XVD File Extension

What is XVD file?

Files with the XVD extension serve as a container for data essential for the operation of the Xbox One console. These are encrypted, wrapped binary format files of various types. On a PC, they can represent a virtual hard drive installed by a specific driver - Microsoft Gaming Filesystem Driver. This is the case for Xbox Play Anywhere games.

Content of XVD files - Xbox One console data

In XVD files - Xbox One Virtual Disk, there can be various types of system data stored. The console saves them on the built-in hard drive. A file with the XVD extension contains a header with metadata and hash values for the data blocks following the header. Files like System.xvd or host.xvd may store:

• system image,
• system data, configuration,
• update information,

This file format replaced the STFS format used for the Xbox 360 console. It is more complex and features a higher level of security. A similar format for game data on the console has the XVC extension.

Usage of XVD files

Direct use of XVD files may occur when there is a need to update a console that does not have an Internet connection. The files are saved on drives formatted in NTFS system. Updates can be downloaded from Microsoft servers, saved on portable memory, and connected to the console. Besides, there are tools such as xvdtool, which allow for checking file information and their possible decryption and conversion.

Programs which support XVD file extension

Below is a table that list programs that support XVD files. Files with XVD extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 03/12/2024

How to open file with XVD extension?

Problems with accessing XVD may be due to various reasons. Fortunately, most common problems with XVD files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with XVD files.

Step 1. Download and install xvdtool

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports XVD files installed on the system. The most obvious solution is to download and install xvdtool or one to the listed programs: Microsoft XBOX. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download xvdtool installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of xvdtool

If you already have xvdtool installed on your systems and XVD files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. The reason that xvdtool cannot handle files with XVD may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of xvdtool is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign xvdtool to XVD files

If you have the latest version of xvdtool installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage XVD on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the XVD file
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the xvdtool installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open XVD files box and clicking OK button.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with XVD extension, select 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 XVD extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Verify that the XVD is not faulty

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the XVD file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

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

If the XVD is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the XVD file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

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

Did you receive the XVD file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. When downloading the file with XVD 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. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open xvdtool

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with XVD extension. In this case close the other applications.

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

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Xbox One Virtual Disk Format file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle XVD files.

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