Struggling to remove a VHDX file? Discover how to fix 'cannot delete vhdx file in use' errors. Use AOMEI Partition Assistant's Virtual Disk Management to detach and delete locked virtual drives.
Virtual Hard Disks are incredible tools for IT professionals and enthusiasts, allowing for the creation of isolated operating systems and secure storage containers. However, managing these large files can sometimes lead to frustrating errors. One of the most common roadblocks users encounter is the inability to remove a virtual disk, receiving the error message: "The action cannot be completed because the file is open in System."
This error effectively locks the file, preventing you from reclaiming valuable disk space. If you are struggling with this issue, you are not alone. This article will explain why you cannot delete VHDX file is open in system processes and provide authoritative methods to resolve the issue, including using native Windows tools and a powerful third-party utility to manage your virtual storage effectively.
To fix the problem, it is essential to understand the mechanics behind the error. A VHDX file acts like a physical hard drive. When you double-click it or mount it, Windows "Attaches" it. To the operating system, this file is no longer just a document; it is an active, running hard drive.
When you see the error stating you cannot delete VHDX file in use, it is because the "System" process has established a lock on the file to read and write data. Even if you close the folder or the virtual machine using the drive, the Windows kernel may still have the disk mounted in the background.
Therefore, you cannot simply press "Delete" on the file. You must first sever the connection between the operating system and the virtual disk. This process is known as "Detaching" or "Dismounting." Once detached, the file becomes just a regular file again, allowing you to learn how to remove VHDX file without system interference.
To remove your VHDX file, you need to detach your VHDX from your host PC at first.
The most direct way to resolve the "open in system" error is to use the Windows Disk Management console. This built-in utility allows you to see which virtual drives are currently attached.
Step 1. Press Windows Key + X and select Disk Management from the menu.
Step 2. Scroll through the list of disks at the bottom. Virtual disks usually appear with a different icon color (often blue) and are labeled as "Disk [Number]".
Step 3. Right-click on the area where it says "Disk #" (the left header of the drive row). Select Detach VHD.
Step 4. A dialog box will appear showing the file path of the VHDX. Click OK.
While Disk Management works, it can be cumbersome if you manage multiple virtual disks or if the interface is unresponsive. For more streamlined and feature-rich experience, AOMEI Partition Assistant is the superior choice.
AOMEI Partition Assistant is a comprehensive disk partition management software designed to handle complex storage tasks with ease. Beyond standard system disk management, it features a robust "Virtual Disk Management" toolkit. This specific module provides a centralized dashboard where users can Create, Attach, and Detach VHD/VHDX files effortlessly. It simplifies the process, ensuring you can safely release the system lock and proceed to delete the file.
You can right-click the attached VHD in Partition Assistant and select the "Detach VHD" option to detach it.
Or, you can select the "Detach VHD" option after clicking the"Virtual Disk" tab.
You can select and deselect the virtual disk(s) and click the "Detach" button to start detaching the VHD(s).
Once the process is finished, you will see that the VHD(s) has been removed successfully.
If you prefer command-line interfaces or need to script the removal, Windows PowerShell offers a quick command to resolve the “cannot delete VHDX file in use error”.
Step 1. Right-click the Start button, and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
Step 2. Type the following command and press Enter:
Step 3. Dismount-VHD -Path "C:\Path\To\Your\File.vhdx". (Replace the path with the actual location of your file).
Once the command executes successfully, the file is unlocked and ready for deletion.
Encountering the error "cannot delete VHDX file is open in system" is a common hurdle when working with virtualization, but it is easily solved. The error indicates that the virtual hard drive is currently mounted (attached) to Windows. To fix it, you simply need to detach the drive.
While Windows Disk Management and PowerShell offer native ways to do this, AOMEI Partition Assistant provides a user-friendly, centralized interface for all virtual disk operations. Its ability to Create, Attach, and Detach VHDX files within a single window makes it an invaluable tool for users seeking efficient storage management. By using AOMEI to detach the drive, you can safely unlock the file and reclaim your storage space.
Q1: Why does the "System" keep the VHDX file open?
A: Windows treats a mounted VHDX file exactly like a physical hard drive. The "System" process maintains an active connection to manage the file system and data input/output. You must "Detach" the drive to tell Windows to stop treating it as a piece of hardware, which releases the lock.
Q2: Will detaching a VHDX file delete the data inside it?
A: No. Detaching (or dismounting) simply closes the connection. The .vhdx file remains on your computer with all its data intact. To effectively learn how to remove vhdx file completely, you must delete the file from File Explorer after detaching it.
Q3: Can AOMEI Partition Assistant resize a VHDX file?
A: Yes. Once a VHDX is attached via AOMEI Partition Assistant, it appears in the disk list like any other drive. You can then use the software's resizing tools to extend or shrink partitions within the virtual disk.
Q4: What is the difference between VHD and VHDX?
A: VHD is the older standard with a 2TB size limit. VHDX is the modern format used by Windows 8 and later (including Windows 10/11). VHDX supports up to 64TB, is more resilient to power failure corruption, and offers better performance. AOMEI Partition Assistant supports both formats.
Q5: Is it safe to delete a VHDX file?
A: Yes, as long as you have backed up any important data stored inside it. Deleting the VHDX file is equivalent to destroying a physical hard drive; all data contained within that virtual disk will be permanently lost.