PVMZ File – What is .pvmz file and how to open it?

PVMZ File Format

A PVMZ file is a compressed virtual machine (VM) file format used by Parallels Desktop, virtualization software that allows multiple operating systems to run simultaneously on a single computer. The PVMZ format encapsulates an entire VM, including the virtual hard disk (VHD), configuration files, and any other associated data.

PVMZ files are compressed using the open-source LZMA algorithm, resulting in significant size reduction compared to uncompressed VHD files. This compression makes PVMZ files easier to store, transfer, and back up. Parallels Desktop utilizes the PVMZ format to create, manage, and deploy VMs efficiently within its virtualized environment.

Opening a PVMZ File

To access the contents of a .PVMZ file, you will need to use a dedicated third-party software or application, as this file format is specifically designed for use with Parallels software. Parallels Desktop, a virtualization software developed by Parallels, allows you to run multiple operating systems and applications simultaneously on a single computer. When you create a virtual machine using Parallels Desktop, you can export it to the .PVMZ format to save and share.

Using Parallels Desktop

To open a .PVMZ file using Parallels Desktop, follow these steps:

1. Locate and double-click the .PVMZ file. If Parallels Desktop is installed, it should automatically detect and open the file.
2. If Parallels Desktop does not recognize the file, you can manually import it. Open Parallels Desktop and click on “File” > “Open.” Navigate to the location of the .PVMZ file and select it.
3. Once the file is opened in Parallels Desktop, you can configure the virtual machine settings (such as RAM, CPU, and storage) and start it like any other virtual machine.

PVMZ – Parallels Compressed Virtual Machine

The PVMZ file extension signifies a Parallels Compressed Virtual Machine, a virtual machine file format developed by Parallels. It encapsulates a virtual hard disk (VHD) that holds the operating system and application data for a virtual machine, compressed using the Parallels Transporter Engine. This compression significantly reduces the file size, making it easier to transfer and store virtual machines. PVMZ files are commonly used for backing up, migrating, and distributing virtual machines, particularly in cloud computing environments.

Key Features of PVMZ Files

PVMZ files offer several advantages over other virtual machine file formats. Firstly, the compression algorithm used by Parallels reduces file sizes by up to 50%, making them more manageable for transfer and storage. Secondly, PVMZ files support incremental backups, allowing users to capture only the changes made to a virtual machine since the last backup. This feature reduces backup time and storage requirements. Additionally, PVMZ files are compatible with Parallels Desktop, a popular virtualization software, enabling seamless integration and deployment of virtual machines.

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