create partition primary format fs=ntfs quick label="Win10_VHD" assign letter="V" exit You now have a virtual drive V: – but it’s empty. Mount the Windows 10 ISO you downloaded (double-click it in File Explorer). Note the drive letter, e.g., F: .
bcdboot V:\Windows /d The /d flag is critical for VHD booting. It initializes the boot configuration data. To confirm the entry exists: windows 10 vhd image download install
Now we need to apply the install.wim (or install.esd ) from the ISO to drive V: . bcdboot V:\Windows /d The /d flag is critical
After your VHD is running, explore using Disk2vhd to convert your existing physical Windows into a VHD, or experiment with differencing disks – a parent VHD (base Windows) with child VHDs (each with unique changes). That is the next level of virtualization power. Disclaimer: Always back up your data before modifying boot configurations or disk partitions. Windows licensing terms require a valid license for each installed instance, even on VHDs. After your VHD is running, explore using Disk2vhd