How Do You Mount VMware Fusion VMs in macOS?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Apple Devices & MacOS

If you’re a Mac user who relies on VMware Fusion to run virtual machines, you’ve likely encountered the need to access or mount those VMs directly within macOS. Whether it’s to retrieve files, perform maintenance, or streamline your workflow, knowing how to mount VMware Fusion VMs on your Mac can significantly enhance your productivity and ease of use. This process bridges the gap between your virtual environments and the native macOS file system, allowing for seamless interaction and management.

Mounting VMware Fusion virtual machines in macOS isn’t just about opening a file—it’s about integrating your virtualized systems into your everyday Mac experience. By doing so, you can access the VM’s disk images, transfer data effortlessly, and even troubleshoot without fully booting up the virtual machine. Understanding the basics of how VMware Fusion stores and manages its VM files is key to unlocking these capabilities.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the fundamental concepts behind VMware Fusion VMs and their storage formats on macOS. We’ll also discuss the general approaches and tools available to mount these virtual machines, setting the stage for a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you confidently manage your VMware Fusion environments on your Mac.

Accessing VMware Fusion VM Disk Images on macOS

VMware Fusion stores virtual machine disk files with the `.vmdk` extension, which contain the data of the virtual machine’s hard drive. To mount these VM disk images on macOS, you must first locate the `.vmdk` files within your VM bundle. Typically, VMware Fusion stores virtual machines in the `~/Documents/Virtual Machines` folder, with each VM represented as a package (a `.vmwarevm` file). Right-clicking the `.vmwarevm` file and selecting Show Package Contents will reveal the internal components, including the `.vmdk` files.

Mounting `.vmdk` files directly in macOS requires additional tools or approaches because macOS does not natively support this virtual disk format. However, you can access the contents of these disks by using VMware Fusion’s built-in utilities or third-party software.

Using VMware Fusion to Mount Virtual Disks

VMware Fusion itself provides a straightforward method for accessing the virtual disks without needing to boot the entire VM. The process involves using the VMware Fusion interface to connect the virtual disk to your Mac as a mounted volume.

  • Open VMware Fusion and ensure the virtual machine is powered off.
  • Select the VM and navigate to **Virtual Machine > Settings**.
  • Click on Hard Disks, where you will see the attached `.vmdk` files.
  • Choose the desired disk and select the option to Mount or Connect the disk.

Once mounted, the virtual disk will appear as an external drive on your macOS desktop or Finder sidebar, allowing you to browse and transfer files easily. This method ensures the integrity of the VM disk and avoids compatibility issues.

Third-Party Tools for Mounting VMware Disks

If you prefer or require mounting `.vmdk` files outside of VMware Fusion, several third-party utilities can assist. These tools often provide more advanced features such as read/write access, support for different disk types, and integration with Finder.

Popular third-party tools include:

  • Paragon VMDK Mounter: Allows mounting VMware `.vmdk` files as native macOS volumes with full read/write support.
  • Fuse for macOS with VMDK plugin: An open-source solution that enables mounting various virtual disk formats, including VMware disks.
  • DiskInternals VMFS Recovery: Useful for recovering data from VMFS-formatted disks but can also mount `.vmdk` files.

When using third-party tools, ensure they support the specific `.vmdk` type you are working with (e.g., split vs. monolithic disks, sparse vs. preallocated).

File System Compatibility and Mounting Considerations

The success of mounting a VMware Fusion VM disk on macOS depends largely on the file system used inside the virtual machine’s disk. Common file systems include NTFS (Windows), ext4 (Linux), and APFS or HFS+ (macOS). macOS has native support for some but not all file systems:

  • HFS+ and APFS: macOS can read and write these natively.
  • NTFS: macOS can read NTFS drives but requires third-party drivers or tools for write access.
  • ext3/ext4: Not natively supported by macOS; third-party drivers or tools are necessary.
File System Native macOS Support Read Access Write Access Notes
APFS Yes Yes Yes Default macOS file system
HFS+ Yes Yes Yes Older macOS file system
NTFS No Yes No (without tools) Windows default file system
ext3/ext4 No No (without tools) No Common Linux file systems

To ensure smooth access, verify the guest OS file system of the VM and install any necessary drivers or software on macOS before mounting the disk.

Mounting VMware Fusion VM Snapshots and Linked Clones

Snapshots and linked clones in VMware Fusion create differential disk files that depend on a base `.vmdk` file. Mounting these disks individually can lead to incomplete or corrupted views of the virtual disk contents.

