Open VHD File Safely: Read & Recover VHD/VHDX Data

Users who work with Virtual Machines are well aware of the Virtual Hard Disks (VHD/VHDX) files. Sometimes, they need to open VHD file without a virtual machine, but they do not have any reliable and genuine solution. In this article, we will discuss different methods to open and create VHD files. Also, we will explain the proficient VHD Recovery Tool to repair corrupted Virtual Hard Disks so you can easily access them.

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What are VHD Files?

VHD files stand for Virtual Hard Disk. They have partitions and file systems like a physical hard disk. However, the difference is that they are used to set up virtual machines. So, you can run different operating systems on a single system. These files store all the data that a physical hard drive can save. Apart from that, they are sharable. It means you can share a VHD file with another device.

How to Create VHD Files in Your Windows?

Microsoft provides different options to create VHD/VHDX files on your Windows PC. You can adopt any method. Let us check two simple techniques.

#1. Use Disk Management Console

  • Right-click on the Windows icon and choose the Disk Management
  • Now, click on Actions and select Create VHD. It will open a wizard.
  • Press the Browse button to define the destination for the resultant file.
  • Choose a specific size for the VHD file. Select the remaining options and press OK.
  • Now, a Virtual disk will appear in the list.

#2. Use the Backup and Restore

  • Open the Control Panel and click on the Backup and Restore
  • Select the Create a system images option.
  • After that, choose the location where you want to save the backup. Press Next.
  • Now, confirm your backup settings and click the Start Backup option.

Once the Backup process gets completed, it will create a Virtual Disk Image that will store the complete Windows data. Now, let us discuss the methods to access VHD files.

How to Open VHD File in Windows 7 and the Latest Versions?

You can easily open a VHD file without using any third-party tool. Windows enables you to access your VHD file content. You can either use the Disk Management Console to open the file. Also, Windows File Explorer allows you to mount the VHD file.

#1. Mount VHD File via File Explorer

  • In the File Explorer, locate the desired VHD file.
  • Right-click on the file and select the Mount VHD option.
  • After that, this hard disk will appear in File Explorer.

#2. Attach VHD via Disk Management Console

  • Right-click on the Windows icon and select Disk Management.
  • Click on the Action Choose the Attach VHD option.
  • After that, press Browse and locate the desired VHD file.
  • At last, click OK to complete the procedure.
  • Now, the file is added to the disk management console.

What if the VHD File is Corrupted?

Both the above solutions are effective to open VHD files on your Windows PC. However, you can not access corrupted or damaged VHD files. First, you should repair the corrupted Virtual Hard Disk with DRS VHD File Recovery Tool. After that, you can easily open the file. This Virtual Hard Disk Recovery Tool also enables checking the VHD file content. It is loaded with numerous advanced features to restore maximum data.

How to Repair VHD File Using VHD Recovery Tool?

  • Download and launch the DRS VHD Recovery Tool.
  • Choose from dynamic disks or fixed disks. Browse the desired file.
  • Tick the Save Disk Image option and provide the required destination.
  • After that, choose the scanning mode and press the Next
  • Select the desired Volume and define custom settings. Hit Next.
  • Now, choose the recovery mode: Standard, Advanced, and Deep. Press Next.
  • Check the recovered data and choose desired items. Click Save.
  • Finally, your Virtual Hard Disk will get recovered.

Conclusion

I hope this article has provided you with all the required information regarding how to open VHD files in Windows 7 and the latest versions 8, 10 & 11. You can access the file via File Explorer and Disk Management Console. But you can not open a corrupted/damaged VHD file. Therefore, you must repair the damaged VHD file with the advanced VHD recovery tool. It helps you to recover your corrupted data and restore the original file content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1 Why is my VHD file not opening?

Ans: If your VHD file isn’t opening, it could be due to corruption, incorrect file associations, or the file being in use. Use a reliable DRS VHD Recovery Tool to scan and open the file safely.

Q.2 How can I open a VHD file in Windows?

Ans: On Windows, you can right-click on “This PC” > Manage > Disk Management > Action > Attach VHD. Browse and select your file to mount and access it like a physical drive.

Q.3 Which operating systems support VHD files?

Ans: HD files are natively supported on Windows operating systems, including Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and Windows Server editions via Disk Management and Hyper-V tools.

Q.4 Is the tool compatible with all Windows versions?

Ans: Yes, the professional DRS VHD file Recovery Tool is compatible with all major Windows versions, from Windows 7 to Windows 11, including 32-bit and 64-bit systems.

About The Author:

I, Aaradhya Jain, a technical content writer at DRS Solutions, specializes in delivering clear, practical guides on data management, migration, and recovery tools. With a detail-oriented and user-first approach mindset, I transform complex processes into actionable insights for IT professionals and decision-makers.

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