VHD File - opening and understanding
Did your computer fail to open a VHD file? We explain what they are used for and recommend software that we know can open or otherwise handle your .VHD files.
What is a VHD file?
A .VHD file is a Virtual PC Virtual HD image file. VHD is an acronym for Virtual Hard Disk. Files that have the .vhd file extension contain disk images that are used by the Windows Virtual PC. A Virtual PC is a "Software PC". When your PC runs, you can start Windows Virtual PC and run another instance of Windows inside that "Virtual PC" - the same as having two different PCs running.
The VHD file contains an operating system, e.g. Windows, and all apps and data files you have installed inside the virtual PC.
VHD files are commonly used to install multiple operating systems on a single hard drive and to test various software applications.
How to open VHD files
You will need a program compatible with the specific file you are trying to open, as different programs may use files with file extension VHD for different purposes. We have identified 3 VHD openers for Windows that is compatible with this specific type of VHD file.
Programs that open these files
 | Windows Virtual PC | Verified |
 | WinZip | Verified |
 | 7-Zip | Verified |
Suggest another file format using extension VHD
While we know of one file format using the .VHD file extension, there may be more. It is widespread that different programs use files with the same file extension for very different types of data. Please let us know if you are aware of a different kind of .VHD file.
Not sure exactly what type of file you are trying to open? Try our new File Analyzer. It is a free tool that can identify more than 11,000 different kinds of files - most likely yours too! It will help you find software that can handle your specific type of file. Download File Analyzer here.