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PVM File - What is a .pvm file and how do I open it?
Learn about .PVM files and view a list of programs that open them.
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Overview
What is a PVM file? A PVM file is a virtual machine created by Parallels Desktop for Mac, a virtualization application that lets Mac users run other operating systems alongside macOS. A PVM file is saved as a macOS package , which appears as a single file in Finder but is actually a folder that contains all the components required to run a virtual machine (VM). PVM files allow users to run operating systems , such as Windows, Linux, or another version of macOS, on their Mac.
More Information PVM file open in Parallels Desktop for Mac 26 When you create a new VM in Parallels Desktop, the program generates a PVM file to store its contents. You can create one by selecting File → New... or by clicking the + button in the Control Center. Each PVM file is self-contained, meaning it includes the virtual hard drive, configuration data, and other resources the VM needs to function. This makes it easy to back up or transfer a VM by simply copying the PVM file. Inside the package, Parallels stores several essential files. The .HDD file acts as the VM’s virtual hard drive, containing the operating system, applications, and user files. The .PVS file stores the VM’s configuration settings, such as allocated memory and hardware preferences. Together, these files allow Parallels Desktop to run the VM as if it were a separate computer within macOS.
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DeveloperHP
Popularity2.5 | 13 Votes
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.PVM File Extension
3 file types use the .pvm file extension.
Parallels Virtual Machine
| Developer | Parallels |
| Popularity |
3.6 | 32 Votes |
What is a PVM file?
A PVM file is a virtual machine created by Parallels Desktop for Mac, a virtualization application that lets Mac users run other operating systems alongside macOS. A PVM file is saved as a macOS package , which appears as a single file in Finder but is actually a folder that contains all the components required to run a virtual machine (VM). PVM files allow users to run operating systems , such as Windows, Linux, or another version of macOS, on their Mac.
More Information
PVM file open in Parallels Desktop for Mac 26
When you create a new VM in Parallels Desktop, the program generates a PVM file to store its contents. You can create one by selecting File → New... or by clicking the + button in the Control Center. Each PVM file is self-contained, meaning it includes the virtual hard drive, configuration data, and other resources the VM needs to function. This makes it easy to back up or transfer a VM by simply copying the PVM file.
Inside the package, Parallels stores several essential files. The .HDD file acts as the VM’s virtual hard drive, containing the operating system, applications, and user files. The .PVS file stores the VM’s configuration settings, such as allocated memory and hardware preferences. Together, these files allow Parallels Desktop to run the VM as if it were a separate computer within macOS.
How to open a PVM file
You can open a PVM file with Parallels Desktop for Mac on your Mac. To open a PVM file, place your file in the folder you set as the default location for storing virtual machines (Parallels default location is Macintosh HD/Users/[username]/Documents/Parallels/ ), select File → Open in Parallels Desktop for Mac, and choose your PVM file.
Opening a PVM file as a macOS package
PVM file open in Apple Finder
In macOS, you can right-click a PVM file and select Show Package Contents to view the package's directories and files with Apple Finder. Files you may find stored within a PVM file include PVS, HDD, .LOG , .ISO , and .DAT files.
NOTE: Modifying the contents in a PVM file may corrupt the virtual machine.
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Programs that open PVM files
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Program Name
Platform
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Mac
Parallels Desktop for Mac 26
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VMware Fusion
Paid
Category: Disk Image Files
Updated: August 28, 2025
Photo Video Manifest File
| Developer | OSTA |
| Popularity |
3.0 | 9 Votes |
Index file used for organizing collections of digital content; developed by the Optical Storage Technology Association (OSTA) as part of the Music/Photo/Video (MPV) standard; formatted in XML .
More Information
PVM files may be generated by various digital media devices such as printers and digital cameras. They can be read by any program that supports PVM format.
Programs that open PVM files
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Program Name
Platform
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X
Windows
OSTA MPV Reader, Writer, or Player
HP Image Zone
Visual MIBrowser
Mac
HP Image Zone
Category: Text Files
Updated: July 4, 2008
HP Photo Album
| Developer | HP |
| Popularity |
2.5 | 13 Votes |
Digital photo album created with HP digital camera software; contains a list of images imported from an HP digital camera; often named "album.pvm" or "index.pvm;" used by HP Image Zone Express, which has been replaced by Photosmart software.
Programs that open PVM files
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Windows
HP Image Zone Express
Category: Misc Files
Updated: September 17, 2007