How to Delete a VHD in Windows 7 - Step-by-Step Guide
Deleting Virtual Hard Drives in Windows 7
Windows 7 includes a useful capability allowing users to generate Virtual Hard Drives, with the option to encrypt them for added security. This article details the process of removing these VHDs when they are no longer required, thereby freeing up valuable local hard drive space.
Understanding Virtual Hard Drives
As previously discussed, creating a VHD utilizes space from the volume on which it is established. When a VHD is no longer necessary, it can be removed through Computer Management. Access this utility by right-clicking the "Computer" icon and selecting "Manage."
Within Computer Management, navigate to Disk Management. Locate the Virtual Hard Drive you wish to eliminate.
Removing the Volume
Right-click on the desired VHD within Disk Management and choose the "Delete Volume" option. This initiates the removal process.
A warning message will appear, confirming the deletion. It is crucial to heed this warning and verify that no essential data resides on the VHD before proceeding.
Completing the Deletion
Despite the volume deletion, the VHD file itself isn't immediately removed. Further action is required to fully eliminate it.
Manual deletion of the VHD file is then necessary to reclaim the disk space.
Once completed, the Virtual Hard Drive is fully removed, and the previously allocated hard drive space is now available for other uses.
