Windows VHDX Install via DISM++ with Native Multiboot
Designer.jpeg📘 PrefaceRunning multiple versions of Windows on one machine is easier with no partitioning, more flexible with VHD/VHDX, and native boot.This guide both GUI and command-line methods for easy setup.🔧 Required Tools :DISM++: Lightweight deployment tool for Windows.Windows ISO files: For Windows 7, 10, and 11.📦 Multiboot ConfigurationOSVHD PathBoot ModeWindows 7C:OSWin7.vhdUEFIWindows 10C:OSWin10.vhdxUEFIWindows 11C:OSWin11.vhdxUEFIInstallation Guide (GUI)📁 1. Create VHDsUse Disk Management to create and attach VHDs:Open Disk Management.2025-09-11_124841.pngCreate a new VHD (VHD for Windows 7, VHDX for Windows 10/11).2025-09-11_123326.png2025-09-11_123352.png2025-09-11_123500.pngAttach the VHD and Initialize the disk using GPT.2025-09-11_123326 - attach.png2025-09-11_123509.png2025-09-11_123513.pngCreate a new volume and format it as NTFS.2025-09-11_123520.png2025-09-11_123543.png2025-09-11_123552.png🧰 2. Apply Windows Image Using DISM++Launch DISM++ as Administrator.2025-09-11_123647.pngGo to Recovery > System Restore.2025-09-11_123701.pngMount the Windows ISO and locate install.wim (e.g., D:\sources\install.wim).Select Windows ISO’s install.wim .2025-09-11_123747.pngChoose the Index that we want (e.g., Windows 7 ULTIMATE).Apply the image to the mounted VHD (e.g., V:).Enable Add Boot and Format options.2025-09-11_123751.png2025-09-11_123914.png2025-09-11_124003.png2025-09-11_124200.png2025-09-11_124729.pngRepeat the process for each Windows version using separate VHDs.2025-09-12_105804.png2025-09-12_110205.pngInstallation Guide (command-line)🔧 Required Tools:Windows ISO files (Windows 7, 10, 11)🪟 Step 1: Create and Mount VHDXCreates a VHD folder C:\OS to store the virtual hard disk (VHDX) file.MKDIR C:\OS💽 Step 2: Launch DISKPART and Create VHDX# Starts the Disk Partition tool DISKPART # Create VHDX, Expanding, 50GB Storage CREATE VDISK FILE=C:\OS\WIN11.VHDX MAXIMUM=51200 TYPE=EXPANDABLE # Select and Attach the VHDX SELECT VDISK FILE=C:\OS\WIN11.VHDX ATTACH VDISK # Initialize and format CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY ASSIGN LETTER=V FORMAT QUICK FS=NTFS LABEL=WIN11 EXIT📁 Step 2: Apply Windows Image Using DISMMount the Windows ISO 2025-09-10_122529.pnglocate install.wim , then Copy as path (e.g. "E:sourcesinstall.wim")2025-09-10_122629.png📦 Check Available Windows 11 Editions in WIM FileDISM /GET-IMAGEINFO /IMAGEFILE:"E:\sources\install.wim"🗂️ Available Windows 11 EditionsIndexEdition Name1Windows 11 Home2Windows 11 Home N3Windows 11 Home Single Language4Windows 11 Education5Windows 11 Education N6Windows 11 Pro7Windows 11 Pro N8Windows 11 Pro Education9Windows 11 Pro Education N10Windows 11 Pro for Workstations11Windows 11 Pro N for Workstations🧩 Apply the desired edition (e.g., Windows 11 Education):dism /Apply-Image /ImageFile:E:\Sources\install.wim /Index:4 /ApplyDir:V:\Applies Windows 11 Education (Index 4) to the V: drive.DISM /APPLY-IMAGE /IMAGEFILE:"E:\sources\install.wim" /INDEX:4 /APPLYDIR:"V:" /APPLY-UNATTEND:"C:\Users\User\Downloads\Win11\win11_unattend.xml"Optionally, Uses an unattended setup XML file to automate installation settings (e.g., region, user account, license key etc.).⚙️ Step 3: Make VHDX Bootablebcdboot V:\WindowsThis command copies boot files and registers the VHD for native boot.2025-09-10_131855.png🧪ConclusionSetting up native boot with VHDs is a clean and flexible way to run multiple versions of Windows on the same machine. With tools like DISM++ and a bit of command-line work, each system can be installed and managed independently—no virtualization needed. It’s fast, efficient, and ideal for testing, development, or just keeping things organized. For best results, keep the VHDs on an SSD or M.2 and enjoy the simplicity of switching between full Windows environments with just a reboot.