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.

	Microsoft Windows 7 Enterprise This download lets you evaluate Windows 7. Windows 7 has many new features and file management enhancements -- like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews -- all to help speed you through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance. Your PC just works the way you want it to! With 64-bit support, you can take full advantage of the latest generation of powerful PCs and processors. New features like HomeGroup, an updated Windows Media Center and Windows Touch make new things possible.
	Exchange Server 2010 RC for Windows Server 2008 Download this fully configured virtual machine of the latest release of Exchange Server 2010 RC. Evaluate the new capabilities of Exchange Server 2010 RC, 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.
	SQL Server 2008 Enterprise Evaluation for Windows Server 2008 Start evaluating SQL Server 2008 Enterprise today. SQL Server 2008 Enterprise provides a trusted, productive, and intelligent data platform that enables you to run your most demanding mission-critical applications, reduce time and cost of development and management of applications, and deliver actionable insight to your entire organization.

VHDs by Product

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.

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.

TechNet Evaluation Center

Start evaluating and using Microsoft products today.