Know How To Fix Virtual Disk Service Error – The VHD / VHDX is Already Attached?

“Currently, I am using Windows 10 and created a VHD for one of my crucial drives. The size of created VHD is 45 GB and I can see it as the drive but, cannot attach it in the Disk Management. Although I keep receiving an error message that says ‘The virtual hard disk is already attached’, which is not true, the VHD is newly created and is not attached with any machine. I also attempted to delete it but, I got another error ‘The action can’t be completed because the VHD file is opened in the system’. Is this something related to a bug or could be fixed by any technique then, please let me know the solution to fix virtual disk is already attached issue.”

Virtual hard disk (VHD or VHDX) is a large container to comprises complete content, structural elements, and file structure of a hard disk drive without any compression. VHD are disk image files that allow easy restoration of data along with cross-platform compatibility. One of the major advantages of a VHD is that users can simply browse and restore their files from the operating system. All the required data can be accessed simply just via attaching it. But in some cases, you may get an error messages virtual disk management the virtual disk is already attached.

However, in some critical cases while attempting to mount an existing VHD, it prompts an error message i.e., ‘The Virtual Disk is Already Attached’ even if the VHD is not attached. After scanning various forum websites, we found several users are bothered with the same issue and searching the fixing techniques for the same. Hence, in this article, we will walk you through some amazing methods that can troubleshoot the VHD or VHDX already attached issue in a couple of clicks. So, let’s begin now!

Why VHD Already Attached Error Occurs?

Well, there might be various causes that can occur such errors. So, first of all, make sure that you are logged in as a local Administrator and NTFS permission on VHD are set for Full Control. Besides, ensure the User Groups are assigned with Reading and Execute permissions. Also, the VHD already exist error can occur due to the conflict in drive letter. To resolve virtual disk service error the virtual disk is already attached error, follow any of the solution given below:

Solution 1. Detach and Attach the Virtual Hard Disk

If you are getting VHD already attached error then first make sure they are connected through the UNC (Universal Naming Convention) path. And the Hyper-V system account is assigned with Full Control VHD-file permissions.

Note: Mount point or a mapped drive cannot be used.

Now, you have to detach the device from the Virtual Machine and then attach it again to use it. The below mentioned steps can be performed only by using Hyper-V interface. Perform the steps and fix VHD already exist issue:

• Navigate to VM Settings that are facing issues
• In the Hardware menu, choose the VHD that is causing problems and click on Remove.
• Click on the IDE controller and choose hard drive VHD file. Click Add

Note: – If you have .vhd or .vhdx file and you want to attach it in Windows. Then find here the complete guide to Mount and Unmount VHD file in Windows Explorer.

Solution 2. Assign New Drive Letter to Fix VHD Already Attached Issue

Working with different drives, sometimes occurs a condition when two drives are given the same drive letter. Well, it is not a usual case but, it can happen sometimes due to bugs and it might occur conflicts while users attempt to attach the VHD with the same drive letter or drive name. In order to fix this, one needs to add a new drive letter using Disk Management. Follow the steps to fix virtual disk management the virtual disk is already attached error.

• Hit a right-click on the Start menu and choose Disk Management to get a list of all connected drives.
• Do mouse Right-click on the virtual disk partition and select the target drive and right-click on it. Choose Drive Letter and Paths… option.
• From new pop-up windows, click on Change.
• Next, select a new drive letter from the drop-down menu and click the OK button.

Note: Make sure you have not assigned a drive letter that is already being used by another drive. Now check whether the VHD already attached issue removed or not.

Final Words

We hope the solutions given here, we will fix the ‘Virtual Disk Service Error The Virtual Disk is Already Attached. However, if nothing given above works for you then, there are very high chances that the VHD file you are trying to attach is corrupted. So, if you want to recover the entire data stored within it then, it is recommended to use SysTools VHD Recovery Software. It is a powerful and completely secure utility. This utility will not fix the virtual disk is already attached error. It will only secure your data.