VDI File Extension

VirtualBox Virtual Disk Image

File Type vdi
Developer Oracle
Popularity
4.5 (39 votes)
Application VirtualBox
Category Virtual Machine Files
Format Binary

What is a VDI file?

The VDI file extension is linked to VirtualBox Virtual Disk Image and belongs to the Virtual Machine Files category, which includes 56 files.

The VirtualBox Virtual Disk Image (VDI) was developed by Oracle, which created file format and 36 programs to work with them.

VDI file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS and Linux. To open a VDI file, you can choose from 3 programs such as VirtualBox, Parallels Workstation and Parallels Desktop.

File Signature

HEX code: 3C 3C 3C 20 4F 72 61 63 6C 65 20 56 4D 20 56 69 72.

Windows

Mac OS

Linux

How to open a VDI file?

If you cannot open a VDI file, it is most often due to missing software. Select a program from the list according to your operating system. Then go to the official website of the program developer, download it, and install it on your device.

When it comes to opening and working with VDI files, VirtualBox, Parallels Workstation and Parallels Desktop are the top choices for users. If you need the newest version of VirtualBox, just access the Oracle website. From there you can download the installer compatible with all systems.

After completing the installation, VDI files should be recognized by the system and linked to VirtualBox.

Setting VirtualBox as default VDI viewer

Changing Default Programs in Windows

Right click on your VDI file, then select "Open with" and click "Choose another application";
Choose VirtualBox from the available applications listed in the pop-up window to set it as the default application to open your VDI file;
Be sure to check the "Always use this app" checkbox, and then click "OK" to confirm your selection.

Change the default app for a file type in Mac

Initiate a right click or use Control + left click on the desired VDI file to open a menu where you can select various actions;
Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
In the lower section of the window, you’ll find the "Enable" menu, with "Recommended Programs" pre-selected as the default option;
Select "All Programs" in this menu, and then search for VirtualBox. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make sure it’s the default option.

Tips and tricks to solve problems with VDI files

While VDI files can sometimes present difficulties, most problems can be resolved quickly with minor software modifications. Check the tips below to help solve them.

What can lead to sudden VirtualBox crashes?

The likely cause of VirtualBox crashing is lack of software updates. Install the latest updates available for Oracle products.

Restarting your computer is an essential troubleshooting step that can resolve many common problems. It is recommended to restart your computer before making any changes to the software settings.

What is the recommended approach to repair a damaged VDI file?

Open the corrupted VDI file in a recovery program and select the "Repair" menu item. Then wait for the recovery process to complete, which allows you to automatically repair corrupted virtual machine files.

How do I know if my VDI file is corrupted?

Common indications of damaged VDI virtual machine files are:

The file does not open or opens with errors;
Editing the archive in VirtualBox results in slow or unresponsive behavior;
File hangs or crashes in VirtualBox or other programs;
Unexplained increase in VDI file size;
Error messages appear while working with the file;

How to edit a VDI file?

To edit VDI files, it is essential to install software that supports not only viewing but also editing the virtual machine files. Online VDI editors provide limited functionality compared to full-featured software for VirtualBox Virtual Disk Image.

Best VDI editors in 2026

Taking the above factors into account, we have selected a list of VDI editors currently available.

VDI Editor Software	Developer	Platforms	Overall Rating
VirtualBox	Oracle	Windows, Mac OS, Linux	4.9 out of 5 (37 reviews)

Convert to and from VDI

If handling a VDI file is problematic, consider converting it to alternative formats such as ISO, VHD, VMDK, ASHDISC, OVA or other supported types.

Keep in mind that converting a VDI file may introduce some limitations, but the original format can often be restored.

Applications such as VirtualBox, Parallels Workstation and Parallels Desktop offer offline conversion of VDI files to multiple formats, preserving quality.