Run IT on a Virtual Hard Disk – Test Drive Program
The Microsoft Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) format is the common virtualization file format that provides a uniform product support system, and provides more seamless manageability, security, reliability and cost-efficiency for customers.
Featured VHDs
Using the power of virtualization, you can now quickly evaluate Microsoft and partner solutions through a series of pre-configured Virtual Hard Disks (VHDs). You can download the VHDs and evaluate them for free in your own environment without the need for dedicated servers or complex installations. Start now by selecting an item from the VHD catalog below.
- Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise Edition x64 (Full Install)
This download helps you evaluate the new features of Windows Server 2008 R2. You'll have the opportunity to try new and improved features and functionality of Windows Server 2008 R2 free for 180 days. Windows Server 2008 R2 builds on the award-winning foundation of Windows Server 2008, expanding existing technology and adding new features to enable IT professionals to increase the reliability and flexibility of their server infrastructures. New virtualization tools, Web resources, management enhancements, and exciting Windows 7 integration help save time, reduce costs, and provide a platform for a dynamic and efficiently managed data center. Powerful tools such as Internet Information Services (IIS) version 7.5, updated Server Manager and Hyper-V platforms and Windows PowerShell version 2.0 combine to give customers greater control, increased efficiency and the ability to react to front-line business needs faster than ever before.
- Visual Studio Lab Management (pre-release) 2010 for Windows Server 2008 R2
Download this fully configured virtual machine of the latest release of Visual Studio Lab Management (pre-release) 2010. Evaluate the new capabilities of Visual Studio Lab Management 2010 which enables teams to accelerate setup/tear down and restoration of complex virtual environments to a known state for test execution and build automation. It extends build automation by automating virtual machine provisioning, build deployment and build verification in an integrated manner. It also allows testers to file rich bugs with links to environment checkpoints that developers can use to recreate complex environments, effectively reducing wasted time and resources in your development and test lifecycle. The detailed walkthrough steps can be found here.
- Exchange Server 2010 RC for Windows Server 2008
Download this fully configured virtual machine of the latest release of Exchange Server 2010. Evaluate the new capabilities of Exchange Server 2010, which helps you achieve new levels of reliability and performance by delivering features that help to simplify your administration, protect your communications, and delight your users by meeting their demands for greater business mobility.
VHDs by Product
Windows Server 2008 R2 (Hyper-V)
Windows Server 2008 (Hyper-V)
Windows Server 2003 R2 (Virtual Server R2)
Learn More About VHDs
VHD Product Overview
Learn about the VHD Test Drive Program, get an introduction to virtual machine technology, and read about key features and benefits of using VHDs in this overview. |
Frequently Asked Questions about VHDs
Find general information about using VHDs, virtual machine technology, requirements, and more in the VHD FAQ. |
Become a VHD Test Drive Partner
The Microsoft VHD Test Drive Program provides Microsoft’s partners a convenient and simplified process for creation of application images, facilitates its widespread distribution by making it available as a free download and enables accelerated evaluation and testing of these applications by customers. Please contact vhdinfo@microsoft.com for more information. |
VHD Image Format Specifications
With the VHD format now available as a freely available specification, Microsoft is contributing to the continued expansion of the virtualization market by fostering interoperability among all commercial software solutions, including open source. |