What is the PVM file format?
.pvm files are used by Parallels Desktop, the leading virtualization application for macOS.
What do PVM files contain?
PVM files are used as the foundation for creating virtual machines on Macintosh computers. Parallels Desktop 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 current Parallels Desktop 20 supports DirectX 12, Metal graphics, and ARM-based virtual machines on Apple Silicon Macs.
What is a virtual machine?
PVM data is used by the software to run a virtualized environment on macOS machines, allowing users to run other operating systems - such as Windows - on a Mac. This capability allows using software available only for Microsoft Windows or running tests against other operating systems. Virtual machine data stored in PVM files therefore expands the functionality of the host operating system. Users can stop the running virtual machine, save its state, data, and processes, then transfer the image to another machine and resume the virtualized environment. Parallels Desktop, which uses PVM files, offers a way to run practically any PC operating system on a Macintosh machine.
A .pvm is technically a macOS bundle - a directory that Finder presents as a single file. It contains a config.pvs XML configuration file, one or more .hds or .hdd virtual disk images, and optional snapshot and log files.
Security & safety
RISK: MEDIUMPVM files are safe as a container, but the VM they contain runs a full operating system that may carry malware. Sharing or receiving PVM files from untrusted sources carries the same risk as receiving a full PC image. The guest OS inside can be infected; Parallels snapshots can preserve malware state. Use antivirus inside the guest VM.
Format details
in a nutshell- PVM Volume Manager file (StorageTek/Oracle) - Legacy Unix/Solaris storage volume manager configuration format, unrelated to Parallels.
Programs that open PVM files
macOS2 apps
Parallels Desktop
Paid Double-click the .pvm file or drag it onto Parallels Desktop; the VM starts automatically.
VMware Fusion Pro
Free File → Import → select the .pvm file; Fusion converts it (disk to VMDK) and imports. Technical details
deep spec| Format type | macOS bundle (directory package) |
| macOS package type | com.parallels.vm |
| Configuration file | config.pvs (XML format inside the bundle) |
| Virtual disk formats | .hds / .hdd (Parallels proprietary expanding or fixed-size) |
| Encryption | Optional (full VM encryption supported) |
| Typical size | 2 GB - 100 GB+ (dominated by virtual disk images) |
| Schema version | <SchemaVersion> element in config.pvs |
| Magic bytes | None (bundle is a directory, not a single binary file) |
| Associated OS | macOS only |
| Apple Silicon support | Parallels Desktop 18+ runs ARM VMs natively; x86 VMs require Intel Mac |
| Import/export | VMware Fusion can import .pvm; disk layer convertible via qemu-img |
| Licensing model | Parallels Desktop 20 requires annual subscription (no longer perpetual) |
| Released | 2006 (Parallels Desktop 2.0 for Mac) |
| Latest version | Compatible with Parallels Desktop 20 (2024) |
| Specification | www.parallels.com |
PVM conversions
Community Q&A
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