Native Boot VHDx

Disclaimer: Currently I am employed by Microsoft, but my views and thoughts are still my own. The reason I joined Microsoft was, the work Microsoft have been doing for last couple of years in Open Source Space. Today I am a advocate for Open Source representing Microsoft.

Since Windows Vista (or move to ntldr to BOOTMGR), you have had possibility to boot from a VHD(x) (Virtual Hard Disk).

Easiest way to create a new VHDx is to install Windows in a Hyper-V VM.

Copy the VHDx to target PC. Tips: Try to keep the path short, i.e. C:\VHDx\Windows11.vhdx

Attach the VHDx using diskpart:

select vdisk file=C:\VHDx\Windows11.vhdx
attach vdisk

Assign letter (replace V if needed)

list volume
select volume 3
assign letter=v

Add boot entry (elevated command prompt):

bcdboot v:\windows /s S: /f UEFI

Note: Replace UEFI with BIOS if needed

Resources

• Links
  • Boot to a virtual hard disk: Add a VHDX or VHD to the boot menu
  • 60209: Acronis True Image 2018: configuring Windows native boot from VHD/VHDX files created by "Convert to VHD" feature
  • Native Boot Windows 11 Virtual Hard Disk (VHDX)
• Videos
  • Boot to a virtual hard disk, add a VHDX or VHD to the boot menu - Dual Boot Windows 10 and Windows 8
  • Installing & booting Windows off a virtual drive (VHD/VHDX file) on actual hardware!