A .vhdx file is a virtual hard disk format used by Microsoft’s Hyper-V virtualization platform. This container holds the complete software environment of a virtual machine, including the operating system, applications, and user data. It acts as the storage layer for the virtual machine, mirroring the function of a physical hard drive in a traditional computer.
This method of storage offers significant advantages in terms of portability and management. Virtual machines can be easily moved or copied by simply transferring the .vhdx file. Furthermore, different versions of a virtual machine’s state can be preserved using features like snapshots, which capture the state of the .vhdx file at a specific point in time. This facilitates efficient backups, disaster recovery, and testing of software deployments. This storage approach has evolved from earlier virtual disk formats, offering improved performance, expandability, and resilience.
