Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.STATE
File Type
Saved State File
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .state file format
A file with the .state extension is typically a Saved State file used by various software applications, most notably video game emulators (such as PCSX2, RetroArch, or various SNES/NES emulators) and virtual machines. It captures the exact state of the system's memory, processor registers, and hard…
File extension
.STATE
File type
Saved State File
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .state file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .state.
- 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- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.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 .state file?
File extension details and usage information
A file with the .state extension is typically a Saved State file used by various software applications, most notably video game emulators (such as PCSX2, RetroArch, or various SNES/NES emulators) and virtual machines. It captures the exact state of the system's memory, processor registers, and hardware at a specific moment in time. This allows users to pause their progress and resume exactly where they left off, bypassing traditional in-game saving mechanisms. Beyond emulation, some development tools, simulation software, and interactive environments use .state files to preserve user sessions, application configurations, or workspace layouts, enabling seamless resumption of work across different sessions.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .state files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .state files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .state 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 .state file.
Why can't I open a .state file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .state 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 .state files
To open a .state file, use software that supports this file format.
- RetroArch
- PCSX2
- Dolphin Emulator
- Oracle VM VirtualBox
- OpenEmu
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 .state 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.