Virtualization

Clear VMware Fusion Cache on Mac

You can clear the VMware Fusion cache by emptying its cache folder while the app is closed, and the app rebuilds that cache automatically. The cache holds only data that is recreated, so your virtual machines and settings are not affected. If the app offers its own cache option, use that first.

Last updated: October 31, 20262 min read

Clear the VMware Fusion cache without guessing

VMware Fusion data usually takes 10 GB – 500 GB on a Mac. The free scan shows the exact size on your Mac before you change anything.

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Application: VMware Fusion
Typical data size: 10 GB – 500 GB
Category: Virtualization
File Location: ~/Virtual Machines.localized

VMware Fusion cache folders you can clear

These folders are rebuilt automatically, so removing them does not touch your own files.

~/Library/Caches/com.vmware.fusion Cache · Fusion app cache Yes, rebuilt automatically~/Library/Logs/VMware Logs · Fusion and VM service logs Yes, rebuilt automatically~/Library/Saved Application State/com.vmware.fusion.savedState Window state Yes, rebuilt automatically

Locations are the standard macOS folders VMware Fusion uses; some appear only after you use the matching feature.

What the VMware Fusion cache holds and when clearing helps

Specific to VMware Fusion

The cache for VMware Fusion is kept in ~/Library/Caches/com.vmware.fusion, and it holds app cache data that is rebuilt automatically. Your virtual machines are a different matter: each one is a .vmwarevm bundle in the Virtual Machines folder, holding its disks, snapshots and any suspended memory state. Clearing the cache makes sense when you want to reset cached app data or reclaim space in that one folder. Window state and logs are stored in separate folders, so clearing the cache leaves them alone.

What happens after you clear the VMware Fusion cache

Once the cache folder is empty, the app creates a fresh cache automatically the next time it needs one. Your virtual machine bundles, with their disks and snapshots, stay exactly where they were. Your preferences and network settings are kept in their own folders, so they are unchanged too. You do not need to reinstall the app, and nothing you created is removed.

With VMware Fusion open, check its menus for a cache-clearing option.Quit VMware Fusion before touching any files in the cache folder.Empty only the com.vmware.fusion folder in your Library caches.Leave your virtual machine folders and settings folders untouched.

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Account and sync: Downloading Fusion requires a Broadcom account.

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Frequently asked questions

Yes. Folders marked “Yes, rebuilt automatically” are rebuilt automatically; removing them only makes the next start slower.

Will I have to set up my virtual machines again?

No. Each virtual machine is stored as its own bundle outside the cache, so clearing the cache does not change it.

Does clearing the cache change my network settings?

No. Network settings are kept in separate preference and system folders, which the cache clear does not touch.