Windows does not natively support the file system. While legacy tools like the "Open Source VMFS Driver" work for VMFS 3, they are incompatible with VMFS 6. To access VMFS 6 data on a Windows machine, you must use a Linux-based bridge or professional recovery software. Method 1: Using WSL2 (Recommended Free Method)
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wget http://http.us.debian.org/debian/pool/main/v/vmfs6-tools/vmfs6-tools_0.1.0- _amd64.deb dpkg -i vmfs6-tools_0.1.0- _amd64.deb Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Mount the Volume : Identify the partition (e.g., ) and mount it to a local directory: vmfs6-fuse /dev/sdc1 /mnt/vmfs6 Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Access Data : The files will now be visible in /mnt/vmfs6 mount vmfs 6 windows hot
Believe it or not, (versions 22.00 and newer) includes a VMFS parser in user mode – no kernel driver required. This is the only truly reboot-free method.
A community-maintained project, , can be compiled for Windows using the Windows Driver Kit (WDK). This method does not require a pre-installed driver. VMFS 6 Windows does not natively support the file system
Because standard open-source drivers (like the Java-based fvmfs ) typically only support , you will need modern specialized software for VMFS 6:
: The most direct way to read VMFS 6 in Windows is through specialized software such as DiskInternals VMFS Recovery tools, which can scan the disk and allow file extraction. Linux Bridge (WSL or VM) Connect the drive via USB/ enclosure or mount
Open PowerShell as Administrator and run: GET-CimInstance -query "SELECT * from Win32_DiskDrive" Note the index number (e.g., \\.\PHYSICALDRIVE1 ). Mount in WSL: wsl --mount \\.\PHYSICALDRIVE1 --bare