How to Create a Virtual Hard Drive in Windows 7

Theo Lucia

Nov 11, 2024 • Filed to: Answer Hard Drive Problems • Proven solutions

If you have ever wished of having an extra hard drive to store your files, share, or even set aside as an encrypted vault, this article is for you. This article gives you insight into why you need to set aside a virtual hard drive and just how to do that.

Part 1: How to Create a Virtual Drive in Windows 7
Part 2: Data Recovery Software for Hard Drive

Part 1: How to Create a Virtual Drive in Windows 7

Creating a virtual hard disk is an easy process. All you have to do is follow the next provided steps to do that.

In this process, virtual hard drives are created VHD format where 3MB is the minimum size. To kick off the process, right-click on 'My Computer' then select 'Manage'. You can also type "diskmgmt.msc" on the start search bar as an alternative then enter.

Computer Management will open where you will click on 'Disk Management' followed by 'Action' then select 'Create VHD'.

create virtual hard drive step 1

In the next step, you need to browse to the directory you want the disk to reside, choose the size of the size, and choose whether you want it to be dynamic or fixed. Dynamic disk expands as you add files while the fixed stays the same.

create virtual hard drive step 3

The virtual drive will then be listed as 'unallocated space' in Disk Management.

create virtual hard drive step 2

To start using it, right-click it and then select 'Initialize disk'.

create virtual hard drive step 4

Select MBR then hit 'OK'.

create virtual hard drive step 5

You then need to create volume and you begin by right-clicking the unallocated spaces then select 'new simple volume' of which the new simple volume starts and you only need to complete it by following instructions.

create virtual hard drive step 6

create virtual hard drive step 7

Specify the space in MBs you want to use on the set volume.

create virtual hard drive step 8

Assign the volume a unique letter, for example, a 'B' then hit 'next'

create virtual hard drive step 9

Format the new system as FAT32, NTSF, or FAT and then select 'perform quick format' if you want the process fast.

create virtual hard drive step 11

Click 'Finish' when the wizard is complete.

create virtual hard drive step 10

You can now begin to use your newly created virtual hard drive. The virtual hard drive will be displayed together with others on your computer.

create virtual hard drive step 12

Just like any other hard drives, you can lose data from a virtual hard drive through several ways including accidental deletion, improper operations, corruption, and so on. It is always recommended that you carefully enhance operations in your hard drive to prevent data losses. However, you can recover files by use of specialized software designed to perform this function. Wondershare software is the world's best-recommended software to recover data from a virtual hard disk.

Part 2: Data Recovery Software for Hard Drive

The most recommended software to recover data from a virtual hard drive. It is widely known and used software across the globe. The software is designed to easily recover files lost intentionally and unintentionally. With Recoverit Data Recovery software you can recover files effectively from virtual hard drives on your Windows 7.

Your Safe & Reliable Hard Drive Data Recovery Software

Recover lost or deleted files, photos, audio, music, emails from any storage device effectively, safely and completely.
Supports data recovery from recycle bin, hard drive, memory card, flash drive, digital camera, and camcorders.
Supports to recover data for sudden deletion, formatting, hard drive corruption, virus attack, system crash under different situations.

Download | Win Download | Mac

Sometimes you lose your files unintentionally due to several factors and it is therefore advisable to always have incredible software like Wondershare to recover data from virtual hard disk.