VHD VS VHDX – Guide-comparison of VHD and VHDX

Here you will find out:

• what VHD vs VHDX files are

• what the difference between VHD vs VHDX is

• when DiskInternals can help you with your VHD or VHDX

Are you ready? Let's read!

Here, in this article, you will get a complete guide about VHD and VHDX. Well, both of them are the extension of Virtual Hard Drive. Before moving forward, foremost, understand what Virtual Hard Drive is. It is like a container file which is used for storing content similar to the physical drive. It also contains an Operating System, File system, Data files, Applications, and more.

Virtual Hard Drive is associated to Virtual Machines and works as an absolute system. A virtual machine is completely based on the processor architectural. It provides the complete functionality of Physical Computer System. VHD vs VHDx are basically the file formats. Both of them contain all the information that is present on a physical HDD. Check out the guide below for a detailed insight.

VHD VS VHDX

The VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) document design, initially presented with Connectix Virtual PC, can store the contents of a hard disk drive. Ultimately, Microsoft Hyper-V embraced this disk image design. Windows 7 and fresher frameworks incorporate the capacity to physically mount VHD records. Beginning with Windows 8, a client can mount a VHD by simply double tapping on the file.

VHDX pictures are practically comparable to VHD pictures, yet they incorporate more current features, for example, support for bigger sizes and disk resizing.

VHD VS VHDX: Main Features

When trying to create a virtual disk, there are some important parameters that you need to configure, counting the file format. However, deciding between what format to select among VHD vs VHDX requires some background knowledge about these two. Here in this section, you will get to know about the important features of VHD vs VHDX. Check the points below.

What is VHD? A VHD file is basically a virtual machine disk image file. It contains a “.vhd” extension. The format of the file was shaped by Connectix which was attained by Microsoft in the year 2003. VHD file contains the following features.

• It allows compound operating systems to subsist on a sole host machine. This file is usually used by developers to trial different software on diverse operating systems devoid of installing any second hard drive or re-partitioning the source disk.

• This file system enables users to shift their files among a VHD file and the host file scheme.

• It enable users to transform the virtual machines by the host servers, counting a full backup of VHD, and file recovery of the machine, image disk conversion, transfer of VHD file, and more.

What is a VHDX file? VHDX file, on the other hand, is the file trailed by “.vhdx” extension. This file scheme is frequently used by VMware Workstation and VirtualBox. This amazing file format was introduced as the successor arrangement to VHD to include flexibility and improved features that VHD lacks. Some of the added features that are included in this file format are as follows:

• It helps in protecting your data and files against failure. All this can be done by logging updates to this arrangement.

• This file format is speedier and provides better performance.

VHD VS VHDX: Advantages

Here in this section, we will know the advantages of using both VHD vs VHDX in detail. Have a look at both these types one by one.

Advantages of VHD

The VHD file is basically a duplicate copy that contains data of the definite physical hard disk. VHD was developed by Connectix Company. This company is later acquired by Microsoft in the year 2003. This product was originally known as Virtual PC but was later renamed as Microsoft Virtual PC.

There are many advantages of using a VHD file. A few of them are as follows:

• Effectual resource consumption: As referenced, the VHD record can be used by the software engineers as they might require different working frameworks to test.

• Restoring and backup: You can back up your information to the VHD files effectively to stay away from information loss. You can likewise fix the undesirable changes that you have made to the VHD record like unplanned deletion of basic documents.

• Improved compatibility: VHD arrangement can be utilized on more versions of Windows, including the old adaptations like Windows Server 2008, 2008 R2, and 2012 R2, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and later versions.

• Multi-user segregation: Many working frameworks support different clients, however different clients of the OS could likewise be influenced when one client is infected by an infection. By providing every client with their own version of the operating framework with a VHD document, the risks could be lower, as the progressions to a specific child image wouldn't affect the other kid pictures.

Advantages of VHDX

The VHDX file format is often utilized by VirtualBox and VMware Workstation. VHDX is mainly a disk image file. It was intended by VMware for their virtual artifact. One can easily access the VHDX files easily without any trouble. The size of these files increases when they run through VMware Virtual Disk Manager.

