Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.VSV
File Type
Microsoft Virtual PC Saved State File
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .vsv file format
A VSV file is a saved state file created by Microsoft Virtual PC, a virtualization application that allows users to run multiple operating systems on a single physical computer. When a virtual machine is paused or hibernated rather than fully shut down, the software captures the exact current state…
File extension
.VSV
File type
Microsoft Virtual PC Saved State File
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .vsv file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .vsv.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .vsv file?
File extension details and usage information
A VSV file is a saved state file created by Microsoft Virtual PC, a virtualization application that allows users to run multiple operating systems on a single physical computer. When a virtual machine is paused or hibernated rather than fully shut down, the software captures the exact current state of the virtualized system's RAM, CPU registers, and hardware devices, writing this information directly into the .vsv file. This mechanism enables users to instantly resume their virtualized environment at a later time, preserving all open applications, unsaved documents, and active system processes exactly as they were. Because they contain a complete dump of the virtual machine's active memory, VSV files can be quite large, directly correlating to the amount of RAM allocated to the guest operating system. These files are designed to be read and managed exclusively by the virtualization software and are not intended to be opened or edited manually by users.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .vsv files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
No specific software is listed for this platform yet. Try checking the file source, identifying the original application, or using a trusted universal file viewer when appropriate.
Mobile
Mobile applications
No specific software is listed for this platform yet. Try checking the file source, identifying the original application, or using a trusted universal file viewer when appropriate.
Can .vsv files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .vsv file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .vsv file.
Why can't I open a .vsv file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .vsv format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .vsv files
To open a .vsv file, use software that supports this file format.
- Microsoft Virtual PC
- Microsoft Virtual Server
- Microsoft Hyper-V
- Microsoft Virtual PC for Mac
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .vsv file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.