How To Windows

How to Fix “VirtualBox Failed to Get Device Handle and/or Partition ID” Error

By Raj Bepari 4 min read
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VirtualBox is a popular virtualization platform that allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single Windows PC. It supports virtual hard disks, USB passthrough, snapshots, and even direct access to physical disks. However, when attempting to attach or boot from a physical disk, create a raw disk mapping, or access a storage device, you may encounter the “Failed to get device handle and/or partition ID” error. This prevents VirtualBox from accessing the selected drive and stops the virtual machine from starting.

This error is usually caused by insufficient administrator privileges, incorrect raw disk configuration, the physical drive being in use by Windows, BitLocker encryption, unsupported storage configurations, or disk permission issues. In some cases, corrupted VirtualBox settings, outdated software, or problems with the storage controller can also trigger the error.

Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting methods that can help you resolve the issue. In this guide, we’ll show you how to fix the “VirtualBox Failed to Get Device Handle and/or Partition ID” error on Windows 11.

How to Fix the “VirtualBox Failed to Get Device Handle and/or Partition ID” Error

Work through the following solutions in order. After completing each method, try starting your virtual machine again.

1. Run VirtualBox as Administrator

VirtualBox requires elevated privileges to access physical disks and partitions.

To do this:

  1. Close VirtualBox.
  2. Right-click the VirtualBox shortcut.
  3. Select Run as administrator.
  4. Open your virtual machine.
  5. Check whether the error still appears.

Administrator privileges allow VirtualBox to communicate directly with storage devices.

2. Verify the Physical Disk Is Offline

Windows cannot share a physical disk with VirtualBox while it is actively mounted.

To take the disk offline:

  1. Press Windows + X and select Disk Management.
  2. Locate the physical disk you want to use.
  3. Right-click the disk label (for example, Disk 2).
  4. Select Offline.
  5. Launch VirtualBox again.

Only take a disk offline if you understand the implications and it isn’t being used by Windows.

3. Recreate the Raw Disk VMDK File

If the raw disk mapping file is outdated or references the wrong disk, recreate it.

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Navigate to the VirtualBox installation folder.
  3. Run the VBoxManage command to create a new raw disk VMDK.
  4. Verify that the correct physical drive number is specified.
  5. Attach the newly created VMDK to your virtual machine.

Recreating the mapping file ensures VirtualBox references the correct disk.

4. Confirm the Disk Number Hasn’t Changed

Windows may assign a different disk number after reconnecting storage devices.

To verify:

  1. Open Disk Management.
  2. Check the current disk number.
  3. Compare it with the number referenced by your VirtualBox configuration.
  4. Update the raw disk mapping if necessary.

Using an incorrect disk number commonly results in device handle errors.

5. Disable BitLocker on the Target Drive

Encrypted drives may prevent VirtualBox from obtaining direct disk access.

To check:

  1. Open Control Panel.
  2. Select BitLocker Drive Encryption.
  3. Verify whether the target drive is encrypted.
  4. Suspend or decrypt BitLocker if appropriate.
  5. Restart VirtualBox.

Make sure you understand the security implications before disabling BitLocker.

6. Check Disk Permissions

Insufficient permissions can prevent VirtualBox from accessing storage devices.

  1. Ensure your Windows account has administrator privileges.
  2. Verify that the disk isn’t restricted by security software.
  3. Temporarily disable third-party endpoint protection if appropriate.
  4. Launch VirtualBox again.

Proper permissions are required for raw disk access.

7. Update VirtualBox

Older VirtualBox releases may contain storage-related bugs.

To update:

  1. Visit the Oracle VirtualBox website.
  2. Download the latest version.
  3. Install the update.
  4. Restart your computer.
  5. Test the virtual machine again.

Updating VirtualBox improves compatibility with newer Windows builds.

8. Install the Matching VirtualBox Extension Pack

Some advanced storage features work best with the corresponding Extension Pack.

  1. Download the Extension Pack that matches your installed VirtualBox version.
  2. Open VirtualBox.
  3. Go to Tools > Extension Pack Manager.
  4. Install the Extension Pack.
  5. Restart VirtualBox.

Always use the Extension Pack version that exactly matches your VirtualBox installation.

9. Check the Virtual Storage Controller

An incorrect storage controller configuration may prevent the VM from accessing the disk.

  1. Open VirtualBox.
  2. Select the virtual machine.
  3. Click Settings > Storage.
  4. Verify that the virtual disk is attached to the correct controller.
  5. Save the settings and restart the VM.

Using the appropriate storage controller improves hardware compatibility.

10. Verify the Disk Isn’t Being Used by Another Application

Another program may already have exclusive access to the physical drive.

Check for applications such as:

  • Disk management utilities
  • Backup software
  • Partition managers
  • Disk cloning tools
  • Other virtualization software

Close these applications before starting VirtualBox.

11. Repair the VirtualBox Installation

Corrupted program files can cause storage access failures.

  1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
  2. Select Oracle VM VirtualBox.
  3. Choose Modify or reinstall the application.
  4. Complete the repair process.
  5. Restart your PC.

Repairing VirtualBox restores missing or damaged files.

12. Check the Disk for Errors

A failing storage device may prevent VirtualBox from reading partition information.

To check the drive:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Run the appropriate CHKDSK command for the affected drive.
  3. Allow Windows to repair any detected errors.
  4. Restart your computer.
  5. Try accessing the disk again.

Repairing file system errors may restore proper disk access.

Conclusion

The “VirtualBox Failed to Get Device Handle and/or Partition ID” error usually occurs because VirtualBox cannot obtain exclusive access to the selected physical disk. In most cases, running VirtualBox as an administrator, taking the target disk offline, recreating the raw disk mapping, verifying the disk number, or updating VirtualBox resolves the problem.

If the error persists, check for BitLocker encryption, confirm the storage controller configuration, repair your VirtualBox installation, and ensure no other application is using the disk. By following the troubleshooting methods in this guide, you should be able to eliminate the error and successfully use physical disks or raw disk mappings in VirtualBox on Windows 11.

Raj Bepari

I’m a digital content creator passionate about everything tech.