PVM File Extension

What is PVM file?

PVM files are used by Parallels Desktop software application.

What are the contents of PVM files?

PVM files are used as as basis for creating virtual machines on Macintosh computers. Parallels Desktop application has been continuously developed since 2006 when it first launched. Subsequent editions not only expanded its functionality, but also optimized virtualization resource usage, speed and stability. The newst versions of Parallels Desktop (ver. 15) offers support for DirectX 11.

What is a virtual machine?

PVM data is used by the software to emulate virtualized environment on MacOS machines. This easy user can use other operating systems, such as Windows, on Macintosh machines. This capability allows using software available only for Microsoft Windows or running test against other operating systems. Virtual machine data stored in PVM files therefor expand the functionality of operating system. Users can stop the running virtual machine, save its state, data and processes and transfer such image to another machine and resume the virtualized environment. Parallels Desktop, which uses PVM files, offers a way to run practically any virtualized PC operating system on a Macintosh machine.

Programs which support PVM file extension

The following listing features PVM-compatible programs. Files with PVM 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: 11/19/2023

How to open file with PVM extension?

Problems with accessing PVM may be due to various reasons. Fortunately, most common problems with PVM files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Install Parallels Desktop software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening PVM files is that no program that can handle PVM files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select Parallels Desktop or one of the recommended programs (for example, VMware Fusion) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Parallels Desktop installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Update Parallels Desktop to the latest version

If you already have Parallels Desktop installed on your systems and PVM files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of Parallels Desktop installed, it may not support PVM format. The latest version of Parallels Desktop should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Parallels Desktop to PVM files

If you have the latest version of Parallels Desktop installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage PVM on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Right-click the PVM file and choose Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Parallels Desktop is installed, check the Always use this app to open PVM files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected PVM file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with PVM extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

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

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the PVM file in question. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Verify that the PVM in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the PVM is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. PVM file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If the PVM file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. It could happen the the download process of file with PVM extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Parallels Desktop

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support PVM files. Close all running programs and try opening the PVM file.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Parallels Virtual Machine files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with PVM files affecting older versions of given software.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the PVM file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on PVM file.