File Extension Database

Open VMC File

The VMC extension file is a type of configuration file used by Windows Virtual PC, a component of Windows 7 that allows users to emulate different versions of Windows as virtual machines (VMs).

Windows Virtual PC (Formerly Microsoft Virtual PC) is software for managing virtual machines based on Microsoft Windows, which was developed by Connectix and later bought by Microsoft.

The function of the VMC file is to emulate, through virtualization, a hardware on which a certain operating system works.

In this case, multiple operating systems can be running on the same machine at the same time and can even communicate with each other.

The VMC file is saved in an XML format and includes parameters that describe the VM.

Additionally, the VMC file acts to load the specified VM when it is opened.

VMC files include settings such as virtual machine name, allocated memory, hard drive files saved in VHD format, VM current state file saved in VSV format, VUD undo file, and configuration settings.

It is important to note that the VMC files do not store the actual user and system data of the VM, these are stored on the VDH virtual hard disk and in the VM snapshots.

Windows Virtual PC is only available for Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate.

The software is often used for "Windows XP Mode", which is the technology that allows Windows XP to run inside of Windows 7.

Windows Virtual PC also creates shortcut files to VMC files.

These files can also be used to load the specified VM.

VMC files are also used by Microsoft Virtual Server, also developed by Connectix, and which served as a virtualization solution that helped the tasks associated with virtual machines on the Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows Server 2003 operating systems.

Software to open and work with a VMC file

Windows Virtual PC

Typical VMC application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Virtual PC\Virtual PC.exe -startvm "%1"

Frequently used application names to open VMC files:

Microsoft Virtual PC

Frequently associated Windows objects:

Virtual.Machine.VMC

How Can I Open VMC File on Windows

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

How Can I Open VMC File on Mac OS

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

How Can I Open VMC File on Android

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

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

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