VSV File Extension
Virtual Machine Saved State Format
- File Type vsv
- Developer Microsoft
- Popularity
- Application Windows Virtual PC
- Category Virtual Machine Files
- Format Binary
What is a VSV file?
Files with the VSV extension are specifically tied to Virtual Machine Saved State Format, a Virtual Machine Files type, and there are 56 files in this category.
The Virtual Machine Saved State Format (VSV) was developed by Microsoft, which created file format and 242 programs to work with them.
VSV file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows. To open a VSV file, you can choose from 2 programs such as Windows Virtual PC and Microsoft Virtual Server.
How to open a VSV file?
If you cannot open a VSV 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.
Thanks to their popularity, Windows Virtual PC and Microsoft Virtual Server are often the go-to programs for managing VSV files. If you need the newest version of Windows Virtual PC, just access the Microsoft website. From there you can download the installer compatible with all systems.
Once Windows Virtual PC is installed, the OS should configure it as the default tool for opening VSV files.
Make Windows Virtual PC the default VSV viewer
Change the default app to open files on Mac
- Right click or use Control + Left Click on the desired VSV file to access a dropdown menu of actions;
- Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
- Towards the bottom of the window, find the "Enable" menu, which is already set to the default option, "Recommended Programs";
- In this menu, select "All Programs" and search for Windows Virtual PC. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default option.
Change a default app in Windows
- Start by right-clicking on your VSV file, then select the "Open with" option and choose "Choose another app" from the menu that appears;
- Inside the popup window, scroll through the list of applications and specifically choose Windows Virtual PC as the application to associate with your VSV file;
- Check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK".
Finding answers to VSV file problems
If VSV files are giving you trouble, small modifications to your software can help. Check out the troubleshooting tips below to fix these issues.
What can lead to sudden Windows Virtual PC crashes?
Insufficient updates for Microsoft products can cause Windows Virtual PC to crash. Be sure to regularly install the latest software 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.
What is the recommended approach to repair a damaged VSV file?
Use a recovery program to open the damaged VSV file, and in the menu, click "Repair" to start the repair operation. Wait for the recovery process to finish as it will automatically restore the damaged virtual machine files.
What are the ways to check if my VSV file is damaged?
Characteristics of corrupted VSV virtual machine files can include:
- The file encounters problems during the opening process or shows error indications;
- Editing the archive in Windows Virtual PC is hampered by poor overall performance;
- The file causes Windows Virtual PC or other software to hang or crash during various operations;
- An unexplained increase in the size of the VSV file;
- Actions performed on the file result in the appearance of error notifications;
How to edit a VSV file?
To modify VSV files, you need to install special software that makes it possible to open and edit virtual machine files. Online VSV editors are more restricted compared to software designed for Virtual Machine Saved State Format.
Best VSV editors 2026
According to these factors, we have compiled a list of available VSV editors.
| VSV Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Virtual PC | Microsoft | Mac OS, Windows | 4.7 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
| Microsoft Virtual Server | Microsoft | Windows | 4.2 out of 5 (36 reviews) |