.PVM File Extension
Parallels Virtual Machine
| Developer | Parallels |
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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
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 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 in Parallels Desktop for Mac, and choose your PVM file.
Opening a PVM file as a macOS package
In macOS, you can right-click a PVM file and select 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.