Some of the advantages of using a VHDX file are listed below:

• This file system supports up to 64 TB of storage space capacity which is a lot more than VHD.

• VDHX provides convention metadata. By keeping proper track of metadata, this file format can present stout data corruption protection to people.

• VHDX file format also provides a file live resizing.

• The rational sector size of VHDX file is around 4 KB whereas the VHDX file contains improved data position.

VHD VS VHDX: Disadvantages

Like other record formats, there are chances of defilement or information loss in VHD vs VHDX documents inferable from various reasons like abrupt closure of system or power outage, hardware failure, antivirus programs interruptions, and more. In the event that you are as of now utilizing the VHD vs VHDX document and is confronting subsequent data loss and corruption, then you can straightforwardly go for the high level Kernel for VHD Recovery programming without reconsidering.

It totally checks the virtual hard disk drive and recuperates desired information and data including the erased partitions. It shows the recuperated information first prior to saving it to the desired designation area on the system drive. The maintenance device effectively fixes all VHD vs VHDX files from any server variant. You can work on this tool by downloading its preliminary variant from the site. Thus, whether you pick working with VHD vs VHDX record design, recall that its information is generally secure with this device.

However, it is important to note that both these file formats have some disadvantages. Here in this section, you will get to know about the disadvantages and limitations of using VHD and VHDX file formats. Check the guide below.

Disadvantages/Limitations of VHD

Some of the disadvantages of VHD are as follows:

• VHD provides less storage. Its maximum storage capacity is around 2 TB.

• The logical sector size of VHD file format is around 512 bytes.

• The VHD format is intended devoid of live resizing.

• It doesn’t present any convention metadata.

• The VHD file format offers less safety and protection alongside data corruption.

• One can select only FAT32 or NTFS file systems whilst producing partitions on the file by means of Disk Management.

Disadvantages/Limitations of VHDX

Some of the disadvantages of VHD are as follows:

• VHDX is sustained by fewer operating structures, counting Windows 7, Windows Server 2012, and other later versions.

• One can easily select exFAT and NTFS file systems whilst producing divisions on the file in Disk Management.

• Keep this noted that VHDX file will not eternally fit in to a virtual machine: It is one of its major drawbacks. The virtual machine can drop the aptitude to unbolt its own VHDX file someway. In such a situation, one must detach and then later reattach the VHDX file to the virtual machine.

VHDX VS VHD: Which One to Choose

As mentioned earlier, VHDX is the higher version of the VHD, but both have its pros, cons, and limitations. Virtual Hard Disk (VHDX) entails major advantages over VHD design. VHDX has a higher virtual disk storage limit. Other than this, VHDX records are an appropriate stage to work with the present modern hardware which is having 4KB legitimate area size.

One must select the one that works well with their operating system. VHD file is usually recommended for earlier versions of Windows, and for the rest, VHDX file format is the right option. Do not forget to check the pros, cons, and limitations of both these file formats in detail before taking a final decision.

How to Create VHD and VHDX File

Once you select the file format of your choice and you start generating a new virtual hard disk, you need some important tool sets to complete the job. The two tools which are usually recommended to perform this job include Disk Management and Windows PowerShell. Have a look at both these tools in detail.

Create VHD or VHDX Via Disk Management

While creating a VHD or VHDX file using Disk Management tool, you need to follow the below-listed steps.

Step 1

First of all, press Win + R key to call up Run window. After this, enter diskmgmt.msc in the window box and press Enter. This will navigate you towards Disk Management tool.

Step 2

Once you reach to the desired location in your system, the next step is to click on the Action menu and choose Create VHD option to start the process.

Step 3

Once you perform both the above-mentioned steps, a pop-up window will appear on the screen. At this step, you need to stipulate the location where you want to store the VHDX or VHD file. You need to clearly specify the the size, type and format of the file. Once you perform all these steps, the next thing is to click on the OK option to perform the operation properly.

