Not directly, according to the reviewed VMware Workstation documentation. Broadcom’s documented method for creating a Workstation virtual machine from an existing disk uses a VMDK. To use a Hyper-V VHDX, convert it to VMDK first, then attach the converted disk to a new VM. Conversion does not guarantee a successful boot: the VM’s firmware mode, virtual disk controller, and guest drivers can also matter.
What “boot a VHDX” can mean
There are two different scenarios. In a VMware Workstation virtual machine, the VHDX would be a virtual disk attached to a guest VM. Microsoft’s native-boot feature is different: it runs Windows from a VHDX directly on designated physical hardware, without a virtual machine or hypervisor. Microsoft’s requirement that Windows 10 or later native boot use VHDX applies to that physical-hardware feature; it does not establish VMware disk compatibility.
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Workstation’s documented route for an existing disk
Broadcom’s Workstation instructions for creating a VM from an existing virtual disk specify an existing VMDK. The documentation reviewed does not establish direct VHDX boot or provide a complete format-support matrix across Workstation releases, so it is more precise to say direct use is not documented here than to claim every release categorically rejects VHDX.
Convert the VHDX to VMDK and attach it
- Keep the original. Make a separate copy of the VHDX before converting so the source remains available if conversion or VM setup goes wrong.
- Convert the copy. Use a disk-conversion utility that supports the source disk and your host environment. Broadcom’s Fusion 13 guidance for Apple Silicon gives this QEMU example:
qemu-img convert -p -O vmdk input.VHDX output.vmdk. That example illustrates a conversion, but it is Fusion-specific guidance—not a guarantee for every Workstation host, VHDX, or guest. - Create a Workstation VM. Choose the guest operating system that matches the OS on the disk. In the VM creation flow, select Use an Existing Virtual Disk and point Workstation to the converted VMDK. Broadcom documents this existing-disk flow for VMDK.
- Try booting and troubleshoot if needed. If the VM fails to start, check the firmware mode, controller, and guest’s drivers for the virtual hardware, as described below.
If the converted disk will not boot
- Firmware mismatch: Check whether the guest was installed for UEFI or legacy BIOS, then configure the VM to use the corresponding firmware mode.
- Controller or driver mismatch: The guest may not have a driver for the virtual disk controller selected for the VM. Check the controller configuration and whether the guest can access it.
- Hyper-V generation mismatch: Microsoft notes that a bootable VHDX made for a Generation 2 Hyper-V VM will not boot in a Generation 1 VM. That is useful context when diagnosing the disk’s original configuration, but it does not by itself predict VMware behavior.
- Large disks and VMware Converter: Broadcom has documented an issue converting powered-off Hyper-V VMs with disks of 2 TB or larger. Its article says a fix was planned, but does not identify the release in which it became available. Check current Converter release notes before relying on that path.
These are diagnostic considerations, not a promise that a converted disk will boot. The result depends on the disk, guest OS, conversion utility, and VM configuration.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Upgraded version】 - The mirror logo strip is combined with the striped non-slip design. The rounded corners of the shell are more suitable for holding. The strips play a heat dissipation function to ensure a stable and fast transmission process.
- 【Ultra-thin and quiet】 - The motherboard adopts JMicron 578 noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- 【Ultra-Fast Data Transfers】 - Pairing this external hard drive with JMicron 578 solution USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 interfaces enables blazing-fast data transfer. It boasts theoretical read speeds of up to 125MB/s and write speeds of up to 103MB/s.
- 【Plug and Play】 - With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.The hard disk chip is wrapped with an aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data.
- 【What You Get】 - 1 x Portable Hard Drive, 1 x USB 3.0 Cable, 1 x User Manual, Gift-type shell packaging ,Three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services.
Choose the right path for your goal
| Goal | Relevant format or method | What the documentation establishes |
|---|---|---|
| Run the disk as a Workstation VM guest | Convert VHDX to VMDK, then attach the VMDK as an existing disk | Broadcom documents Workstation’s existing-disk workflow for VMDK; the conversion example cited above is specifically for Fusion on Apple Silicon. |
| Run Windows from a disk on designated physical hardware | Microsoft VHDX native boot | Microsoft describes this as booting without a VM or hypervisor. For Windows 10 or later, Microsoft requires VHDX for native boot. |
For version-specific compatibility, consult the current Broadcom Knowledge Base and the documentation for the conversion utility you plan to use.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [Upgraded Version] - This external hard drive features a mirrored logo stripe combined with a striped anti-slip design, and the rounded corners of the casing make it easier to grip. The stripes also have a heat dissipation function, ensuring stable and fast data transfer.
- 【Ultra-thin and quiet】 - The motherboard adopts JMicron 578 noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- 【Ultra-Fast Data Transfers】 - Pairing this external hard drive with JMicron 578 solution USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 interfaces enables blazing-fast data transfer. It boasts theoretical read speeds of up to 125MB/s and write speeds of up to 103MB/s.
- 【Plug and Play】 - With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.The hard disk chip is wrapped with an aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data.
- 【What You Get】 - 1 x Portable Hard Drive, 1 x USB 3.0 Cable, 1 x User Manual, Gift-type shell packaging ,Three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services.
Rank #4
- Plug-and-play expandability
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
Rank #3
- High-capacity add-on storage.Compatibility : Windows 10 plus, Reformatting required for use with MacOS.
- Fast data transfers
- Plug-and-play ready for Windows PCs
- WD quality inside and out
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
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