VMSD File Extension
VMware Snapshot Metadata Format
- File Type vmsd
- Developer vmsd
- Popularity
- Application VMware Workstation
- Category Virtual Machine Files
What is a VMSD file?
The VMSD extension is related to VMware Snapshot Metadata Format and is classified in the Virtual Machine Files category, which contains 56 files.
VMSD files are compatible with various operating systems, including Mac OS and Windows. If you need to open a VMSD file, you can use one of 3 programs, such as VMware Fusion, VMware Workstation and VMware vSphere.
Programs that support VMSD files
Mac OS
How to open a VMSD file?
If you’re having difficulty opening a VMSD file, it is often due to not having the correct software. To solve the problem, choose a compatible program from the list. Then follow the link to the official developer site, download the software, and install it on your device.
VMware Fusion, VMware Workstation and VMware vSphere are among the most widely used programs for handling VMSD files. To set up the newest version of VMware Workstation on your device, simply go to the official VMware website. There you can download the edition compatible with every operating system.
Once the process is complete, VMware Workstation should take over as the default application for VMSD files.
Make VMware Workstation the default VMSD viewer
Change the default app to open files on Mac
- Right click or use Control + Left Click on the desired VMSD file to access a dropdown menu of actions;
- Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
- At the bottom of the window, you will find the "Enable" menu. Default, will be set to "Recommended Programs";
- Choose "All Programs" in this menu and search for VMware Workstation. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.
Change default programs in Windows
- Start by right-clicking on your VMSD file, then select "Open With" and continue by clicking "Choose another app" from the options provided;
- Inside the popup window, scroll through the list of applications and specifically choose VMware Workstation as the application to associate with your VMSD file;
- Check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK".
Finding answers to VMSD file problems
Rest assured, any issues with VMSD files can typically be addressed with simple software adjustments. See the tips below for help.
What are the steps to repair a damaged VMSD file?
Open the damaged VMSD file in a recovery program and select the "Repair" menu item to start the repair operation. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged virtual machine files.
What are the methods to detect if my VMSD file has been corrupted?
The signs of corrupted VMSD virtual machine files can manifest as:
- Unexplained VMSD file size inflation;
- VMware Workstation or other programs stop responding or crash when trying to handle the file;
- When opening the file, errors occur or the inability to access its contents;
- While working with the file, error alerts are encountered;
- The file shows slow performance when edited in VMware Fusion;
What are the reasons behind VMware Workstation crash?
Insufficient software updates can contribute to VMware Workstation crash. To avoid this, make sure that you have installed the latest updates for VMware products.
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 edit a VMSD file?
To modify VMSD files, it is necessary to install dedicated software that lets you open and edit virtual machine files. Online VMSD editors generally offer fewer tools compared to programs designed for VMware Snapshot Metadata Format.
Best VMSD Editor Software in 2026
Based on the criteria above, here is a selection of VMSD editors you can use.
| VMSD Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| VMware Fusion | VMware | Mac OS | 4.8 out of 5 (43 reviews) |
| VMware Workstation | VMware | Windows | 4.3 out of 5 (42 reviews) |
| VMware vSphere | VMware | Windows | 4.2 out of 5 (42 reviews) |