File extension .VHD
| Full Name | Developer | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Hard Disk Format | Microsoft | Disk Image Files |
The VHD ( .VHD) file extension is used for virtual hard disk files created by Microsoft Virtual PC, earlier a separate product, which is now included within the Hyper-V toolset. A VHD file stores the complete contents of a physical drive, including the data and structural elements, such as partitions and volume configuration information. In this way, the VHD makes an exact replica of any physical hard drive, allowing application and operating systems to be run or tested without being installed on physical hardware.
VHD files are often used to ‘clone’ of a system so it can be instantly reproduced without needing to install the operating system, essential applications and configuration again. This convenience makes it great for software testing, but can also be used for general backup purposes.
Technical Details
VHD files are stored in Open Virtualization Format (OVF) compliant disks. They commonly have a virtual disk size of up to 2 TB (2048GB), but this depends on version of Windows, other software or hardware requirements (for example Solid State Drives). The limit to the size of the disk can however be increased by splitting the VHD file across multiple disks and combining them again upon restoration.
VHD files are bit-stream images; they contain an exact copy, byte-by-byte, of a physical disk. Supported platforms include Code stalls Products such as Hyper-V, Virtual Server, Virtual PC, and also many third-party hypervisors such as Parallels Desktop for Mac, Oracle VM VirtualBox or VMware Workstation. Other related file extensions include: .VDI, QCOW2/QED/QCOW, .VDI
.Programs for WINDOWS system
Programs for MAC system
Programs for LINUX system
After installing the required software, the operating system will usually automatically associate an unknown file type (in this case .VHD) with the new application. If this does not happen, we can help the system a bit by selecting the software for it, which it should always use to open files with the .VHD extension.
When choosing the software we can select the system to use this software every time.
Remember!
Using it for the first time it is good to check whether the .VHD file opened in the application can be read by us and opens in a way that allows us to use it. If everything is in order, select this option the next time you open a file with the .VHD extension. However, if the file has not opened correctly, we have to look for a different software, with which we can open files with the .VHD extension. Select a different software from our list and install it on your computer. After the software is installed, repeat inspection openings of a .VHD file. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.
Other instructions
If none of the programs listed by us to work with the .VHD file has not meet your expectations, you can try searching other websites. But remember to avoid downloading programs "that can open any file". These applications not only have very limited functionality, but may also expose you to expense tens of dollars when purchasing a license.
In the vast majority of cases you will find the program dedicated to support the .VHD file, or any other file format. In addition, there is a chance that it will be a free program, and its functionality (concerning the .VHD file) will be extended to the maximum.
It is also good to check
- if the .VHD file has no errors
- or if it has been copied (or downloaded by the browser) thoroughly
Author’s guidelines
Mr B. Adam
Author of the guidelines / Founder of FileExtension.info
New technologies enthusiast, helping to solve problems with the files.
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