Virtual Disk Service Error in DISKPART

If you encounter the “Virtual Disk Service Error” while using the DISKPART command in Command Prompt, it may indicate issues with disk configuration or system settings. Let’s dive into the possible reasons behind this error and how to resolve it effectively.

Main Causes of the Error

  • Virtual Disk Service not running: The most common issue is that the Virtual Disk Service (VDS) is not started or is disabled.
  • Insufficient privileges: Command Prompt is not running with administrator rights.
  • Outdated drivers: Disk controller drivers may be outdated or corrupted.
  • Issues with removable media: The error can occur when trying to manage USB drives or SD cards.

How to Fix the Virtual Disk Service Error

1. Check if the Virtual Disk Service is Running

  1. Press Win + R and type services.msc, then press Enter.
  2. Find the “Virtual Disk” service in the list.
  3. Right-click on it and select “Start”. If the service is already running, click “Restart”.
  4. Ensure the startup type is set to “Automatic”.

2. Run Command Prompt as Administrator

Sometimes, the error occurs due to a lack of permissions. To run DISKPART with administrator rights, follow these steps:

  1. Search for “Command Prompt” in the Windows search bar.
  2. Right-click on it and select “Run as administrator”.

3. Update Disk Drivers

Outdated or corrupt drivers can cause issues with disk utilities. To update your disk drivers:

  1. Press Win + X and select “Device Manager”.
  2. Expand the “Disk Drives” section.
  3. Right-click on the disk and choose “Update driver”.
  4. Follow the prompts to search for driver updates automatically.

4. Verify Disk Accessibility

The error may also appear when trying to access an unavailable or locked disk. Check if the disk is accessible in the system:

  1. Open Disk Management by pressing Win + X and selecting “Disk Management”.
  2. Ensure the disk is listed and is not marked as “Not Initialized” or “Unavailable”.

5. Use SFC and DISM Tools

Corrupted system files can interfere with disk utility operations. Run the following commands to check and repair system files:

sfc /scannow
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

After completing the scan, restart your computer.