Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.VMSN
File Type
VMware Snapshot State File
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .vmsn file format
The vmsn file is a proprietary file format used by VMware virtualization software, specifically VMware Workstation, VMware Player, and VMware Fusion. It serves as a snapshot state file that captures the exact state of a virtual machine at a specific point in time. When a user creates a snapshot of…
File extension
.VMSN
File type
VMware Snapshot State File
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .vmsn file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .vmsn.
- 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- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.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 .vmsn file?
File extension details and usage information
The vmsn file is a proprietary file format used by VMware virtualization software, specifically VMware Workstation, VMware Player, and VMware Fusion. It serves as a snapshot state file that captures the exact state of a virtual machine at a specific point in time. When a user creates a snapshot of a virtual machine, the vmsn file stores the configuration, the state of the virtual hardware, and, depending on the settings, the memory state of the guest operating system. This allows the user to revert the virtual machine to that exact state later, effectively 'undoing' any changes made to the system, software, or data after the snapshot was taken. Because it often includes the contents of the virtual machine's RAM, these files can grow quite large in size. They are essential for developers and system administrators who need to test software installations or system configurations in a safe, repeatable environment where they can quickly roll back to a clean state if errors occur.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .vmsn 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 .vmsn files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .vmsn 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 .vmsn file.
Why can't I open a .vmsn file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .vmsn 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 .vmsn files
To open a .vmsn file, use software that supports this file format.
- VMware Workstation Pro
- VMware Workstation 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 .vmsn 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.