Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.VMSS
File Type
VMware Suspended State File
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .vmss file format
The VMSS file extension stands for VMware Suspended State. It is a proprietary file format created and used by VMware virtualization software, including VMware Workstation, VMware Fusion, and VMware ESXi. When a user chooses to suspend a running virtual machine rather than shutting it down complete…
File extension
.VMSS
File type
VMware Suspended State File
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .vmss file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .vmss.
- 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- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.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 .vmss file?
File extension details and usage information
The VMSS file extension stands for VMware Suspended State. It is a proprietary file format created and used by VMware virtualization software, including VMware Workstation, VMware Fusion, and VMware ESXi. When a user chooses to suspend a running virtual machine rather than shutting it down completely, the virtualization software saves the current state of the virtual machine's virtual CPU, registers, and device configurations into a .vmss file. This file works in tandem with a .vmem file, which contains the virtual machine's active RAM contents. Together, these files allow the virtual machine to be paused and later resumed instantly at the exact point where the user left off, preserving all open applications, documents, and system states. Because .vmss files contain active system state data, they are typically large and should not be manually edited or deleted while the virtual machine is suspended, as doing so will corrupt the suspended state and force a cold reboot of the guest operating system.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .vmss 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 .vmss files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .vmss 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 .vmss file.
Why can't I open a .vmss file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .vmss 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 .vmss files
To open a .vmss 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 .vmss 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.