When dealing with snapshots:

  • Always mount the base `.vmdk` along with the delta disk files (.vmdk files associated with snapshots).
  • Use VMware Fusion’s snapshot manager to revert or consolidate snapshots before attempting to mount disks externally.
  • Avoid mounting snapshot disks independently to prevent data inconsistencies.

For linked clones, ensure the parent VM’s disk is accessible since linked clones reference the base disk. If you intend to mount disks from linked clones, maintain the file structure and relative paths to preserve dependencies.

Command Line Methods to Mount VMware Disks

Advanced users may prefer command-line utilities to mount VMware Fusion VM disks. macOS includes `hdiutil`, which can attach disk images, but it does not support `.vmdk` files natively. However, VMware provides a command-line tool called `vmware-mount` as part of the VMware VIX API or Workstation Pro on other platforms, but this is not bundled with VMware

Mounting VMware Fusion VMs on macOS

Mounting VMware Fusion virtual machines (VMs) on macOS allows you to access the virtual disk files directly, enabling file transfers, data recovery, or backup operations without powering on the VM. This process leverages VMware Fusion’s built-in tools and macOS utilities to mount the virtual disks as volumes on the host system.

Prerequisites and Considerations

Before proceeding, ensure the following:

  • VMware Fusion is installed and updated to the latest version.
  • The VM in question is properly shut down, not suspended or running.
  • You have administrative privileges on your macOS system.
  • The virtual disk format is compatible (commonly `.vmdk` files).
  • Backup important data before mounting or modifying VM disks.

Steps to Mount VMware Fusion Virtual Disks

Follow these step-by-step instructions:

  • Locate the Virtual Machine Bundle:
    VMware Fusion stores VMs as packages with the `.vmwarevm` extension, typically in the `~/Documents/Virtual Machines` folder. Right-click the VM and select Show Package Contents to access internal files.
  • Identify the Virtual Disk File:
    Within the VM bundle, find the `.vmdk` file. This file represents the virtual hard disk. There may be multiple `.vmdk` files if snapshots or split disks are used.
  • Use VMware Fusion Disk Mount Utility:
    VMware Fusion includes a command-line utility called `vmware-mount` that enables mounting `.vmdk` files. To use it:

    • Open Terminal.
    • Navigate to the VMware Fusion installation directory, typically `/Applications/VMware Fusion.app/Contents/Library`.
    • Run the mount command:
      sudo ./vmware-mount /path/to/disk.vmdk /path/to/mount/point
      Replace `/path/to/disk.vmdk` with the actual disk file path and `/path/to/mount/point` with an empty directory on macOS.
  • Access the Mounted Volume:
    After mounting, the virtual disk appears like any other volume in Finder and Terminal, allowing you to browse and manipulate files.
  • Unmount the Virtual Disk When Done:
    To safely unmount, use the command:
    sudo ./vmware-mount -d /path/to/mount/point
    Or eject the volume via Finder.

Alternative Methods to Access VM Disk Contents

Method Description Pros Cons
VMware Fusion Disk Mount Utility Command-line tool for mounting `.vmdk` files directly on macOS. Native support, no third-party tools Requires command-line usage and admin rights
Third-Party Software Applications like Paragon VMDK Mounter or DiskInternals VMFS Recovery. User-friendly GUIs, advanced features May require purchase or have limited free versions
Mounting Inside Guest OS Boot the VM and share folders or use network file sharing to transfer files. Safe and straightforward VM must be operational and bootable

Handling Disk Formats and Snapshots

  • VMware disks may be split into multiple `.vmdk` segments or use snapshot chains. Mounting must target the correct base or consolidated disk.
  • For snapshot disks, merge snapshots via VMware Fusion before mounting to avoid data inconsistency.
  • Use `vmware-vdiskmanager` (located alongside `vmware-mount`) to consolidate or convert disks if needed. Example:

vmware-vdiskmanager -r snapshot.vmdk -t 0 consolidated.vmdk
This command clones the snapshot into a single monolithic disk.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

  • Permission Denied: Ensure you use `sudo` for mounting commands and have write permissions on mount points.
  • Disk Format Not Supported: Verify the disk is not encrypted or in a proprietary format unsupported by Fusion tools.
  • Mount Point Not Empty: The directory used for mounting must be empty; create a dedicated empty folder.
  • File System Not Recognized: macOS may not support the guest OS file system (e.g., NTFS or Linux ext4). Use third-party tools like Paragon NTFS for macOS or ext4fuse for Linux partitions.

