VHD Attach

What VHD Attach is

VHD Attach is a free Windows utility for attaching and detaching virtual disks. It adds Attach and Detach choices to the right-click menu for VHD files, and settings can add a Detach choice to the hard-drive menu. It can mount virtual disks automatically at startup in full-access or read-only mode, and can display disk information without attaching the disk. The utility also supports the /attach, /detach and /detachdrive command-line parameters. It works on Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2 and later, including Windows 10; Windows Vista and other older Windows systems are not supported. On Windows 8 and Windows Server 8, it can also be used with ISO images and VHDX disks. Its source repository is published under the MIT License. A VHD stored on a network location may require changing the service account to grant access. Automatic mounting of BitLocker-enabled drives does not show the password prompt because mounting begins before the user interface appears.

Who it suits

VHD Attach suits Windows users who want context-menu or startup controls for virtual disks. It may also suit users who need command-line attachment options or disk information without mounting a disk.

Limits

The free plan is for Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, and later; older Windows systems are unsupported. Writing images is not supported. For a network-hosted VHD, the service account may need access to that location.

Getting started

1. Visit the VHD Attach website.
2. Use a system running Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, or later.
3. Install the program; the installer supports the /VERYSILENT parameter for unattended installation.
4. Use the VHD file's right-click menu to attach or detach it, or configure startup mounting in the options.

Verdict

VHD Attach provides several ways to work with virtual disks on supported Windows systems, including context-menu and command-line options. Check the Windows version and the network and BitLocker limitations before relying on automatic mounting.