Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.VMSD
File Type
VMware Snapshot Metadata File
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .vmsd file format
The VMSD file is a metadata file used by VMware virtualization software, specifically associated with VMware Workstation, VMware Player, and VMware ESXi. When a user creates a snapshot of a virtual machine to capture its state at a specific point in time, the virtualization software generates a VMS…
File extension
.VMSD
File type
VMware Snapshot Metadata File
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .vmsd file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .vmsd.
- 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- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.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 .vmsd file?
File extension details and usage information
The VMSD file is a metadata file used by VMware virtualization software, specifically associated with VMware Workstation, VMware Player, and VMware ESXi. When a user creates a snapshot of a virtual machine to capture its state at a specific point in time, the virtualization software generates a VMSD file to store information about that snapshot. This file acts as a database or a log that tracks the relationship between different snapshots, the names assigned to them, the time they were created, and the specific virtual disk files (VMDKs) associated with each state. It is essentially a text-based configuration file that allows the hypervisor to manage the snapshot tree, ensuring that when a user reverts to a previous state, the system knows exactly which disk sectors and memory states to restore. Without the VMSD file, the virtualization software would lose track of the snapshot hierarchy, making it difficult or impossible to manage or delete snapshots correctly. While it is a critical component of the virtual machine's snapshot infrastructure, it does not contain the actual data or memory state of the virtual machine itself, which are stored in separate files like .vmsn or .vmem.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .vmsd files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
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 .vmsd files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .vmsd 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 .vmsd file.
Why can't I open a .vmsd file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .vmsd 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 .vmsd files
To open a .vmsd file, use software that supports this file format.
- VMware Workstation Pro
- VMware Player
- VMware Fusion
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 .vmsd 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.