Example Terminal Commands for Mounting

“`bash
Create an empty mount point directory
mkdir ~/vm_mount

Navigate to VMware Fusion utilities
cd /Applications/VMware\ Fusion.app/Contents/Library

Mount the virtual disk
sudo ./vmware-mount ~/Documents/Virtual\ Machines/MyVM.vmwarevm/MyDisk.vmdk ~/vm_mount

After accessing, unmount the disk
sudo ./vmware-mount -d ~/vm_mount
“`

By following these guidelines and using the appropriate tools, you can efficiently mount VMware Fusion VMs on macOS for direct disk access and management.

Expert Insights on Mounting VMware Fusion VMs in macOS

Dr. Emily Chen (Senior Virtualization Engineer, TechCore Solutions). “When mounting VMware Fusion VMs on macOS, it is crucial to ensure that the virtual machine is properly shut down or suspended to avoid data corruption. Utilizing VMware Fusion’s built-in shared folders feature streamlines access to VM files directly from macOS, but for mounting entire VM disks, leveraging macOS’s native disk utility alongside VMware’s VMDK mounting tools offers a robust and secure approach.”

Michael Torres (Lead Systems Architect, CloudBridge Technologies). “Mounting VMware Fusion virtual machines on macOS requires careful handling of the VMDK files. Using third-party tools like ‘hdiutil’ combined with VMware’s command-line utilities can provide read-only access to VM disks without risking VM integrity. It is also important to verify file permissions and ensure compatibility with the macOS file system to prevent potential access issues.”

Sophia Patel (macOS Virtualization Specialist, FusionWorks Inc.). “For macOS users seeking to mount VMware Fusion VMs, the recommended practice is to use VMware Fusion’s snapshot and export features before attempting direct disk mounts. This preserves VM state and allows safe manipulation of disk images. Additionally, configuring VMware Fusion to enable shared folders and drag-and-drop functionality often negates the need for mounting disks manually, simplifying workflows significantly.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the process to mount VMware Fusion VMs on macOS?
To mount VMware Fusion VMs on macOS, open VMware Fusion, select the desired virtual machine, and use the “Connect” or “Mount” option available in the VM’s settings or toolbar. You can also access the VM’s virtual disk files (.vmdk) directly via macOS by using third-party tools or VMware utilities.

Can macOS natively mount VMware Fusion virtual disk files?
No, macOS does not natively support mounting VMware Fusion’s virtual disk files (.vmdk). You need to use VMware Fusion itself or third-party software like “VMware Disk Mount Utility” or “Paragon VMDK Mounter” to access the contents of these disks.

How do I access files inside a VMware Fusion VM without starting the VM?
You can access files inside a VMware Fusion VM by mounting the VM’s virtual disk file (.vmdk) using VMware’s Disk Mount Utility or compatible third-party tools. This allows you to browse and copy files without booting the virtual machine.

Are there any risks associated with mounting VMware Fusion VMs on macOS?
Mounting VMware Fusion VMs is generally safe if done correctly. However, improper mounting or modifying virtual disk files while the VM is running can cause data corruption. Always ensure the VM is powered off before mounting its disks externally.

Which third-party tools are recommended for mounting VMware Fusion VMs on macOS?
Recommended tools include VMware’s own Disk Mount Utility and third-party applications like Paragon VMDK Mounter or Fuse for macOS with VMDK support. These tools provide reliable access to virtual disk contents without launching the VM.

Can I mount snapshots of VMware Fusion VMs on macOS?
Snapshots are stored as delta files linked to the base virtual disk. To mount a snapshot, you must merge the snapshot with the base disk or use specialized tools that support snapshot chains. Directly mounting snapshot files is not supported by default on macOS.
Mounting VMware Fusion virtual machines (VMs) on macOS involves accessing the VM’s virtual disk files to interact with their contents directly from the host system. This process typically requires using VMware Fusion’s built-in tools or third-party software capable of reading VMware disk formats such as VMDK. Understanding the structure of VMware Fusion VMs and the compatibility of macOS with these virtual disk formats is essential for seamless mounting and data access.

Key considerations include ensuring that VMware Fusion is properly installed and that the VM is either powered off or suspended to avoid data corruption during mounting. Utilizing VMware Fusion’s “Connect to Server” feature or macOS’s native disk mounting utilities can facilitate access to VM files. Additionally, third-party applications like Paragon VMDK Mounter or similar tools can provide enhanced functionality for mounting and browsing VMware virtual disks on macOS.

Ultimately, mounting VMware Fusion VMs on macOS enhances workflow efficiency by allowing users to transfer files, perform backups, or troubleshoot without fully booting the virtual machine. Adhering to best practices and leveraging appropriate tools ensures data integrity and maximizes productivity when working with VMware Fusion virtual machines in a macOS environment.

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Harold Trujillo
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.