How to Fix "Unable to Connect to Virtual Disk Service" Windows 10/11
Do you frequently receive prompts showing "unable to connect to virtual disk service" on Windows 10 or 11? Also, When attempting to access Disk Management in Windows 7, it may become stuck in "connecting to the virtual disk service" or "loading disk configuration information."
Here, we outline the steps you can take to solve this issue, as it is a Windows service that controls and makes information available on the virtual disk.
Why Unable to Connect to Virtual Disk Service
You are wondering why your Disk Management cannot connect to the virtual disk service. Here are some of the reasons why.
- The remote computer does not support VDS.
A computer won't connect to a virtual disk service if it doesn't support it. So always check to know if the laptop supports it before connecting.
- The connection is blocked by Windows Firewall.
The Windows Firewall monitors network traffic into and out of the computer and determines which network traffic to block or allow based on the security rules. So, the Windows Firewall may be responsible for the coming errors.
- Other reasons, such as faulty devices.
You could check on external storage devices like an external hard drive, a card reader, or a USB drive, as they could be faulty and responsible for the errors. These devices could also be incompatible with Disk Management.
To get this virtual disk service error fixed, look at the next part of this article. The fixes would help with the error on either a Windows PC or a Windows Server.
How Do I Fix the "Unable to Connect to Virtual Disk Service" Error
Outlined here are the possible ways you can get the "unable to connect to virtual disk service" prompt fixed. We present to you six ways to fix the error. They are as follows:
Fix 1. Use Alternative Software for Disk Management
Fix 2. Disable Windows Defender
Fix 3. Enable Virtual Disk Service
Fix 4. Use SFC or DISM to Fix the Error
Fix 5. Unblock Windows Firewall
Fix 6. Check All External Storage Devices
Now, let's learn the fixes in detail and start with the first one.
Fix 1. Use Alternative Software for Disk Management
What if I told you that you could use an alternative software for Disk Management that would serve the same purpose without any issues? Interesting right? Qiling Partition Master Free serves this purpose well, and yes, it can completely replace disk management in all aspects.
It is more efficient and safer than disk management and has other exciting features. Here are some reasons why it is an ideal alternative.
- Create/Delete partition: You can delete/create partitions on USB drive, SD cards, and other drives.
- Resize/Move partition: This tool can resize encrypted partition or move unallocated space to C drive
- Extend system partition: You can make the most of available or unallocated space. To speed up the PC, use the "Extend" feature.
- Merge partitions: With its help, it is easy to merge partitions on SSD or a USB.
- Format/Wipe Partition: You can format a disk or delete a partition using the free Qiling Partition Manager.
You can't wait to try it out with the features listed. You can click the button below to download.
Fix 2. Disable Windows Defender
Sometimes disabling the built-in Windows Defender antivirus can prevent the error from occurring.
To disable them, follow these steps.
Step 1: Press the "Windows + R" keys and type in "gpedit.msc" in order to open Local Group Policy Editor.
Step 2: Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender Antivirus.
Step 3: Highlight Windows Defender Antivirus and double click Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus.
Step 4: Mark "Enabled," then "Apply," and "OK" to save the changes.
Step 5: Reboot the computer to effect the changes.
Fix 3. Enable Virtual Disk Service
The virtual disk services might not be enabled; to enable them, follow this guide.
Step 1: Press the "Windows + R" keys simultaneously to call out the Run box.
Step 2: Type "services.msc" in the Run box, and after, press Enter to open Windows Services Manager.
Step 3: Scroll down to find the Virtual Disk Service. Double-click this service to open it.
Step 4: Choose Automatic/Manual for the startup type. Then, click "OK" to save the changes.
Fix 4. Use SFC or DISM to Fix the Error
Step 1: Open the Command Prompt window. Enter "command prompt" in Search. Right-click the Command Prompt icon and Run as administrator.
Step 2: Type "sfc /scannow" and press the Enter key. Then, wait until the procedure ends.
You can start Disk Management to see if it can be loaded as usual. If the SFC command fails to fix this problem, you can try the DISM command.
The steps for running the DISM command are given below.
- Similarly, launch Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type this:
exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth
exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
- Close the Command Prompt window after the procedure ends and test whether the error is solved.
Fix 5. Unblock Windows Firewall
Based on its security rules, the Windows Firewall often acts as an obstacle. Follow the steps below to unblock the Windows Firewall.
Step 1: Select the Start button > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security and then Firewall & network protection
Step 2: Select "Windows Defender" and click "Open Windows Defender Security Center."
Step 3: Click "Firewall & network protection" and "Allow an app through firewall."
Step 4: In the new window, click "Change settings."
Step 5: Find "Remote Volume Management" and tick both squares, then click the "OK" button to save changes.
Fix 6. Check All External Storage Devices
Troubleshooting external storage devices can sometimes fix this. removing all external devices one by one to determine if any are defective. The external storage devices can be a card reader, a USB drive, or a hard drive. Also, the universal serial bus drivers should be updated.
Conclusion
With the virtual disk service, it is possible to execute management functions for disks, file systems, volumes, and storage arrays, and mistakes would be prevalent.
The causes of this have been covered in this article; now, we need to determine whether the remote computer is capable of using it, whether any external storage devices are broken, or whether the Windows firewall has blocked the connection. There are six ways to resolve the issues, regardless of whether a Windows PC or Windows Server is involved.
There are some other disk partition issues you may run into when you use Disk Management. Click the links to help:
FAQs Related to Unable to Connect to Virtual Disk Service
Some of the frequently asked questions with answers related to being unable to connect to virtual disk service are provided here.
1. What is the Virtual Disk Service?
This Microsoft Windows service performs queries, configuration tasks, and volume and disk management functions as end users, scripts, and programs are requested.
2. How do I enable virtual disk services?
Information on how to enable virtual disk services has been given in this article.
3. Can I restart the virtual disk service?
Yes, you can. Below are a few steps to do this.
Step 1. Press the Windows key + R on the Keyboard.
Step 2. Type services.MSC and hit Enter.
Step 3. In the Services Window, look for Virtual Disk service and stop it.
Step 4. Restart the computer, Start the Virtual Disk Service, and set it to Automatic.
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