[Step-by-Step] How to Make a VHD in Windows PCs?

A Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) is a useful tool that lets you create a separate, virtual storage space on your computer—just like having another hard drive. Many Windows users choose to make a VHD for different needs. Some use it to safely test software or new systems without affecting their main computer. Others use it to back up data, organize files more clearly, or run multiple operating systems on one PC.

With these flexible uses, learning how to make a VHD can save time and help manage your computer more efficiently. This guide will show you simple steps to create a VHD in Windows, even if you are new to it.

How to make a VHD with Disk Management on Windows?

Creating a Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) in Windows is easy using the built-in Disk Management tool. A VHD allows you to store files, run another operating system, or use it as a virtual drive without additional software. Here are the steps to create one:

Step 1. Right-click the Start menu and select Disk Management to open the tool.

Step 2. In the top menu, click Action and choose Create VHD.

Step 3. Click Browse to select a location to save the VHD file, then enter a file name.

Step 4. Choose the VHD or VHDX format and set the virtual disk size as needed.

Step 5. Select Fixed size or Dynamically expanding based on your preference, then click OK.

Step 6. After the VHD appears in Disk Management, right-click it and select Initialize Disk to start using it.

This method is quick, safe, and ideal for creating a virtual drive for backups, testing, or extra storage.

How to create VHD without Disk Management

When creating a VHD using Disk Management, you may encounter the error “A Virtual Disk Provider for the specified file was not found.” This usually occurs when Windows cannot access the necessary components, often due to an incorrect file path, insufficient permissions, or a stopped Virtual Disk Service.

To resolve this, check the file path, ensure your account has Read and Write permissions, and restart the Virtual Disk Service if needed. System repair tools like DISM or SFC can also help fix underlying issues.

A simpler solution is AOMEI Partition Assistant. Its Virtual Disk feature allows you to create, mount, and detach VHD or VHDX files easily. You can set the file location, size, and format, and choose between a dynamic disk that grows with data or a fixed disk that reserves full space immediately. The created VHD is automatically attached and ready for use, and existing VHDs can be accessed or detached as needed, making virtual disk management smooth and reliable.

Step 1. Click the tab "Virtual Disk", you will see 3 options available for VHDs: create VHD, attach VHD, and detach VHD. Select the "Create VHD" option after clicking the "Virtual Disk" tab.

Step 2. You can specify the virtual disk location and size. 

Optionally, you can click the "Advanced" option to set the virtual hard disk format and type. (By default, the VHDX format and the Dynamically expanding type are checked.)

Virtual hard disk format: VHD and VHDX are supported. 

For VHD, it supports virtual disks up to 2040GB in size.

For VHDX, it supports virtual disks larger than 2040GB in size. (Up to 64TB) This format is not supported in operating systems earlier than Windows 8 or Windows Server 2012.

Virtual hard disk format: Fixed size and Dynamically expanding are supported.

For fixed size, the virtual hard disk file will be allocated its maximum size when it is created. So it will take much longer to create.

For Dynamically expanding, the virtual hard disk file will grow to its maximum size as data is written to it. (Recommended)

Click "Browse" to select a location to create the VHD. Please enter a file name for the virtual disk and click "Save".

Step 3. Once the virtual disk location and size are set up, you can click "OK" to start creating the VHD.

Step 4. After the reload process is finished, you will see that the VHD has been created successfully. It will be attached automatically.

You can also view the VHD in Windows Disk Management.

The created VHD will be uninitialized so it is empty without any data or file system. To make it useful, you need to initialize the disk, create a partition, and assign a drive letter.

You can initialize the drive in AOMEI Partition Assistant.

Or, initialize it in Windows Disk Management.

Then, you can create a partition and assign a drive letter for the partition. Finally, you can use the VHD normally. 

Conclusion

Creating a Virtual Hard Disk provides a flexible way to expand storage, test software, or manage multiple operating systems without affecting your main system. Using built-in tools like Disk Management or third-party software such as AOMEI Partition Assistant makes the process simple, reliable, and suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Once set up, a VHD can be easily initialized, partitioned, and used like a regular drive, offering a safe and convenient solution for storage and testing needs.