QCOW2 Types

Principal QCOW2 Type

.QCOW2

File Format:	.qcow2
Group:	QEMU Copy On Write Version 2 Disk Image

QCOW2 file extension may refer to a disk image file that is saved in the QCOW2 format used by QEMU virtualization software. QCOW2 is the second version of the QEMU Copy On Write. A virtual machine hard drive contents are stored in this QCOW2 file. It is similar to the file extension QCOW that is saved in the QCOW format.

Company:	Open Source
Kind:	Disk Image Files
Entry:	HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.qcow2

Software Programs That Open The QEMU Copy On Write Version 2 Disk Image:

Quick Emulator (QEMU) by Open Source

Windows

Mac

Linux

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Understanding QCOW2 Issues

Common Problems Opening QCOW2 Files

Quick Emulator (QEMU) Not Present

You attempt to load your QCOW2 file and get an error such as "%%os%% Can't Open The QCOW2 File Extension". Usually, this is because you do not have Quick Emulator (QEMU) for %%os%% installed. Your operating system cannot associate your QCOW2 with Quick Emulator (QEMU), so double-clicking the file won't work.

Tip: When another QCOW2 application is installed, you can choose to open it by selecting "Show Apps" and using that program.

Wrong Version of Quick Emulator (QEMU) is Installed

Occasionally, you might have an outdated version of Quick Emulator (QEMU) installed that's incompatible with your QEMU Copy On Write Version 2 Disk Image type. If you've got the wrong version of Quick Emulator (QEMU) installed, you'll need to install the correct version. This problem is predominately due to having a QEMU Copy On Write Version 2 Disk Image file version that was created by a newer version of Quick Emulator (QEMU) than what you have installed on your PC.

Tip: Right-clicking on your QCOW2, then clicking "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac), can provide clues about your file version.

Regardless, most of the QCOW2 file opening problems relate to not having the right version of Quick Emulator (QEMU) installed.

Other QCOW2 File Opening Causes

Even with the correct version of Quick Emulator (QEMU) installed, you can still experience difficulties opening QCOW2s. If you are still having problems opening QCOW2 files, there may be other issues that are preventing you from opening these files. Other contributing causes:

• QCOW2 file references in the Windows Registry are broken
• Corruption of the QCOW2 file description inside the Registry
• Corrupt install of Quick Emulator (QEMU) or other QCOW2-related program
• Your QCOW2 file is corrupted (issues with your QEMU Copy On Write Version 2 Disk Image file itself)
• The QCOW2 is infected with a virus
• Drivers associated with QCOW2 software need to be updated
• Insufficient system resources to successfully open QEMU Copy On Write Version 2 Disk Image files