Free online VMDK to VHD converter
Convert VMware virtual disks for software that requires the VHD format.
Convert VMDK to VHD online - free
Your file is processed instantly and deleted as soon as you download it.
Import a file from a URL
Paste a direct link to the file. We download it to our server and it is converted exactly like an upload.
How it works
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Upload your .vmdk file
Click to browse to select your file you want to convert or simply drag & drop your file into selected area.
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Perform .vmdk to .vhd conversion
After successful file upload, click to convert when you are ready.
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Download converted .vhd file
Conversion result is ready to download.
How to convert vmdk to vhd file
- Virtualization
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Hyper-V or another legacy virtualization tool may require a VHD disk when the source virtual machine uses VMware’s VMDK format. Convert the disk to attach it to software that accepts VHD but not VMDK.
What VMDK is
VMDK (Virtual Machine Disk) is a virtual-disk format used by VMware products such as Workstation and ESXi, and supported by other virtualization software. A disk may be stored in one file or in a descriptor file with separate data extents; VMDKs can also use different allocation and snapshot arrangements.
What VHD is
VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) is Microsoft’s older virtual-disk format, used by Virtual PC and supported by Hyper-V. It is useful for compatibility with software that requires VHD. Its main size limit is about 2 TB; VHDX is the newer Microsoft format, supports larger disks, and is not interchangeable with VHD in every older environment.
Online on 101convert.com
- Open the VMDK-to-VHD converter on 101convert.com and upload the source file. The page displays its per-file size limit.
- Start the conversion and wait for it to complete.
- Download the resulting VHD file.
Offline with desktop software
VirtualBox is free and runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Shut down the virtual machine, then run this command in a terminal or command prompt:
VBoxManage clonemedium disk "source.vmdk" "converted.vhd" --format VHD
Replace the filenames with the full paths to the input and output files. For a split VMDK, use its descriptor file as the input and keep its extent files beside it. VirtualBox supports common VMDK variants, but not every proprietary layout or snapshot chain; consolidate snapshots or use a compatible base disk if conversion fails.
Compatibility caveats
Conversion changes the virtual-disk format, not the virtual machine’s configuration or guest operating system. Create or configure a VM on the destination platform and attach the converted disk; boot settings or guest storage drivers may need adjustment. Keep the original disk until the converted one boots and its data has been checked. Choose VHDX instead if the destination supports it and the disk exceeds VHD’s size limit.
VMDK vs VHD: format comparison
How the VMDK and VHD formats compare on the properties that matter most for this conversion.
| Property | .VMDK Virtual Machine Disk | .VHD Virtual Hard Disk |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Both | Both |
| Split archives | Yes | — |
| Bootable | Yes | Yes |
| Operating system support | Wide | Wide |
| Typical file size | Very large | Large |
| Open standard | Partly open | Partly open |
| Introduced | 1998 | 2005 |
| Developer | VMware | Microsoft |
| MIME type | application/x-vmdk | application/x-vhd |
Information about file extensions and file types is provided by File-Extensions.org
Suggested software and links: vmdk to vhd converters
Frequently asked questions
Is the VMDK to VHD converter free?
Yes, converting VMDK to VHD on 101convert.com is completely free. No registration, email address or installation is required. If you need a higher file size limit or want to convert more files at once, see our plans.
How large can my VMDK file be?
You can upload VMDK files up to 30 MB and convert up to 1 files at once in a single batch. With a paid plan the limit is up to 2000 MB per file and 1 files at once, see our plans.
What happens to my uploaded files?
Files are processed automatically and deleted from our servers within a few minutes after conversion. We never view or share your files.
Do I need to install any software to convert VMDK to VHD?
No. The VMDK to VHD conversion runs entirely online in your browser and works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iPhone.
Did the conversion fail?
In most cases, the cause is an incorrect file format. Please upload a valid VMDK file for this VMDK to VHD conversion. Occasionally, the issue may be on our side. We analyze recurring conversion failures and disable or fix the converter if we detect a defect.