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What is a VMDK file extension?

A VMDK file extension stands for 'Virtual Machine Disk'. It is an open format generally used in cloud and virtual computing, and a VMDK file is a virtual disk that contains all the information of a virtual machine. They are often used in systems such as VirtualBox or VMWare, which allow a virtual machine to have independent operations. They can be accessed by users as if they were a completely separate, independent machine.

What are VMDK files used for?

VMDK files represent the hard disks used within virtual machines, often used in systems such as VirtualBox or VMWare. A virtual machine is a useful system for running software which requires a different operating system on one single machine. Basically, a virtual machine emulates an entire system. It is useful for organizations who want to reduce overheads as they can run multiple operating systems on one computer and cut down the need for having multiple machines. They can also be used for safely storing backups in case of emergency data recovery.

How to Open VMDK Files

Opening VMDK files in WinZip can be done in moments with the click of just a few buttons. Follow this step by step guide.

Method 1

Open VMDK Files - Step 1
1. Find the VMDK file you would like to open on your computer and double-click on the file. This will open up WinZip and display the file.
Open VMDK Files - Step 2
2. On the panel on the right side of the screen, click "Unzip to:" and choose the location you would like to save your file to, for instance the desktop or an external hard drive.
Open VMDK Files - Step 3
3. Click "Unzip" to begin the process. Within a few moments the files within the VMDK file will be available to view and use in the location you specified.

Method 2

VMDK File Extractor - Step 1
1. Right-click on the VMDK file you want to open and hover over "WinZip" to display the secondary menu.
VMDK File Extractor - Step 2
2. Click on "Unzip to..." and choose the location you want to save the file to.
VMDK File Extractor - Step 3
3. Click "Unzip" which will open up the contents of the VMDK file.

How to Create VMDK Files

While WinZip does not create VMDK files, it does create Zip files. Zip files are similar to VMDK files and have many of the same benefits and more accessibility.

In order to create a Zip file, please follow these simple steps:

  1. Open WinZip
  2. Find and select the files you wish to ZIP from your PC, network, or cloud services in the files panel.
  3. Click "Add to Zip".
  4. In the actions panel, click "Save as".
  5. Choose any local, network or cloud location where you wish to save your new ZIP file.
  6. You may also choose to email it, share it in an instant message or via supported social media platforms.

Converting VMDK Files

VMDK files work together to run a virtual machine, but you might find yourself in a situation where you have to share a specific VMDK file and the recipient cannot open it. With third party conversion software like WinZip, a VMDK file can be converted in just a few seconds with the few clicks of a button.

Use WinZip to convert your VMDK files to a ZIP file for easy sharing:

  1. Unzip your VMDK file using WinZip and save them to your computer
  2. Now select the files you wish to ZIP from your PC, network, or cloud services in the files panel in WinZip.
  3. Click "Add to Zip".
  4. In the actions panel, click "Save as".
  5. Choose any local, network or cloud location where you wish to save your new ZIP file.
  6. You may also choose to email it, share it in an instant message or via supported social media platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between VMDK vs. VHD vs. VDI?

Virtual Disk formats vary depending on which software group created them. The functionality of VMDK, VHD and VDI files are fairly similar, VHD is used by Microsoft, VDI is used by Virtual Box, and VMDK is used by VMWare.

How do you convert VHD to VMDK on Mac?

To convert virtual disk file formats to other virtual disk file formats, use file conversion software such as WinZip. To do it on a Mac, download WinZip for Mac for free today.

Open VMDK files on Windows or Mac

WinZip
  • Windows 11
  • Windows 10
  • Internet Explorer 8 or later
WinZip Mac 12
  • Mac OS X 10.8, 10.9, or 10.10
  • Intel 64-bit processor
  • Supports Apple Retina Displays

WinZip opens and extracts VMDK Compressed Archive Files—and many more formats

We designed WinZip to open and extract from the widest range of file formats, including all of the following:

Get WinZip now to open your VMDK file(s), then enjoy all that the world's most popular compression utility has to offer, including the easiest and most practical file compression, encryption, packaging, file management and data backup capabilities.

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