File Extension Database

Open OVA File

The .OVA file extension is associated with Open Virtual Appliance (OVA) files. An OVA file is a virtual appliance used by virtualization applications such as VMware Workstation and Oracle VM Virtualbox. It is a single file distribution of the OVF (Open Virtualization Format), a standard for packaging and distributing virtual appliances or more generally software to be run in virtual machines.

Understanding .OVA Files

.OVA files are TAR archives that contain the OVF directory. They are used to package and distribute software, for example, virtual appliances that can be run on a hypervisor. OVA files allow a virtual machine to be easily distributed and installed on a new machine without the need to configure the virtual machine settings.

Opening and Using .OVA Files

Opening .OVA files requires specific virtualization software. Here are a few applications you can use:

VMware Workstation: This is a hosted hypervisor that runs on x64 versions of Windows and Linux operating systems. It can import .OVA files directly.
Oracle VM VirtualBox: This is a free and open-source hosted hypervisor for x86 virtualization, developed by Oracle Corporation. VirtualBox can also import .OVA files directly.

OVA File Important Information

While dealing with .OVA files, keep in mind that they are intended for use in virtual machines. Hence, an appropriate virtualization platform is necessary to use them. Also, be aware that some OVA files may contain entire operating systems, and running them may require a significant amount of system resources. Make sure your system meets the necessary requirements before opening an OVA file.

Typical OVA application file locations:

"G:\Program Files\Oracle\VirtualBox\VirtualBox.exe" "%1"

Typical OVA mime types:

application/x-virtualbox-ova

Frequently used application names to open OVA files:

Oracle - VirtualBox

Frequently associated Windows objects:

progId_VirtualBox.Shell.ova

How Can I Open OVA File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open OVA file is to find a OVA file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a OVA 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 OVA 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 OVA file opener then try to search online for "OVA viewer", "application to open OVA file" or "open OVA file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open OVA file

How Can I Open OVA File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a OVA file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a OVA 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 OVA file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as OVA file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open OVA file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open OVA file then try to search for "OVA viewer", "application to open OVA file" or "read OVA file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read OVA file

How Can I Open OVA File on Android

If you downloaded a OVA 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 OVA 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 "OVA".
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 "OVA viewer", "OVA 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 OVA File on iPhone or iPad

To open OVA 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 OVA 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 "OVA". This way you can find apps which can open OVA 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 "OVA viewer" or "OVA file" online in your favorite search engine.

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