VMX File Extension

VMware Configuration Format

File Type vmx
Developer VMware
Popularity
4.8 (41 vote)
Application VMware Workstation
Category Virtual Machine Files
Format Text

What is a VMX file?

VMware Configuration Format, identified by the VMX extension, is a Virtual Machine Files type and includes 56 files.

The VMware Configuration Format (VMX) was developed by VMware, which created file format and 9 programs to work with them.

VMX file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS and Linux. To open a VMX file, you can choose from 6 programs such as VMware Workstation, VMware Fusion and Parallels Workstation.

File Signature

HEX code: 63 6F 6E 66 69 67 2E 76 65 72 73 69 6F 6E 20 3D 20. ASCII code: config.version =.

Windows

Mac OS

Linux

Parallels Workstation

How to open a VMX file?

If you cannot open a VMX file, it is most often due to missing software. Select a program from the list according to your operating system. Then go to the official website of the program developer, download it, and install it on your device.

When it comes to opening and working with VMX files, VMware Workstation, VMware Fusion and Parallels Workstation are the top choices for users. If you want the most recent release of VMware Workstation, head over to the VMware site and download the version designed to run on all platforms.

After installation, your operating system should automatically open VMX files with VMware Workstation.

Setting VMware Workstation as default VMX viewer

Changing Default Programs in Windows

Right click on your VMX file, then select "Open with" and click "Choose another application";
Choose VMware Workstation from the available applications listed in the pop-up window to set it as the default application to open your VMX file;
Be sure to check the "Always use this app" checkbox, and then click "OK" to confirm your selection.

Change the default app for a file type in Mac

Initiate a right click or use Control + left click on the desired VMX file to open a menu where you can select various actions;
Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
Next, at the bottom of the window, you will see the "Enable" menu, in which "Recommended Programs" is selected by default;
In this menu, select "All Programs", then find VMware Workstation and check the box next to "Always open in the application."

Tips and tricks to solve problems with VMX files

There are some common issues with VMX files that can be resolved easily by making minor adjustments to your software. Below, you’ll find these issues along with practical troubleshooting tips.

What Causes VMware Workstation to Crash Frequently?

The likely cause of VMware Workstation crashing is lack of software updates. Install the latest updates available for VMware products.

Restarting your computer is an essential troubleshooting step that can resolve many common problems. It is recommended to restart your computer before making any changes to the software settings.

How can I restore a damaged VMX file?

Open the corrupted VMX file in a recovery program and select the "Repair" menu item. Wait for the recovery process to finish, as it will automatically repair damaged virtual machine files.

How do I know if my VMX file is corrupted?

Common indications of damaged VMX virtual machine files are:

The file shows errors when trying to open it or does not open completely;
Editing the archive in VMware Workstation results in slow or unresponsive behavior;
Opening or processing the file in VMware Workstation or other programs causes instability or crashes in the program;
Unexpected expansion of the total size of the VMX file;
Error messages appear while working with the file;

How to edit a VMX file?

To edit VMX files, it is essential to install software that supports not only viewing but also editing the virtual machine files. Online VMX editors provide limited functionality compared to full-featured software for VMware Configuration Format.

List of Top VMX editors 2026

Based on these criteria, we have prepared a list of available VMX editors.

VMX 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)

Convert to and from VMX

If working with a VMX file is challenging, one solution is to convert it to formats like PVS or other supported formats.

Keep in mind that converting a VMX file may introduce some limitations, but the original format can often be restored.