After this, the next step is to wait for some time. After a fraction of seconds, you will see the virtual disk with VHDX or VHD format in Disk Management. This option will be obvious with a blue disk icon. It is revealed as Not Initialized and Unknown. One must initialize the disk and generate proper partitions on it before using it.

Create VHD or VHDX Via PowerShell

One can also complete the job by using a PowerShell tool. It also allows you to create virtual disk with VHDX or VHD format. All you need to do is, follow the below-listed steps one by one.

The first step is to right-click on the start menu and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) option.

Once you navigate towards the PowerShell, the next job is to run the New-VHD cmdlet. A user must enter the details correctly, i.e., the accurate specified path, block size, size, file extension, logical sector size, and more.

One you enter everything correctly, you will navigate towards the location where you store your VHDX or VHD files. The next job is to double-click the file to mount it without any difficulty. Once you perform this action, you will see the file in the Disk Management area.

Similar to producing a virtual disk via Disk Management tool, you must also initialize the disk and generate partitions if you utilize PowerShell for creating a VHDX or VHD file. Here is how to repair-VHD via PowerShell.

How Can One Recover Deleted Data from VHDX or VHD File?

This amazing software helps users in recover all type of lost information or data. It contains both manual and automated recovery options to recuperate all the lost files in less time without any difficulty. If you are looking for a reliable tool for recovering all your deleted data from VHD or VHDX then RIFD software is the right choice for you.

It is easy to understand and use. However, there are some recovery tips that are important to observe while using the VHDX repair tool for Microsoft. Have a look at the points below.

DiskInternals RAID Recovery Solution

Here’s an all-inclusive RAID Recovery solution with a built-in "Wizard" to help novices and new users. This application can recover VHDX to a physical disk. DiskInternals RAID Recovery is regularly updated to integrate newer data recovery technologies and algorithms.

It supports various file systems, automatically figures out pool and filesystem parameters, including the disk order, and can recover previous versions of files (if available) - verify checksums to ascertain the file's integrity. You can use this data recovery app on all Windows PCs.

Note: fast VHDX file recovery!

First Step:

So, how to repair VHDX file? Connect the hard drive where the files were lost - to a computer system via USB or any other supported means of connectivity.

Second Step:

Boot the computer where the hard drive is connected and install DiskInternals RAID Recovery software. After the installation, launch the program and follow the Recovery Wizard prompts to recover your lost files from each of the connected drives, one after another.

Recovery Tips

Consider these tips when attempting to recover files using DiskInternals RAID Recovery.

• Don’t rush the process - allow each step to run completely and successfully before proceeding to the next. Else, you may not recover all your lost files.

• Verify that you chose the exact disk drive that had the lost files you want to recover. If you select the wrong drive, you won’t get back any of the lost files.

• DiskInternals RAID Recovery comes with a previewing engine, so you can preview the recovered files before saving them back to your local or remote storage.

Important Note: Ensure that you do not save the recovered files on the same drive where they were previously saved - from where they got lost.

Video Guide:

Here is a clear-cut video that visually explains the RAID Partition recovery process using DiskInternals RAID Recovery.

Tip: learn more about VHD Recovery!

RAID Failure Prevention Tip

RAID failures cannot be entirely avoided, but here are some prevention tips that may be of help.

• Always monitor the RAID disk drives’ critical SMART parameters, health status, and temperature routinely. This will help you identify RAID array failure signs earlier and fix them before it escalates.

• Always back up your data regularly because no one can be too sure when data loss could occur.

• Don’t perform CHKDSK or SFC scans in a bid to fix and repair VHD or RAID array errors.

• Don’t ever use the “beta” version of a RAID firmware, OS, or system file. However, ensure to keep your OS and critical software apps updated to their latest stable versions regularly.

Reserve at least two new or empty drives to use in replacing failed drives in an array.

Note: more about repair software RAID!

Conclusion

After reading this article, you will get a complete understating about VHD or VHDX files and the difference between them. One can easily create their own virtual hard disk with VHDX or VHD as per their requirements and needs.