Is it safe to delete VMware Fusion virtual machines?
Virtual machines created in VMware Fusion, each stored as a .vmwarevm package with its disks and settings.
Review first
It's your own data, or hard to recreate. Decide item by item.
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What it is
VMware Fusion saves each virtual machine as a .vmwarevm package in the Virtual Machines folder in your home folder, or in your Documents folder if you started with a version older than Fusion 11. The package holds the machine's virtual disks, snapshots and settings. Everything you keep in the virtual machine is stored in this package.
If it's removed
The virtual machine, its snapshots and everything stored in it are moved to the Trash.
What to do instead
In VMware Fusion, choose Window > Virtual Machine Library, select a virtual machine that's shut down, choose Edit > Delete, then click Move to Trash.
The free analyzer finds it and explains it, with these steps. The app doesn't remove it for you.
Sources
- techdocs.broadcom.com/us/en/vmware-cis/desktop-hypervisors/fusion-pro/13-0/using-vmware-fusion/understanding-vmware-fusion/navigating-and-taking-action-using-the-vmware-fusion-interface/default-file-location-of-a-virtual-machine.html
- techdocs.broadcom.com/us/en/vmware-cis/desktop-hypervisors/fusion-pro/13-0/using-vmware-fusion/working-with-your-virtual-machines/running-vmware-fusion-and-virtual-machines/uninstall-a-virtual-machine-by-using-the-virtual-machine-library.html
- knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article/344570/locating-the-virtual-machine-bundle-in-v.html
Last checked on 26 Sep 2026. Every entry is written and checked by hand; the app and the command-line tool use the same words.