VMDK File Extension
Virtual Machine Disk Format
- File Type vmdk
- Developer VMware
- Popularity
- Application VMware Workstation
- Category Virtual Machine Files
What is a VMDK file?
The VMDK file extension is linked to Virtual Machine Disk Format and belongs to the Virtual Machine Files category, which includes 56 files.
The Virtual Machine Disk Format (VMDK), created by VMware, is one of file format they developed, and they also built 9 programs to support them.
VMDK files are supported by Windows, Mac OS and Linux. When working with VMDK files, you can rely on 9 programs, including VMware Workstation, VMware Fusion and VirtualBox.
File Signature
HEX code: 23 20 44 69 73 6B 20 44 65 73 63 72 69 70 74 6F 72. ASCII code: # Disk DescriptorFile.
Programs that support VMDK files
How to open a VMDK file?
If you can’t open a VMDK file, it is usually because the necessary software is missing. To resolve the issue, select the right program from the list for your operating system. Then go to the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it.
The most popular programs for working with VMDK files are VMware Workstation, VMware Fusion and VirtualBox. To install the latest version of VMware Workstation on your computer, visit the VMware website where you can download the version available for all operating systems.
Once installed, VMware Workstation will be set as the default program, and VMDK files will open automatically.
Make VMware Workstation the default VMDK viewer
Changing the default program in Windows
- Right-click on your VMDK file, then choose the "Open with" option and select "Choose another application" from the available options;
- Inside the popup window, scroll through the list of applications and specifically choose VMware Workstation as the application to associate with your VMDK file;
- Check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK".
Change the default app to open files on Mac
- Right click or use Control + Left Click on the desired VMDK file to access a dropdown menu of actions;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- At the bottom of the window, find the "Enable" menu, where "Recommended Programs" is already selected by default;
- Within this menu, select "All Programs" and then locate VMware Workstation. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to set it as the default program.
Convert to and from VMDK
If you have trouble working with a VMDK file, try converting it to VHD, OVF, OVA, HDD, VDI or similar virtual machine files.
Please note that after converting a VMDK file, some functionality may differ from the original. However, in many cases, it can be converted back to its original format.
Offline software like XenConvert allows you to convert VMDK files to other formats while maintaining quality.
Convert VMDK to other file formats
Converting Files to VMDK Format
Finding answers to VMDK file problems
Certain problems with VMDK files can be conveniently fixed with small software tweaks. Here are some helpful tips to address them.
What are the warning signs that my VMDK file may be corrupted?
Corrupted VMDK virtual machine files may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Error messages appear during the course of working with the file;
- Poor performance when editing a file in VMware Workstation;
- The file does not open or opens with errors;
- Unexplained increase in VMDK file size;
- File hangs or crashes in VMware Workstation or other programs;
Why does VMware Workstation crash?
VMware Workstation crashes can be caused by outdated software. Keep your VMware products up to date by installing the latest updates.
A computer restart is often the key to solving numerous common problems. That’s why, it is recommended to restart the computer before making any changes to the software settings.
How to repair a corrupted VMDK file?
Use a data recovery program to open the damaged VMDK file and from the menu choose "Repair" function to start the repair process. Then wait for the recovery process to complete, which allows you to automatically repair corrupted virtual machine files.
How to edit a VMDK file?
To edit VMDK files, you need to install specialized software that allows you not only to open but also to modify virtual machine files. Online VMDK editors usually provide fewer features than software created specifically for Virtual Machine Disk Format.
Best VMDK editors in 2026
Considering the mentioned criteria, we have compiled a list of VMDK editors that may suit your needs.
| VMDK Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| VirtualBox | Oracle | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.9 out of 5 (37 reviews) |
| VMware Workstation | VMware | Windows | 4.8 out of 5 (39 reviews) |
| VMware Fusion | VMware | Mac OS | 4.3 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
| VMware vSphere | VMware | Windows | 4.2 out of 5 (40 reviews) |