Where Are Hyper-V VMs Stored?
Hyper-V stores VM configuration files under ProgramData and stores virtual hard disks under the Public Documents folder by default on Windows. Each VM can override those defaults.
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New VMs inherit default paths from Hyper-V Settings. The configuration folder holds VM definition and snapshot metadata.
Actual disk use can differ per VM. Check the VM settings for hard drive and checkpoint paths before moving or deleting files.
Where Hyper-V stores this, by platform
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Hyper-V\
Default host folder for VM configuration and related state. Files include XML or VMCX definitions plus Virtual Machines and Snapshots subfolders. Change it in Hyper-V Manager under Hyper-V Settings.
C:\Users\Public\Documents\Hyper-V\Virtual hard disks\
Default folder for new VHD and VHDX files. Per VM hard disk paths can point elsewhere, so confirm in VM Settings under Hard Drive before backup.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find where a specific VM stores its disk?
Select the VM in Hyper-V Manager, open Settings, then select Hard Drive. The Virtual hard disk field shows the full VHDX path for that VM.
Can I move Hyper-V storage safely?
Use Hyper-V Manager Move Storage or export the VM first. Manual file moves can break the VM registration and checkpoint chain.
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