Simplicity
Virtual hard disks are easy to create
Creating virtual disks has become remarkably straightforward with the introduction of Windows 11 23H2 and later. While the traditional method via the Disk Management utility remains available, Microsoft has streamlined the process. Simply navigate to Settings -> System -> Storage -> Advanced storage settings -> Disks and volumes. Here, you can click on Create VHD or Create Dev Drive for developers. A dialog will prompt you to name your VHD or VHDX, choose a location, set the disk size, format, and select between fixed or dynamic types. The fixed size remains constant, while the dynamic size expands as needed. After clicking Create, opt for GPT as the partition style, initialize it, confirm the label, assign an unused drive letter, select a file system such as FAT32, NTFS, or ReFS, and finalize the process with Format.
Understanding the distinction between VHD and VHDX is crucial. The VHD format, being the original, supports up to 2040GB and is ideal for additional storage in virtual machines. In contrast, VHDX, the newer format, accommodates up to 64TB, making it suitable for IT environments, particularly in server contexts. It also offers resilience during power failures, safeguarding your data.
Secure your folders
Use a VHD and BitLocker as a password-protected folder
Password protection and encryption for folders on Windows can be cumbersome unless you compress them into a zip file. This method, while protective, is inefficient as it requires zipping and unzipping for access. Instead, leveraging the built-in virtualization feature to create a virtual disk serves as an effective alternative. When setting up a VHDX, opt for a dynamically expanding format if you plan to regularly add files. Once created, you can apply BitLocker encryption just like you would on a physical drive. This ensures that access requires a password each time, enhancing your data’s security.
Network access
Share a virtual disk over a network
Utilizing a virtual drive to share files across a network can significantly enhance efficiency. For instance, transferring files from a primary system located upstairs to another device in the basement becomes seamless. This method eliminates the need for physical media, such as flash drives, and allows for the addition of files from various devices on the network. While there are multiple ways to share data, not all files reside in a single location, making virtual disks a practical solution.
They are cost-effective
A virtual disk is cheaper than buying a physical one
Although SSDs, USB drives, and physical hard drives have become increasingly affordable, the financial benefits of virtual disks cannot be overlooked, especially for home labs or corporate networks. Reducing hardware not only saves costs but also minimizes potential points of failure—unless, of course, the drive housing the VHDs fails. This underscores the importance of adhering to best practices for data and system backups.
Using virtual hard disks (VHD or VHDX) is useful
The Hyper-V hypervisor’s virtualization feature integrated into Windows provides a versatile platform for creating virtual drives. The advantages of password protection for sensitive data and the cost-effectiveness of virtual disks are compelling reasons to explore this functionality. With the recent enhancements in the Settings app, the process of creating VHDs has never been more accessible. Virtual drives offer portability, flexibility in expansive environments, ease of sharing across networks, efficient backups, and robust security. However, it is essential to remain aware of limitations such as potentially slower performance compared to SSDs and restricted native boot support for Windows. With these benefits in mind, the creation of VHDs opens up a world of possibilities.
