Convert VHD to VMDK

Understanding VHD and VMDK file formats

VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) is a file format that represents a virtual hard disk drive. It is commonly used by Microsoft virtualization solutions such as Hyper-V. VHD files can contain disk partitions and file systems, and they are used to store the contents of a virtual machine's hard drive.

VMDK (Virtual Machine Disk) is a file format developed by VMware for its virtual machine products. It serves a similar purpose to VHD, storing the contents of a virtual machine's hard drive, but is specifically designed for VMware's suite of virtualization products.

How to convert VHD to VMDK

Converting a VHD file to a VMDK file is a common task when migrating virtual machines between different virtualization platforms. This process can be accomplished using various software tools that support both file formats.

Best software for VHD to VMDK conversion

One of the most reliable tools for converting VHD to VMDK is StarWind V2V Converter. This software is free and supports a wide range of virtual disk formats, making it a versatile choice for virtualization professionals.

To convert a VHD file to a VMDK file using StarWind V2V Converter, follow these steps:

1. Download and install StarWind V2V Converter from the official website.
2. Launch the application and select File → Open to load your VHD file.
3. Choose the destination format as VMDK.
4. Select the output location and click Convert to start the conversion process.

Another option is using qemu-img, a command-line tool that is part of the QEMU project. It is a powerful utility for converting between various disk image formats.

Conclusion

Converting VHD to VMDK is a straightforward process with the right tools. Whether you choose StarWind V2V Converter or qemu-img, ensure you have backups of your data before proceeding with the conversion.