VMDK file format and its supported platforms to seamlessly run and maintain virtual environments.

Typical VMDK mime types:

application/x-virtualbox-vmdk

Frequently associated Windows objects:

progId_VirtualBox.Shell.vmdk

How Can I Open VMDK File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open VMDK file is to find a VMDK file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a VMDK file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open VMDK file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as VMDK file opener then try to search online for "VMDK viewer", "application to open VMDK file" or "open VMDK file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open VMDK file

How Can I Open VMDK File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a VMDK file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a VMDK file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with VMDK file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as VMDK file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open VMDK file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open VMDK file then try to search for "VMDK viewer", "application to open VMDK file" or "read VMDK file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read VMDK file

How Can I Open VMDK File on Android

If you downloaded a VMDK file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded VMDK file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "VMDK".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "VMDK viewer", "VMDK file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open VMDK File on iPhone or iPad

To open VMDK File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the VMDK file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "VMDK". This way you can find apps which can open VMDK files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "VMDK viewer" or "VMDK file" online in your favorite search engine.

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