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How to Fix Virtual Disk Service Error “Object Not Found” on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Encountering the “Virtual Disk Service Error: Object Not Found” message on Windows 11 can be frustrating, especially when trying to manage your drives. This error usually appears when the system cannot locate the disk or partition you’re trying to access or modify.

Fortunately, there are several straightforward solutions to fix this issue. These steps range from simple checks to more advanced troubleshooting, designed for all user levels.

This guide will walk you through each method clearly and carefully, so you can restore your disk management functions without hassle.

Let’s start by understanding some quick things to check before diving into fixes.

Quick Note: Preliminary Checks Before Fixing the Error

  • Ensure the disk is properly connected: If you are working with an external or secondary internal drive, make sure all cables are firmly plugged in and the drive is powered on.
  • Check if the disk is detected in BIOS/UEFI: Restart your PC and enter BIOS settings to confirm the drive is recognized by the system.
  • Run Windows Update: Sometimes, updating Windows can resolve underlying system issues affecting disk services.
  • Use an Administrator account: Make sure you are logged in with an account that has administrator privileges, as managing disks requires elevated permissions.

Step 1: Restart the Virtual Disk Service

The Virtual Disk Service (VDS) handles disk management tasks in Windows. Sometimes, simply restarting this service can resolve the error.

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter to open the Services window.
  3. Scroll down and find Virtual Disk service in the list.
  4. Right-click on it and select Restart. If it’s not running, click Start.
  5. Close the Services window and check if the error persists in Disk Management.

Why this helps: Restarting the service refreshes its operation, clearing temporary glitches that might cause the “Object Not Found” error.

Step 2: Use Diskpart to Identify the Disk

Disk Management sometimes fails to locate disks that Diskpart can still detect. Using Diskpart allows you to manually check and manage disks.

  1. Open the Start menu, type cmd, right-click on Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator.
  2. In the command window, type diskpart and press Enter to launch the Diskpart tool.
  3. Type list disk and press Enter to display all connected disks.
  4. Look for your missing disk in the list. If it appears, note its number (e.g., Disk 1).
  5. Type select disk X (replace X with your disk number) and press Enter.
  6. Type detail disk to see detailed information about the selected disk.

Why this helps: This method confirms if Windows can detect the disk at a lower level, even if Disk Management cannot. If the disk doesn’t appear here, the problem could be hardware-related.

Step 3: Rescan Disks in Disk Management

Sometimes, Disk Management needs a manual refresh to recognize all connected disks.

  1. Press Win + X and select Disk Management.
  2. In the Disk Management window, click on the Action menu at the top.
  3. Select Rescan Disks.
  4. Wait a moment and see if the missing disk appears.

Why this helps: Rescanning forces Windows to re-query all storage devices, which can fix detection issues caused by system glitches.

Step 4: Check and Repair Disk Using CHKDSK

If the disk shows up but you still get the error, there may be file system corruption causing the problem. Running CHKDSK can help repair such issues.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
chkdsk X: /f /r /x

Replace X: with the drive letter of the problematic disk.

  • /f fixes errors on the disk.
  • /r locates bad sectors and recovers readable information.
  • /x forces the volume to dismount before checking.

Wait for the scan and repair process to complete. Then, restart your computer and check Disk Management again.

Step 5: Update or Reinstall Storage Controller Drivers

Outdated or faulty drivers can cause disk detection errors. Updating or reinstalling storage controllers can fix this.

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Storage controllers or Disk drives section.
  3. Right-click your disk or controller and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow the prompts.
  5. If updating doesn’t help, right-click and select Uninstall device. Then restart your PC to reinstall drivers automatically.

Why this helps: Drivers act as communication links between your hardware and Windows. If they are outdated or corrupted, disks may not be recognized properly.

Alternative Advanced Method: System File Checker and DISM

If the error persists, corrupted Windows system files could be responsible. Running System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools can repair these files.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Type and run the following commands one by one:
sfc /scannow

Wait for the scan to complete. If issues are found and fixed, restart your PC.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This command repairs the Windows image. After completion, reboot your system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why am I seeing the “Object Not Found” error when managing disks?

This error typically occurs when Windows cannot detect the disk or partition you are trying to access. It may be due to hardware disconnection, corrupted system services, or driver problems.

Can this error cause data loss?

The error itself does not cause data loss, but underlying disk issues might. Always back up important data if you suspect hardware failure.

Is it safe to use Diskpart commands?

Yes, but be careful. Diskpart is a powerful tool that can modify disks and partitions. Always double-check commands to avoid accidental data loss.

What if the disk is not detected in BIOS?

If the disk is missing in BIOS, it’s likely a hardware issue. Check the cables, power connections, or try connecting the disk to another computer.

Can third-party software fix this error?

Some third-party disk management tools may help detect and repair disk issues, but it’s best to try built-in Windows tools first for safety and compatibility.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and the “Virtual Disk Service Error: Object Not Found” still appears, consider these final options:

  • Check hardware health: Use manufacturer tools or third-party diagnostics to test your drive’s health.
  • Seek professional help: Contact a technician if you suspect physical disk damage.
  • Consult official Microsoft support: Visit the Microsoft Support website for additional guidance.
  • Consider system restore or reset: As a last resort, restoring your system to an earlier point or resetting Windows might fix corrupted system components.

Conclusion

Dealing with the “Virtual Disk Service Error: Object Not Found” on Windows 11 can be resolved through a series of logical and straightforward steps. Starting from simple service restarts and rescanning disks to advanced repairs using Diskpart, CHKDSK, and system file tools, each method targets common causes of this issue.

Remember to verify hardware connections and use administrator privileges throughout the process. If problems persist, do not hesitate to seek professional help or official support.

With patience and careful execution of these solutions, you can restore full disk management functionality and keep your Windows 11 system running smoothly.

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