How to open a .vhdx file
Quick, free ways to open VHDX on any system.
A .vhdx file is a Hyper-V Virtual Hard Disk. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads VHDX yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.
Open a .vhdx file step by step
- Confirm the file really is a .vhdx. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
- On Windows, open it with Hyper-V or Disk Management (mount).
- On Mac, use qemu-img (convert).
- On Linux, try qemu / qemu-img.
- Still stuck? Convert the .vhdx to vhd, which opens more widely.
Best apps to open .vhdx files
Windows
- Hyper-V
- Disk Management (mount)
macOS
- qemu-img (convert)
Linux
- qemu / qemu-img
!
Before you open it: Safe as a container; it holds a whole system image. Only mount or boot images you trust.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I open my .vhdx file?
Almost always because no installed app understands VHDX. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.
How do I open a VHDX file?
On Windows, mount it with Disk Management (Attach VHD) or use it in Hyper-V. To convert it, use qemu-img.
Should I use VHD or VHDX?
VHDX for anything modern: it handles far larger disks and survives power loss better. Use VHD only for compatibility with older tools.