Step-by-Step Guide to Resolve Virtual Disk Service Error

Overview: The Virtual Disk Service (VDS) is a set of APIs that provides a unified interface for managing disks and volumes in Windows operating systems. It includes tools like Disk Management, DiskRAID, and DiskPart, allowing users to manage storage hardware, create partitions, and perform various disk operations. However, users often encounter the error message “Virtual Disk Service Error: The volume size is too big” when executing commands in DiskPart. This article outlines the causes of this error and provides effective troubleshooting methods.

Understanding the ‘Virtual Disk Service Error: The Volume Size Is Too Big’

This error typically arises when attempting to format a partition larger than 32GB to the FAT32 file system using DiskPart or Disk Management tools in Windows. The FAT32 file system has inherent limitations, one of which is its inability to handle partitions exceeding 32GB when formatted through Windows utilities. Consequently, when users try to format a large partition to FAT32, the operation is halted, and the system displays the ‘Virtual Disk Service Error: The volume size is too big’ message.

It’s important to note that while FAT32 can theoretically support partitions up to 8TB, Windows’ built-in tools impose a 32GB limit for formatting. This restriction is in place because larger FAT32 partitions can lead to decreased performance and increased risk of data corruption. Therefore, for partitions larger than 32GB, it is recommended to use the NTFS or exFAT file systems, which are designed to handle larger volumes more efficiently and without the same limitations.

By understanding these file system constraints, users can make informed decisions about partition formatting and avoid encountering this common error.

But, it has limitations too that users can face while performing it. Generally, the error occurs during performing diskpart commands that blocks the completion of the task in the middle.

Diskpart

Diskpart is a Windows built-in tool, that helps the users to fix disk and partition issues. But, sometimes it doesn’t work as well as it was expected. This makes the situation worse and the user will face the error.

Main Reasons: “Virtual Disk Service Error the volume size is too big”

Many computer users of Windows, Mac, Linux, or other game consoles and so on use NTFS and FAT32 file systems. These systems have their merit and demerit. Users are free to alter the partition type as per their references.

There are some standards or criteria for both NTFS and FAT32 that they need to maintain. Windows File Explorer can easily access and use a large FAT32 partition. But is unable to format the partition of more than 32 GB files into FAT32. So, even if a user wants to format a hard drive of more than 32 GB, chances of happening are absolutely nill.

Users in return get the error message of big volume size.This criterion is quite understandable as FAT32 doesn’t have enough space for the large drive. As a result, it will lead to partition corruption.

How to Resolve Virtual Disk Service Error using Disk Management?

Whenever a user fails to format his hard drive, then it means that he should take care of the Disk Management. Although the Windows built-in tool is free to use, it has some exceptions too. As a result, it generates errors. So, one should take care and also know how to resolve virtual disk service error.

One has to consider the file size as if users want to format a hard drive larger than 32GB. He will get only NTFS in the drop-down menu of the File system. But if the size is smaller than 32 GB to format the hard drive. Then, users can see both NTFS and FAT32 file systems.

Repair the Virtual Disk Error through Manual Steps:

User can repair this error by change the file system, format the hard drive or external USB to other Windows supported format – NTFS or exFAT:

Step 1. First, right-tap on “This PC” and pick “Manage”. After that, visit the “Disk Management”.

Step 2. Right-tap on the aimed hard drive partition and select “Format”.

Step 3. At last, adjust the volume label, file system, and tap on “OK” to begin the drive formatting.

In this way, one can get rid of the error. It is very easy to perform. Sometimes the error generates due to faulty VHD files then what one should do in this situation. Users can use the VHD Recovery to recover all of the data from corrupt VHD files. The utility also offers the freeware VHD Repair tool. It is free to download so that users can examine the working of the software.

Conclusion

This blog offers the tricks that will help the users to avoid the message error. That simply states – virtual disk service error the volume size is too big. Windows don’t let its users format large hard drives of more than 32 GB to FAT32. Thus, users get the error message in Diskpart. If the user uses Disk Management, then they are bound to see the NTFS file system only. In case, there are some corrupt VHD files. Then, users can use an alternative solution to fix these corrupt files.