VHD Explorer – Mount and Unmount a VHD File in Windows

  • Written By  

  • Updated on December 26th, 2025

VHD files or Virtual Hard Disk files are widely used for backups, system images, and virtualization. However, when users want to access these files without any restore process, it can be quite complicated. That’s where VHD Explorer comes in. So that users can easily mount and unmount VHD files on Windows. Also, it gives quick access to the data inside. Whether you are a professional or a casual user, knowing how to handle VHD files safely is essential. Proceed further with this page and get the verified solutions to mount and unmount a VHD File in Windows.

Basic Overview of VHD File

A VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) file is a virtual storage container that mimics a physical hard drive. It stores all the contents of a drive, including files, folders, and system images. VHD files are commonly used in virtual machines, backups, and system recovery.
Difference between VHD and VHDX:

  • VHD: Maximum size 2 TB, older format, compatible with older Windows versions.
  • VHDX: Maximum size 64 TB, newer format, more resilient to corruption.

Why Mounting and Unmounting VHD Files is Important

  • Quick Access to Data: You can open and use files in a VHD without restoring the whole disk.
  • Saves Storage Space: No need to make extra copies of the virtual disk to access files.
  • Keeps Data Safe: Unmounting removes the VHD safely and avoids accidental changes or damage.
  • Easy Management: Makes it simple to work with multiple virtual disks, especially for backups.
  • Helps in System Recovery: Lets you access system backups or images without changing the original VHD.

Now, proceed with the given methods to mount and Unmount a VHD File in Windows:

Methods to Mount VHD File in Windows

Before you can access the files inside a VHD, you need to mount it on your Windows system. There are several methods to do this, including using VHD Explorer, built-in Windows tools, or the command line to attach VHD file in Windows:

1. Using VHD Explorer to Mount virtual hard disk in Windows

  1. Open VHD Explorer on your Windows PC.
  2. Click on Mount VHD to open VHD file in Windows.
  3. Browse and select the VHD file you want to mount.
  4. Assign a drive letter if preferred.
  5. After that, click OK to mount the VHD.
  6. The virtual disk will appear in File Explorer as a normal drive.

2. Using Windows Built-in Disk Management

  1. Press Windows + X and select Disk Management.
  2. Click Action > Attach VHD.
  3. Browse and select your VHD file.
  4. Click OK. The VHD will appear as a new drive in Windows Explorer.

3. Using Command Prompt DiskPart

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Type diskpart and press Enter.
  3. Enter select vdisk file .vhd and press Enter.
  4. Type attach vdisk and press Enter.
  5. The VHD will be mounted and ready to use.

Methods to Unmount VHD File in Windows

Once you no longer need access to a VHD file, unmounting it ensures your data stays safe. You can do this easily using VHD Explorer, Windows Disk Management, or the Command Prompt.

1. Using VHD Explorer to Detach a VHD file in Windows

  • Open VHD Explorer on your computer.
  • Select the VHD drive you want to unmount.
  • Click on the Unmount VHD button.
  • Confirm the action when prompted.

2. Using Windows Disk Management

  • Press Windows + X and open Disk Management.
  • Locate the mounted VHD drive in the list.
  • Right-click on the VHD drive and select Detach VHD.
  • Confirm your choice to unmount the drive.

3. Using CMD Prompt

  • Open the Command Prompt as an Administrator.
  • Type the DiskPart and press Enter.
  • Enter select vdisk file .vhd and press Enter.
  • Type detach v-disk and press Enter to unmount a VHD File in Windows.

Aryson VHD Recovery Software – Recover and Manage VHD Files Safely

Sometimes, VHD files can become corrupted or inaccessible. As a result, it becomes quite difficult to mount them using standard Windows tools. In that case, Aryson VHD Recovery Software will be helpful for the users. It is a reliable solution designed to repair, recover, and access VHD and VHDX files without any data loss. Some of the including feature are: Download Now   Purchase Now

  • Recover Corrupt VHD/VHDX Files: Fix damaged virtual disks and restore complete data.
  • Preview Files Before Recovery: View all files inside the VHD before saving.
  • Supports All Windows Versions: Compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, and 7.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Easy for both beginners and advanced users to access VHD file without Hyper-V.
  • Multiple Recovery Modes: Quick recovery for minor corruption and advanced recovery for severe damage.

Conclusion

Mounting and unmounting VHD files is an important task when you need to access or manage virtual disk data in Windows. As explained in this guide, you can use built-in Windows options like Disk Management and DiskPart. However, these manual methods may take more time and can be confusing for some users. It’s up to the user which method they pick to mount and unmount a VHD File in Windows. For more updates, you can frequently connect with us.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1. What is the difference between mounting and opening a VHD file?

Ans: Mounting makes the VHD accessible as a drive in Windows, while opening only allows viewing the file without full integration.

Q2. Can I mount multiple VHD files at once?

Ans: Yes, VHD Explorer supports mounting multiple VHDs simultaneously.

Q3. Will mounting a VHD file affect my original data?

Ans: No, mounting is read/write-safe but does not alter the original VHD unless you save changes intentionally.

Q4. Can I mount VHD files on Windows 10 and 11?

Ans: Yes, VHD Explorer is fully compatible with Windows 10, 11, and earlier versions like Windows 8.1.

5/5 - (2 votes)

About The Author:

Rohan Wiese is a Technical Content Writer at Aryson Technologies, specializing in databases, e-mail recovery, and e-mail migration solutions. He enjoys conducting research and generating information that assists database administrators, businesses, and novices in resolving issues with MS SQL Server, MySQL databases, Cloud Computing, and Microsoft Exchange.

Realted Post

offer image

Aryson Technologies footer logo

united states

2880 Zanker Road, Suite 203, San Jose, CA - 95134, USA

© Copyrights 2014-2026 by Aryson Technologies Private Limited - All Rights Reserved