VDI File – What is .vdi file and how to open it?

Definition and Usage

A VDI file is a disk image format used by VirtualBox, a popular virtualization software. It stores the virtual hard disk contents of virtual machines created in VirtualBox. VDI files are typically large, as they contain the entire operating system, applications, and data of the virtual machine. They are often used for creating backups, storing virtual machines on portable drives, or migrating virtual machines between different physical hosts.

Technical Details

VDI files are based on the Open Virtualization Format (OVF) specification. They are composed of a header section that contains metadata about the virtual disk, such as its size, format, and checksum. The remaining part of the file contains the actual disk data, which is stored in a sparse format. This means that only the used blocks of the virtual disk are stored, making VDI files more efficient and compact than raw disk image formats. VDI files can be dynamically resized, allowing users to adjust the disk size as needed without having to recreate the entire virtual disk. Additionally, VDI files support multiple snapshots, which provide a way to create a series of checkpoints or incremental backups of the virtual disk, enabling users to revert to previous states if necessary.

Opening VDI Files with VirtualBox

VDI (VirtualBox Virtual Disk Image) files are the native disk image format used by VirtualBox, a popular virtualization software. To open a VDI file, you can use VirtualBox version 6.0 or later. Once VirtualBox is installed, follow these steps:

1. Open VirtualBox: Launch the VirtualBox application.
2. Create or Open Virtual Machine: If you don’t have an existing virtual machine, create one by clicking “New” in the VirtualBox Manager window. Otherwise, select the virtual machine you want to use.
3. Configure Disk Settings: In the virtual machine settings, go to the “Storage” tab. Click the “Controller: SATA” option and then the “Add Hard Disk” button. Select “Choose Existing Disk.”
4. Select VDI File: In the file browser, navigate to the location of the VDI file you want to open. Select the file and click “Open.”
5. Save Changes: Click “OK” to save your changes and mount the VDI file to the virtual machine.

Opening VDI Files with Other Software

While VirtualBox is the primary software for opening VDI files, there are also other programs that can read and write to VDI files. Some notable options include:

• 7-Zip: A popular file archiver that can extract VDI files.
• WinImage: A disk imaging tool that can mount and edit VDI files.
• QEMU: A command-line emulator that can create and convert VDI files.

To open a VDI file with these programs, consult their respective documentation for specific instructions. However, it’s important to note that using third-party software may limit certain functionalities and features available in VirtualBox.

VDI File: A Virtualization Solution

VirtualBox, a widely used virtualization software, utilizes the VDI (VirtualBox Virtual Disk Image) file extension for its virtual hard disk images. VDI files store the content and configuration of virtual machines, enabling users to create, run, and manage virtual operating systems on a host machine. The file format encapsulates the complete state of the virtual disk, including operating system files, applications, user data, and hardware device settings.

VDI files offer several advantages in the virtualization environment. They are highly portable, allowing virtual machines to be easily transferred between different hosts and platforms without reconfiguration. The format’s compatibility with VirtualBox ensures seamless integration and interoperability between different releases of the software. Additionally, VDI files support features such as dynamic disk resizing, snapshots, and encryption, enhancing the flexibility and security of virtual environments.

Other Extensions