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Written By Raj Singh
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Updated on June 25th, 2025
Easy Ways to Open VHD File in Orcale VM VirtualBox – 6 key steps
Summary: Are you struggling to open VHD File in Oracle VM Virtualbox? This blog will help you. In this blog, we will explain what VHD/VHDX formats are and how to access them in VirtualBox. Also, we will explore the best method to repair and restore the damaged or corrupted VHD Files. This blog will address the problem both manually and by using a dedicated VHD Recovery Tool, which helps repair the damaged VHD Files. Keep on reading the blog to understand why and how to open a VHD File in VirtualBox.
What is VHD File?
VHD stands for Virtual Hard Disk. A VHD file acts as a physical hard disk, which is primarily used in virtual environments. It stores the complete structure of the hard disk, such as operating systems, files and folders, applications, etc.
Why Open VHD File in VirtualBox?
Opening a VHD File in VirtualBox allows users to access full virtual environments with no physical hardware needed. This saves setup time, skips installations, and ensures a safe and secure virtual setting. Below are some of the reasons why opening a VHD File in VirtualBox is beneficial:
- Received a VHD File containing operating system and software setups? There is no need to install anything. Users just need to load the VHD File in VirtualBox, and they can start using it.
- VHD format is widely supported across Virtual platforms. Therefore, migration across platforms is easier.
- By opening a VHD File in VirtualBox, users can simply test software updates or configuration changes without affecting the main OS.
- A VHD format saves time and effort because it only needs to attach to the Virtualbox to start working. There is no need to install anything.
- Organizations archive older systems in VHD format for future purposes. The user can boot up the older system to access old software or data.
How to Open VHD File in Windows 10?
Users can opt to open the VHD file in Oracle VM VirtualBox in two ways. One is a manual approach that requires time and effort. Another one is an automated direct approach that uses a dedicated tool to repair the damaged VHD File. Let’s understand both methods one by one, starting with the manual first.
Manually View VHD File Data in VirtualBox
Users can manually run a VHD File in VirtualBox either by creating a new virtual machine or attaching it to an existing one. Make sure to enter the correct operating system configurations.
Steps to follow to begin the process:
- Start by launching Oracle VM VirtualBox on your system.
- Now, go to Machine > New and create a new virtual machine.
- Give the Virtual machine a name and click Next.
- Then, specify the Base Memory as 2048MB for Windows 10. Then, click Next.
- Pick Use an Existing Virtual Hard Disk File, and then browse and select your desired VHD file, and Open it.
- At last, click on the Finish button.
Limitations: Users have to manually configure OS settings, RAM, and storage. This can become time-consuming. Also, remember that VirtualBox supports only the VHD format and not the VHDX format. For using the VHDX format, users need to first convert it to VHD. There can be hardware compatibility issues related to VHD files.
Dedicated Tool to Open VHD File in Oracle VM VirtualBox
To bypass the limitations of the manual method and to fix and repair the damaged VHD file, try the VHD Recovery Tool. This advanced tool is designed to scan and repair the corrupt VHD files in both MBR and GPT formats. With two scanning modes and three recovery options, it addresses different levels of corruption. The tool is fully compatible with all Windows OS versions and allows you to create disk images without size limitations.
These are the steps to repair the corrupted VHD file:
- Open the recovery software and pick the disk type from Dynamic or Fixed.
- Now, browse and select the VHD file path, verify the content, and then click Next.
- Choose your preferred scan mode: Standard or Advanced.
- After that, choose the volume that you want to recover and apply the custom recovery settings.
- Click Next and choose the type of Recovery Mode: Standard, Advanced, or Deep.
- Now, select the folders that you want to retrieve and click Save to finish.
Conclusion
The issue of VHD file corruption causes virtual machine shutdowns and hinders workflow continuity. Through this blog, we’ve addressed methods to open VHD files and repair corrupted VHD files. Manually repairing it is not suitable for severe corruption. Instead of manually trying this complex method, a dedicated VHD Recovery Tool will be an ideal solution. It repairs corrupt or damaged VDI files, provides different recovery modes, recovers deleted VDI files, etc.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Q- Can VirtualBox open VHD files?
Ans- Yes. The Oracle VM VirtualBox fully supports the VHD file format. But ensure that the VHD file is bootable if you want to create and start a new virtual machine from it. There are two ways to add VHD files: by attaching them to an existing virtual hard disk or creating a new virtual machine.
Q- What is the difference between VHD and VHDX in VirtualBox?
Ans- The VHD format is supported in VirtualBox, while the VHDX is not supported in it. VHD format is older, whereas VHDX format is newer and a modern format. The maximum file size in the case of VHD is 2TB, while in the case of VHDX it’s 64 TB.
About The Author:
Raj is a skilled technical writer who makes complicated topics easy to understand. With experience in email and cloud migration, he creates clear and engaging content that helps readers learn about technology. His work is trusted by many and has been featured on well-known tech sites.
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