VMX File Extension

What is VMX file?

VMX is a text file that stores configuration data for Vmware, a virtual machine management software. Virtual machines can be sorted into groups, details of which are stored in .VMXF file. When a virtual machine is added to a group, an entry is added to related VMX file. Originally, Linux Vmware Workstation used CFG files instead of VMX files.

Contents of VMX files

VMX files store varios virtual machine-related data, including:

• video card support
• number of CPU cores that can be used at any time
• memory size
• hardware buttons settings
• access to hardware devices
• network card settings

Programs which support VMX file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open VMX files divided into 3 categories according to system platform supported. Files with VMX suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 01/08/2024

How to open file with VMX extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening VMX files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with VMX extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Download and install VMware Workstation

Problems with opening and working with VMX files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with VMX files being present on your machine. This one is an easy one. Select VMware Workstation or one of the recommended programs (for example, Parallels Workstation, VMware vSphere, VMware Player) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support VMX files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading VMware Workstation installed is by going to developer’s website (VMware, Inc.) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of VMware Workstation and update if needed

If you already have VMware Workstation installed on your systems and VMX files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. This can be one of the causes why VMX files are not compatible with VMware Workstation. The most recent version of VMware Workstation is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open VMX files to VMware Workstation

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate VMX files with latest version of VMware Workstation you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Clicking the VMX with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where VMware Workstation is installed, check the Always use this app to open VMX files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• Right-click the VMX file and select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with VMX extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the VMX file is complete and free of errors

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper VMX file. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. The VMX may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the VMX file hinders attempts to open it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. VMX file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Verify that the VMX file’s structure is intact

Did you receive the VMX file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. When downloading the file with VMX extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the VMware Configuration Format file.

4. Check whether your system can handle VMware Workstation

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with VMX extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with VMware Configuration Format file. It may be the case that the VMX files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

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