Why convert VHD to VHDX?
VHD is Microsoft's older virtual disk format, introduced with Connectix Virtual PC and capped at 2 TB. VHDX, introduced with Windows 8 and Server 2012, supports up to 64 TB and includes built-in journaling that prevents disk corruption on unexpected power loss. Converting is the recommended step for any VM intended for continued Hyper-V use.
How to convert VHD to VHDX
StarWind V2V Converter FREE
Launch StarWind V2V Converter, select the .vhd as source, choose VHDX as the destination format, set an output path, and start the conversion.
Hyper-V Manager FREE
In Hyper-V Manager, click Edit Disk, browse to the .vhd, select Convert, choose VHDX as the disk format, enter the output path, and click Finish.
Programs that convert VHD
About these formats
.VHD
Virtual Hard Disk
A VHD file is a complete hard disk stored as a single file - partition table, filesystem, and often a full operating system. On Windows you can mount it in Disk Management to read files, or…
Open .VHD details →
.VHDX
Virtual Hard Disk v2 (Hyper-V)
A VHDX file is a complete virtual hard disk - partition table, filesystem, and often a full OS - stored in one file. It is Microsoft's modern format for Hyper-V VMs, WSL2, and Dev Drive. On…
Open .VHDX details →Quality & what to watch
- Shut down the VM before converting - converting a disk attached to a running VM is not supported.
- The original VHD is left untouched by the conversion; verify the new VHDX boots correctly before deleting the original.
- VHDX supports up to 64 TB compared to VHD's 2 TB limit, and its built-in journaling prevents disk corruption on unexpected power loss.
Frequently asked questions
Does Convert-VHD require Hyper-V to be installed?
Will the VM's OS and files be preserved?
Can I change disk type (fixed vs. dynamic) during the conversion?
-VHDType Fixed or -VHDType Dynamic to the Convert-VHD command to change the allocation type in the same step.
