VDI File Extension

What is VDI file?

Files with .VDI extension contain virtual disk images along with associated metadata. VDI is the native image format for VirtualBOX, a system virtualization software. VDI is a disk image file-container loaded as guests by VirtualBox hypervisor on given machine (referred to as host). VHD and VMDK are similar image format used by VirtualBox.

Uses of VDI files

VDI format is the default disk image format used by VirtualBox for creating a virtual machine. VM (virtual machine) disk and its setting are saved in a single VDI file. VirtualBox was developed 2007 by a German company Innotek as a proprietary commercial software; a demo versions has also been made available to to public under the PUEL license. Not long after its debut, Innotek decided to distribute VirtualBox as open-source software under the GNU license. In 2008 Innotek was acquired by Sun Microsystems, and in 2010 was bought by Oracle. VirtualBox is still actively developed and marketed under then full name Oracle VM VirtualBox. Version 6 of VirtualBox, released in 2019, introduced some changes to VDI format. VDI machines can be mounted on host system by issuing vboximg-mount in VirtualBox console.

VDI file format

VDI is a single disk container format, it supports compression to save storage space, and can be customized in regard to virtual disk size limit or scalability. VDI files are organized in four sections:

1. 72-bit pre-header section.
2. Standard header section with metadata.
3. Disk image block allocation map.
4. Disk image blocks.

VDI files are supported on Windows, Linux/GNU, masOS, FreeBSD and Sun Solaris platforms, for which VirtualBox is available. Current VirtualBox versions support VDI encryption.

Programs which support VDI file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with VDI files, divided into 3 categories based on operating system on which they are available. Files with VDI suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 04/14/2022

How to open file with VDI extension?

Problems with accessing VDI may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with VDI extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Get the VirtualBox

Problems with opening and working with VDI files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with VDI files being present on your machine. This one is an easy one. Select VirtualBox or one of the recommended programs (for example, Parallels Desktop, Parallels Workstation) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support VDI files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. If you want to download VirtualBox installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Oracle Corporation website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Update VirtualBox to the latest version

You still cannot access VDI files although VirtualBox is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that VirtualBox cannot handle files with VDI may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of VirtualBox should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate VirtualBox Virtual Disk Image files with VirtualBox

After installing VirtualBox (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open VDI files. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Right-click the VDI file and choose Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where VirtualBox is installed, check the Always use this app to open VDI files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected VDI file open the file menu and choose Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with VDI extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Verify that the VDI is not faulty

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper VDI file. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. The VDI may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the VDI is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the VDI file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Verify that the VDI file’s structure is intact

If the VDI file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with VDI extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the VirtualBox Virtual Disk Image file again.

4. Check whether your system can handle VirtualBox

If the systems has insufficient resources to open VDI files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with VirtualBox Virtual Disk Image files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It may be the case that the VDI files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the VDI file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on VDI file.