Magnesium nanowires were successfully prepared by a physical vapor deposition method, and influence factors on the formation of magnesium nanowires were discussed based on the evaporation/deposition temperature, vacuum level, magnesium vapor concentration and deposition time. The results show that the formation of magnesium nanowires occurs within a specific evaporation/deposition temperature range. Magnesium nanowires become thicker and longer and finally convert into magnesium micronparticles with the increase of evaporation temperature or decrease of deposition temperature. The vacuum level also plays a decisive role in the formation of magnesium nanowires that magnesium nanowires can only be prepared in a high vacuum level. The magnesium vapor concentration and deposition time also have significant influences on the formation of magnesium nanowires. A distribution map of magnesium nanowire is set up based on our experimental results and a criterion of supersaturation of magnesium vapors is proposed in the explanation of the formation of magnesium nanowires.