If you’ve ever worked with Virtual Machines, you’ve probably encountered terms like VHD and VHDX. These are file extensions of Virtual Hard Drives (VHDs) used to store data for Virtual Machines. A Virtual Hard Drive (VHD) is a container file that stores content similar to a physical drive, including the file system, operating system, data files, and applications. It is connected to Virtual Machines, which emulate physical computer systems and function as guest systems. VHDs can be distinguished by their filename extensions. Here, we’ll clarify the differences between these two formats and why they matter.
A Virtual Hard Drive (VHD) is a file that behaves like a physical hard drive. It contains components like- a File System, Operating System, Data Files, and Applications.
These drives are primarily connected to Virtual Machines and mimic the functionality of physical systems. A Virtual Machine, in simple terms, is an emulation of a physical computer system. It replicates hardware functionality using software, creating a guest system that operates independently of the host system.
Virtual Hard Drives come in two formats: VHD and VHDX. Let’s explore deeper into their differences.
VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) was introduced by Microsoft and is also supported by Citrix and Oracle. Whereas, VHDX is the advanced version of VHD, introduced with Windows Server 2012. It is designed to meet the demands of modern computing systems. Let us see the differences.
| Factors | VHD Files | VHDX Files |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | Supported by Windows, Citrix, Oracle | Supported by Windows only |
| Storage Size | Limited to 2TB | Up to 64TB |
| File Type | Fixed-size | Dynamic and expandable |
| Data Protection | No protection | Protection against corruption |
| Metadata | Cannot track metadata | Tracks and supports custom metadata |
| Data Alignment | Issues with alignment | Improved alignment |
| Performance | Basic format | Optimized for modern hardware |
With the evolution of computing needs, VHD faced limitations in scalability, performance, and compatibility. Therefore, VHDX was introduced to:
From the above comparison, it’s clear that VHDX is the advanced successor to VHD, offering modern features, scalability, and better performance. While VHD is still supported, VHDX is the preferred choice for today’s fast-paced and advanced environments. So, what format do you use for your Virtual Hard Drives? Hope this write-up helped you to know the formats easily!