Fix "unable to connect to virtual disk service windows 11" issues with our comprehensive guide. Learn how to restart VDS, use Diskpart, and utilize AOMEI Partition Assistant to create, attach, and clone virtual disks.
The Virtual Disk Service (VDS) is a critical background component in Windows that manages everything from volume creation to disk resizing. When you encounter the message unable to connect virtual disk service, it often means the Disk Management is unable to access VHD service, leaving you unable to see your drives or manage your partitions.
This issue can be particularly prevalent on newer operating systems. Users reporting they are unable to connect to virtual disk service on Windows 11 often find that traditional management windows remain stuck on "Loading disk configuration information." This guide will help you diagnose the root cause and provide step-by-step instructions to restore your disk management capabilities.
Before attempting a fix, it is essential to understand why the communication between the OS and the storage service has broken down. Generally, the issue is not with the disks themselves but with the software layer governing them.
The problem often occurs if the Virtual Disk Service is disabled, if there is a conflict with a third-party firewall, or if certain registry entries have been corrupted. For those unable to connect to virtual disk service Windows 11, the issue might also stem from a failed Windows Update or an incorrect configuration in the "Remote Volume Management" settings within the Windows Defender Firewall. Without this service, the system cannot initialize disks, meaning virtual hard disks (VHDs) cannot be mounted or managed.
The first step in resolving the "unable to connect virtual disk service" error is to ensure that the service is actually allowed to run and communicate with your hardware.
Sometimes, the service is set to "Disabled" or "Manual" and fails to trigger when needed. To fix this, press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter. Locate "Virtual Disk" in the list, right-click it, and select "Properties." Set the Startup type to "Automatic" or "Manual," and then click "Start." If the service was already running, try "Restarting" it to refresh the connection.
If you are unable to connect to virtual disk service Windows 11 while trying to manage a remote drive or even a local VHD, the firewall might be blocking the request. Go to the Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Allowed Apps. Click "Change settings" and ensure that "Remote Volume Management" is checked for both Private and Public networks. This opens the necessary ports for the VDS to function correctly.
When system services become unreliable, using a dedicated third-party tool can bypass the complexities of the Windows management console. AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard is a powerful, free disk management utility designed to provide a more stable and feature-rich experience than the native Disk Management tool.
As a professional-grade software, AOMEI Partition Assistant allows you to perform advanced disk operations without relying solely on the potentially buggy Windows VDS. Its specialized "Virtual Disk" function is designed specifically to help users who are unable to connect to virtual disk service via traditional means, allowing for direct creation, attachment, and management of VHD/VHDX files.
Step 1: Click "Create VHD" to Create VHD or VHDX. Select the "Create VHD" option after clicking the "Virtual Disk" tab.
Step 2: Specify VHD Location and Size(s). 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: Start Creation VHD. Once the virtual disk location and size are set up, you can click "OK" to start creating the VHD.
Step 4: Create the VHD Successfully. After the reload process is finished, you will see that the VHD has been created successfully. It will be attached automatically.
Don't forget to attach VHD when you need to use it on your PC.
Step 1.Click "Attach VHD". Select the "Attach VHD" option after clicking the"Virtual Disk" tab.
Step 2. Browse and Select VHD File. Click "Browse" to locate the location where the .vhd or .vhdx file is saved. Select the .vhd or .vhdx file you want to attach and click "Open" to attach it.
Step 3. Start Attach VHD. Once the virtual file is selected, you can click "OK" to start attaching the VHD.
Step 4. Attach VHD Successfully. Once the process is finished, you will see that the VHD is attached successfully.
If the graphical interface is still unable to connect virtual disk service, the command-line utility diskpart can often force a connection by interacting directly with the storage stack.
Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type diskpart. Once the utility loads, try the list disk command. If it returns the same connection error, your system's RPC (Remote Procedure Call) service might be failing. If it works, you can manually attach a VHD by typing select vdisk file="C:\path\to\your\vhd.vhd" followed by attach vdisk.
This bypasses the Disk Management GUI entirely and is a reliable workaround for those unable to connect to the virtual disk service on Windows 11.
Being unable to connect virtual disk service can be a frustrating barrier to managing your computer's storage, especially on modern systems like Windows 11. Whether the issue is caused by a disabled service, firewall restrictions, or registry glitches, the solutions provided—from using services.msc and diskpart to leveraging the advanced Virtual Disk and Clone VHD features of AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard—ensure you can regain control. By following these authoritative steps, you can successfully create, attach, and protect your virtual disks regardless of system service errors.
Q1: Why is Disk Management stuck on "Loading disk configuration information"?
A: This usually happens because the system is unable to connect virtual disk service. The service might be hung, disabled, or blocked by a firewall. Restarting the "Virtual Disk" service in services.msc usually fixes this.
Q2: Can I fix the "unable to connect to virtual disk service Windows 11" error without restarting my PC?
A: Yes. Often, simply restarting the "Virtual Disk" and "RPC" (Remote Procedure Call) services in the Services manager will re-establish the connection without a full reboot.
Q3: Does the firewall really affect local disk management?
A: Yes, especially in Windows 10 and 11. The VDS uses a communication protocol that the firewall treats as "Remote Volume Management." If this is blocked, the console will be unable to connect virtual disk service, even for local drives.