Disk2VHD is a free Microsoft tool to convert physical Windows systems into VHD/VHDX files for virtualization. While easy to use, it lacks automation. AOMEI Cyber Backup offers advanced, scheduled, and centralized backup alternatives.
Disk2VHD is a free utility in the Microsoft Windows Sysinternals suite that allows users to create virtual hard disk (VHD) images from physical disks. These VHD files can be used with virtualization platforms such as Hyper-V or VMware to migrate, backup, and test systems in a virtual environment. It converts live Windows systems into VHD or VHDX files that can be mounted or run in virtual machines. Key features include:
✔ Pros
No cost or subscription required.
Creates VHD/VHDX files without requiring a reboot.
Useful for converting a running Windows installation.
Backward-compatible with Hyper-V and VMware.
Developed by Microsoft, ensuring compatibility with the Windows system.
✖ Cons
Manual operation only – no option to automate backups.
Every backup creates a new full copy, consuming more storage.
No cloud or network backup support – only saves to local drives.
Only captures entire disks/partitions – cannot restore individual files.
Backups are raw disk images, leading to large file sizes.
Cannot create a rescue USB/DVD for disaster recovery.
Step 1. Go to the official Disk2VHD download page, and make sure Disk2VHD download. Then, extract the zip file and select Run as administrator to run disk2vhd.exe.
Step 2. Select Use Vhdx and Use Volume Shadow Copy, and choose a destination for the VHDX file. Select the volumes you want to convert, then click Create to start the process.
Step 3. Go to Hyper-V Manager to create a virtual machine with the VHDX file. Go to Hyper-V host > New > Virtual Machine.
Besides Disk2VHD, you can also choose other one-stop backup software for secure data migration, such as AOMEI Cyber Backup, which is a more powerful, automated, and flexible backup solution.
Centralized Backup Management: You can manage backups for multiple machines, including physical servers, virtual machines (VMs), and workstations, from a single console.
Automated Backup Scheduling: You can set up automatic backup tasks to run at specified intervals, ensuring consistent and up-to-date backups without manual intervention.
Instant Recovery: Quickly restore data, applications, or entire systems from backups, minimizing downtime and ensuring business continuity.
Email Notification: It monitors the status of Hyper-V backups and sends email notifications when a task is completed or an exception is raised.
You can click the following button to enjoy a 30-day free trial
Prerequisites for using AOMEI Cyber Backup
Install the proxy program AOMEI Cyber Backup Agent on the device first on your physical Windows device.
Access to Source Device > Add Windows Device, then fill in the Device Information and User Information.
Step 1. In AOMEI Cyber Backup, go to Backup Task > Create New Task > Disk Backup.
Step 2. Enter a name for the backup task and choose the disk you want to convert to virtual. Then, select a destination to save the backup.
Step 3. You can schedule backup methods as full/incremental/differential backup and run the backup tasks daily/weekly/monthly.
Step 4. Specify Backup Cleanup to auto delete the old backup files and save storage space.
Step 5. Click Start Backup to protect your Windows 10 disks.
Step 6. After backup, you can go to Backup Task and click … > Restore to start restoring a Windows disk to a virtual environment.
Step 7. You can choose to Restore to original location and Restore to new location, and then easily restore the Windows disk backup to another server/host.
Disk2VHD is a handy tool for converting physical disks to a virtual format, but it lacks automation and advanced backup features.AOMEI Cyber Backup offers scheduling, incremental backups, and cloud-supported features, making it ideal for both business and personal users.
If you need a reliable way to protect your data that goes beyond simple disk mirroring, consider AOMEI Cyber Backup for a seamless, efficient experience.