This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to attach a VHD through Disk Management, along with a trustworthy alternative tool for easier management.
You might need to attach a VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) whenever you want Windows to treat a disk image file as if it were a real physical drive. Attaching mounts the .vhd or .vhdx file so you can browse, edit, copy, or manage the data inside it directly from File Explorer or Disk Management.
Here are the most common situations:
1. Access files stored inside the VHD: If you created a backup, downloaded a virtual machine disk, or received a disk image from someone else, the files inside aren’t usable until the VHD is mounted. Attaching it lets you open the drive letter and read or copy the data.
2. Restore backup or recover data: Windows Backup and many imaging tools store backups as VHD/VHDX files. By attaching the VHD, you can recover individual files, extract folders without restoring the whole system, and inspect old system versions.
3. Use a system image without restoring Windows: Instead of performing a full system restore, you can mount the image and manually retrieve only what you need — documents, photos, configuration files, etc.
4. Run or edit a virtual machine disk: Hyper-V and other virtualization platforms store virtual machines as VHD/VHDX files. Attaching allows you to modify files offline, fix boot issues, remove malware, and inject drivers
6. Transfer data between computers safely: A VHD works like a portable container. You can move one single file instead of thousands of files — then attach it on another computer and instantly access everything.
A VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) is a file that acts like a real physical hard drive. When you attach it, Windows mounts the file and assigns it a drive letter so you can open, copy, edit, or recover data inside it just like a normal disk.
Follow the steps below to safely attach a VHD via Disk Management.
Step 1. Press Windows + X and click Disk Management. (Alternatively: Press Windows + R, type diskmgmt.msc, and press Enter.)
Step 2. In the top menu, click Action and choose Attach VHD. A new window will appear asking you to browse for the VHD file.
Step 3. Click Browse and navigate to where the .vhd or .vhdx file is stored. Select the file and click Open.
Step 4. If the VHD was newly created, Windows may ask you to initialize it. Choose GPT (recommended for modern systems) or MBR (older compatibility).
Step 5. If the VHD does not automatically appear in File Explorer, right-click the partition, select Change Drive Letter and Paths.
Step 6. Click Add > choose a drive letter > click OK.
Step 6. Open File Explorer and click This PC. You will now see the VHD as a normal hard drive. You can copy files, edit data, or recover content from it.
✍ Important notes:
● Attaching does not duplicate the VHD — Windows only mounts the file
● Detaching later will not delete data
● If the VHD is on an external drive, keep the drive connected while mounted
● Use Read-only mode when inspecting backup images to avoid corruption
A Virtual Hard Disk (VHD/VHDX) is essentially a file that behaves like a real physical disk. When attached, Windows mounts it and assigns a drive letter so you can access files inside it. Below are two reliable ways to attach a VHD.
DiskPart is a built-in Windows command-line disk management tool. It’s especially useful for advanced users, scripting, or servers where GUI tools are unavailable.
Step 1. Press Win + X → Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
Step 2. Type the following command and press Enter:
diskpart
select vdisk file="C:\Path\YourDisk.vhdx"
attach vdisk
exit
If you prefer a visual and beginner-friendly solution, AOMEI Partition Assistant provides a much easier way to mount VHD files without memorizing commands. It also reduces the risk of typing errors and offers extra disk management features. Unlike Disk Management, AOMEI Partition Assistant treats a VHD as a fully manageable disk the moment it is connected. You don’t need separate tools or commands to make it usable.
Step 1. Go to the Virtual Disk tab and choose Attach VHD.
Step 2. Click Browse, navigate to the folder containing your .vhd or .vhdx file, select it, and press Open.
Step 3. After selecting the virtual disk file, click OK to begin the attachment process.
Step 4. When the operation completes, the VHD will appear and be ready for use.
Yes, attaching a VHD is generally safe. It only mounts the virtual disk for access without altering your main system. Ensure the VHD is from a trusted source to avoid malware risks.
Yes, once a VHD is mounted, you can read, copy, or edit files just like a regular drive. Changes are saved directly to the VHD file itself.
A VHD shows as unallocated if it hasn’t been initialized, formatted, or the partition table is missing. You need to initialize and create a volume to access its storage.
Yes, Windows supports booting from a VHD using Native Boot. You must configure the bootloader and ensure the VHD contains a compatible Windows installation.
Typically, mounting a VHD has minimal impact on performance. Slowdowns may occur if the VHD is large, stored on a slow drive, or heavily accessed by multiple applications simultaneously.
In short, attaching a VHD lets Windows temporarily treat a disk image as a real drive, making data accessible without full restoration or complex setup. Whether you’re recovering files, inspecting backups, or editing virtual machines, mounting the VHD provides fast, safe access. Built-in tools like Disk Management and DiskPart work well, while third-party utilities offer a simpler, more flexible experience for everyday users.