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Fix: Disk Management Could Not Start Virtual Disk Service

Simple yet effective fixes to regain access to Disk Management

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Disk Management is the go-to Windows tool for drive partitioning and related functions. However, you can get errors, likeDisk Management could not start Virtual Disk serviceonce in a while trying to launch the tool.

Different factors like disabled service and firewall interference can cause this issue. To help you regain access to Disk Management, we have gathered tested and proven solutions to help you fix this issue, irrespective of the cause.

Why is Disk Management not starting the Virtual Disk service?

Listed below are some of the potential causes of the Disk Management could not start virtual disk service error message:

Taking these common causes for theDisk Management could not start Virtual Disk serviceerror into account, let’s fix the problem using the solutions below.

How can I fix Disk Management to start the Virtual Disk service?

1. Enable the Virtual Disk Service on both local and remote computers

The first thing to do if you are getting the Disk Management could not start Virtual Disk service error is to check if the service is disabled. If it is, you need to enable it.

2. Enable the Remote Volume Management through Windows Firewall

If the Windows Firewall is blocking Remote Volume Management, you are likely to get the Disk Management could not start Virtual Disk service error.

The only way to prevent and fix this is to allow the tool through your built-in firewall on both the local and remote systems.

3. Temporarily disable Windows Defender

If you are still getting the Disk Management could not start Virtual Disk service error after allowing the Remote Volume Management, it means your antivirus software is blocking the service.

4. Run the SFC and DISM scans

Sometimes, this error is simply caused by corrupted system files. This can also cause theDisk Management not loadingissue.

You can restore normalcy here by running the SFC and DISM scans.

How do I fix Disk Management stuck on connecting to virtual disk service?

If Disk Management is stuck on connecting to the Virtual disk service, the effect is the same, and the service won’t start.

While you can fix the issue with some of the fixes above, the causes of the issues are still different. So, to fix theDisk Management stuck on connecting to Virtual Disk serviceissue, check our detailed guide on the topic.

The Disk Management could not start Virtual Disk service issue is one of the common issues users encounter, and you have nothing to worry about.

The problem is often caused by interference from your antivirus and firewall or a disabled service. But with the list of solutions in this guide, fixing it should be effortless.

In the same vein, if you are getting aVirtual Disk object not found error, we have a detailed guide to help you fix that too.

Fix: Disk Management Could Not Start Virtual Disk Service#

Why is Disk Management not starting the Virtual Disk service?#

How can I fix Disk Management to start the Virtual Disk service?#

1. Enable the Virtual Disk Service on both local and remote computers#

2. Enable the Remote Volume Management through Windows Firewall#

3. Temporarily disable Windows Defender#

4. Run the SFC and DISM scans#

How do I fix Disk Management stuck on connecting to virtual disk service?#