VHDX File Extension
Windows 8 Virtual Hard Drive Format
- File Type vhdx
- Developer Microsoft
- Popularity
- Application Microsoft Windows 10
- Category Virtual Machine Files
- Format Binary
What is a VHDX file?
The VHDX extension is related to Windows 8 Virtual Hard Drive Format and is classified in the Virtual Machine Files category, which contains 56 files.
The Windows 8 Virtual Hard Drive Format (VHDX), created by Microsoft, is one of file format they developed, and they also built 242 programs to support them.
VHDX file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows. When working with VHDX files, you can rely on 6 programs, including Microsoft Windows 10, Microsoft Windows Server and Microsoft Windows 8.
Programs that support VHDX files
How to open a VHDX file?
If you can’t open a VHDX file, it is usually because the necessary software is missing. To resolve the issue, select the right program from the list for your operating system. Then go to the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it.
Thanks to their popularity, Microsoft Windows 10, Microsoft Windows Server and Microsoft Windows 8 are often the go-to programs for managing VHDX files. If you want the most recent release of Microsoft Windows 10, head over to the Microsoft site and download the version designed to run on all platforms.
Once installed, Microsoft Windows 10 will be set as the default program, and VHDX files will open automatically.
Set Microsoft Windows 10 as your default VHDX viewer
Set default app to open files on Mac
- Right-click or Control + left-click on the desired VHDX file to open a menu of available actions;
- Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
- At the bottom of the window, find the "Enable" menu, where "Recommended Programs" is already selected by default;
- Within this menu, select "All Programs" and then locate Microsoft Windows 10. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to set it as the default program.
Change a default app in Windows
- Take the first step by right-clicking on your VHDX file. Next, select "Open With" and then choose "Choose another app" from the available options;
- From the list of applications in the pop-up window, find and select Microsoft Windows 10 as your desired application;
- Check the "Always use this app" checkbox, and then click "OK" to set your chosen app as the default for opening VHDX files.
Solving Common VHDX File Challenges
Certain problems with VHDX files can be conveniently fixed with small software tweaks. Here are some helpful tips to address them.
What Causes Microsoft Windows 10 to Crash Frequently?
Lack of software updates is a possible reason behind Microsoft Windows 10 crash. Keep your Microsoft products up to date by installing the latest updates.
A simple restart of your computer can often fix many common problems, which is why it is the recommended first step before making any adjustments to your software settings.
How can I restore a damaged VHDX file?
In Microsoft Windows 10, Microsoft Windows Server or Microsoft Windows, open the damaged VHDX file and navigate to the "Repair" menu item. Wait for the recovery process to finish, allowing automatic repair of damaged virtual machine files.
How do I know if my VHDX file has been damaged?
Characteristics of corrupted VHDX virtual machine files can include:
- Error alerts occur when actions are performed on the file;
- Editing the archive in Microsoft Windows 10 is hampered by poor overall performance;
- The file does not respond or shows errors when opening it;
- Unexplained VHDX file size inflation;
- The file stops responding or freezes in Microsoft Windows 10 or other programs;
How to edit a VHDX file?
To modify VHDX files, you need to install special software that makes it possible to open and edit virtual machine files. Online VHDX editors are more restricted compared to software designed for Windows 8 Virtual Hard Drive Format.
Best VHDX Editor Software in 2026
Considering the mentioned criteria, we have compiled a list of VHDX editors that may suit your needs.
| VHDX Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Windows | Microsoft | Windows | 4.8 out of 5 (38 reviews) |
| Microsoft Windows 8 | Microsoft | Windows | 4.8 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
| Microsoft Windows Server | Microsoft | Windows | 4.6 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
| Microsoft Windows 10 | Microsoft | Windows | 4.5 out of 5 (41 review) |
| Hyper-V | Microsoft | Windows | 4.3 out of 5 (39 reviews) |
Convert files to and from VHDX
If working with a VHDX file is challenging, one solution is to convert it to formats like VHD or other supported formats.
After converting a VHDX file, some capabilities may be limited, but you can often convert it back to the original format.
Offline software like StarWind V2V Converter allows you to convert VHDX files to other formats while maintaining quality.