AVHD File Extension

Hyper-V SnapShot Format

File Type avhd
Developer Microsoft
Popularity
4.5 (37 votes)
Application Microsoft Windows Server
Category Virtual Machine Files
Format Binary

What is a AVHD file?

Files with the AVHD extension are specifically tied to Hyper-V SnapShot Format, a Virtual Machine Files type, and there are 56 files in this category.

Microsoft, the developer of the Hyper-V SnapShot Format (AVHD), has released file format and 242 programs designed to handle them.

AVHD files are compatible with various operating systems, including Windows. There are 2 programs available to open a AVHD file, including popular tools like Microsoft Windows Server and Hyper-V.

Programs that support AVHD files

Windows ²

Windows

How to open a AVHD file?

If you are having trouble opening a AVHD file, it usually means the right software is not installed. Choose a program from the list that matches your operating system. Next, visit the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it on your device.

Microsoft Windows Server and Hyper-V are among the most widely used programs for handling AVHD files. To set up the newest version of Microsoft Windows Server on your device, simply go to the official Microsoft website. There you can download the edition compatible with every operating system.

Once setup is done, your operating system should assign Microsoft Windows Server as the default app for AVHD files.

Set Microsoft Windows Server as the default AVHD program

Change Default Program on Mac

Right click or Control + left click on the desired AVHD file;
Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
Scroll down to the bottom of the window, where you will find the "Enable" menu. Default, "Recommended Programs" will be selected;
In this menu, choose "All Programs" and navigate to Microsoft Windows Server. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.

Change default programs in Windows

To get started, right-click your AVHD file, then choose "Open With" and select "Choose Another Application" from the context menu;
In the pop-up window, select the Microsoft Windows Server application;
Check the "Always use this application" checkbox, and then click "OK" to apply the selected application as the default for opening AVHD files.

Solve problems with AVHD files

If you encounter issues with AVHD files, don’t worry—most can be fixed with minor software adjustments. Refer to the troubleshooting tips below.

What are the steps to repair a damaged AVHD file?

Start a data recovery program and open the damaged AVHD file. Then, choose the "Repair" option from the menu. Please wait patiently for the recovery process to finish as it will automatically repair the damaged virtual machine files.

How can I determine if my AVHD file is damaged?

The signs of corrupted AVHD virtual machine files can manifest as:

Trying to work with the archive in Microsoft Windows Server or other programs causes instability or program crashes;
Error notifications appear during file manipulation;
The file does not open correctly or displays error messages;
An unexplained increase in the size of the AVHD file;
The file shows slow performance when edited in Microsoft Windows Server;

What are the reasons behind Microsoft Windows Server crash?

Insufficient software updates are a likely cause of Microsoft Windows Server crashes. Be sure to install the latest updates for Microsoft products.

Restarting your computer will solve many common problems, which is why it’s the first thing you should do before changing any settings related to the software.

How to edit a AVHD file?

To modify AVHD files, it is necessary to install dedicated software that lets you open and edit virtual machine files. Online AVHD editors generally offer fewer tools compared to programs designed for Hyper-V SnapShot Format.

Best AVHD editors 2026

Following these criteria, we have put together a list of recommended AVHD editors.

AVHD Editor Software	Developer	Platforms	Overall Rating
Microsoft Windows Server	Microsoft	Windows	4.6 out of 5 (40 reviews)
Hyper-V	Microsoft	Windows	4.3 out of 5 (39 reviews)

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