QCOW2 File Extension

What is QCOW2 file?

QCOW2 filename suffix is mostly used for QEMU Copy-On-Write files. David T Reynolds defined the QEMU Copy-On-Write format standard. QCOW2 files are supported by software applications available for devices running Linux, Windows. QCOW2 file belongs to the Misc Files category just like 6033 other filename extensions listed in our database. Qemu Manager supports QCOW2 files and is the most frequently used program to handle such files, yet 1 other tools may also be used. Qemu Manager software was developed by David T Reynolds, and on its official website you may find more information about QCOW2 files or the Qemu Manager software program.

Programs which support QCOW2 file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open QCOW2 files divided into 2 categories according to system platform supported. QCOW2 files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

How to open file with QCOW2 extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening QCOW2 files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with QCOW2 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 Qemu Manager software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening QCOW2 files is that no program that can handle QCOW2 files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select Qemu Manager or one of the recommended programs (for example, QEMU) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading Qemu Manager installed is by going to developer’s website (David T Reynolds) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of Qemu Manager and update if needed

If the problems with opening QCOW2 files still occur even after installing Qemu Manager, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Qemu Manager is available. 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 QCOW2 files are not compatible with Qemu Manager. The latest version of Qemu Manager should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Qemu Manager to QCOW2 files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate QCOW2 files with latest version of Qemu Manager you have installed on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Clicking the QCOW2 with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Qemu Manager is installed, check the Always use this app to open QCOW2 files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• Right-click the QCOW2 file and select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select Qemu Manager and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with QCOW2 extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the QCOW2 for errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the QCOW2 file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. The QCOW2 may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the QCOW2 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. QCOW2 file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Ensure the file with QCOW2 extension is complete and error-free

If you obtained the problematic QCOW2 file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. 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 QCOW2 extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

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

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the QEMU Copy-On-Write file again.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Qemu Manager

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with QCOW2 extension. In this case close the other applications.

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

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with QEMU Copy-On-Write file. It may be the case that the QCOW2 files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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