Where Does VirtualBox Store VMs and Settings?
VirtualBox VMs machine folders with .vbox and disk images, plus the global VirtualBox.xml config per OS.
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Each VirtualBox VM gets a machine folder with its .vbox settings file and disk images, grouped under VirtualBox VMs in your home folder. Snapshots and logs sit in subfolders per VM.
Global registration lives separately in VirtualBox.xml. Move VMs through the app (or fix the registry after) rather than dragging folders and hoping.
Where VirtualBox stores this, by platform
%USERPROFILE%\VirtualBox VMs
Per VM folders with .vbox plus .vdi/.vmdk disks. Global config under %USERPROFILE%\.VirtualBox with VirtualBox.xml. Change defaults under File, Preferences, General.
~/VirtualBox VMs
Same machine folder layout. Global config under ~/Library/VirtualBox with VirtualBox.xml.
~/VirtualBox VMs
Same machine folder layout. Global config under ~/.config/VirtualBox (or VBOX_USER_HOME when set).
Frequently asked questions
How do I move a VirtualBox VM to another drive?
Use Machine, Move in VirtualBox Manager so the registry follows. Manual moves need re registering the .vbox or the VM shows inaccessible.
Which files make up a VM backup?
The whole machine folder: .vbox settings, disk images and Snapshots. The global VirtualBox.xml only matters for the registry, not the VM itself.
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