How to Fix Virtual Disk Service Error “Volume Size Too Big” on Windows 11

Virtual Disk Service (VDS) errors can be frustrating when managing your drives on Windows 11. One common issue is the “Volume Size Too Big” error, which can prevent you from creating or extending a volume.

This error usually happens when the disk or partition size exceeds certain limits set by Windows or the file system. Knowing how to fix it can save you time and avoid data loss.

In this article, we will guide you through simple and effective methods to resolve this error step-by-step. Each step is explained clearly so even beginners can follow easily.

Let’s get started and fix the “Volume Size Too Big” error on your Windows 11 system.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Checks

Before diving into fixes, make sure of the following:

Your Windows 11 is updated to the latest version. Updates often fix bugs related to disk management.
You have administrative rights on your computer. Without admin access, you cannot make disk changes.
The drive you want to modify is not currently in use or locked by another program.
You have backed up important data to prevent accidental loss during disk operations.

Step 1: Check the Disk Partition Style

Windows supports two main partition styles: MBR (Master Boot Record) and GPT (GUID Partition Table). MBR has a maximum partition size limit of 2 TB, which might cause the “Volume Size Too Big” error if you try to create larger volumes.

To check your disk’s partition style:

Press Windows + X and select Disk Management.
Right-click the disk you want to check (e.g., Disk 0) and choose Properties.
Go to the Volumes tab and look for Partition style. It will say either Master Boot Record (MBR) or GUID Partition Table (GPT).

If your disk is MBR and you want to create larger volumes, you will need to convert it to GPT.

Step 2: Convert MBR Disk to GPT (If Applicable)

Converting from MBR to GPT removes the 2 TB partition size limit. However, this process usually deletes all partitions and data on the disk, so backing up is essential.

Here’s how to convert:

Open Disk Management as described earlier.
Delete all partitions on the disk you want to convert by right-clicking each partition and selecting Delete Volume. Warning: This erases all data on the disk.
Once the disk shows as Unallocated, right-click the disk label (e.g., Disk 0) and select Convert to GPT Disk.
After conversion, you can create new volumes larger than 2 TB without the error.

Important: If you cannot delete partitions because the disk contains your system or boot volume, consider using backup tools or third-party software to convert without data loss.

Step 3: Use Diskpart Command Line Tool

If Disk Management doesn’t allow you to create or extend volumes due to the size error, try using the Diskpart tool, which offers more control.

Follow these steps carefully:

Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
Type diskpart and press Enter.
Type list disk to display all disks.
Identify the disk number you want to work on (e.g., Disk 1).
Type select disk 1 (replace 1 with your disk number) and press Enter.
Type list partition to see existing partitions.
If you want to create a new partition, type create partition primary size=XXXXX where XXXXX is the size in megabytes (MB). Make sure it does not exceed the disk’s limit.
If you want to extend an existing volume, type select partition X (replace X with partition number), then extend.
Type exit to leave Diskpart.

Diskpart can sometimes bypass GUI limits, but the underlying partition style and disk size limits still apply.

Alternative Method: Use Third-Party Partition Tools

If Windows tools don’t work or you want an easier interface, consider third-party tools like MiniTool Partition Wizard, EaseUS Partition Master, or AOMEI Partition Assistant.

These tools offer:

Conversion between MBR and GPT without data loss (in some cases)
Ability to create, resize, and extend partitions beyond Windows’ built-in limits
More flexibility and user-friendly interfaces

Always download software from official sources and back up your data before making changes.

FAQs

Why am I getting the “Volume Size Too Big” error?

This usually happens because your disk uses the MBR partition style, which limits partition sizes to 2 TB, or the file system and Windows version restrict the volume size.

Can I fix this error without deleting data?

Converting MBR to GPT usually requires deleting partitions, which erases data. However, some third-party tools allow conversion without data loss. Always back up your data first.

Is GPT better than MBR?

GPT supports larger volumes, more partitions, and is required for disks larger than 2 TB. It is generally recommended for modern systems.

Does this error appear only on Windows 11?

No, this error can occur on other Windows versions as well, but Windows 11 users might encounter it more often due to larger disk sizes and newer hardware.

What if Disk Management and Diskpart both fail?

In that case, third-party partition tools or professional help may be needed. Sometimes hardware or driver issues can also cause problems.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above methods and still face the “Volume Size Too Big” error, consider these final options:

Check for BIOS/UEFI updates for your motherboard that may improve disk compatibility.
Run Windows Disk Check and System File Checker to repair possible corrupted system files.
Consult official Microsoft support or visit the Microsoft Disk Management documentation.
Reach out to professional IT support if you suspect hardware issues.

Conclusion

The “Volume Size Too Big” error on Windows 11 usually relates to partition style limitations or system restrictions. By checking your disk’s partition style, converting MBR to GPT if needed, and using tools like Diskpart or third-party software, you can overcome this problem.

Always remember to back up your data before making disk changes. With these clear steps, you should be able to fix the error and manage your disk volumes smoothly on Windows 11.