To download the VMware Virtual Disk Development Kit (VDDK), you must now access it through the Broadcom Support Portal following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware. 📥 Direct Download Access
The VDDK is essential for developers creating backup and recovery software for VMware vSphere.
Primary Source: Access the Broadcom Support Portal and navigate to the Downloads section. You will typically find it under VMware vSphere -> Drivers & Tools -> Automation Tools and SDKs.
Alternative (Nutanix Users): If you are specifically migrating to Nutanix AHV, an official Nutanix-hosted alternative is available via their VDDK Downloads Box. 🛠️ Installation Steps (Linux)
Once downloaded, the VDDK (usually a .tar.gz file) needs to be manually placed and linked: Copy the file to your appliance or server (e.g., /root).
Extract the archive:tar -xvf VMware-vix-disklib-[version].x86_64.tar.gz
Move to system libraries:cp -rf vmware-vix-disklib-distrib/ /usr/lib/vmware-vix-disklib/
Create symbolic links to ensure your software can find the libraries:ln -s /usr/lib/vmware-vix-disklib/lib64/libvixDiskLib.so /usr/lib/libvixDiskLib.so Update library cache:ldconfig. 💡 Key Features of VDDK
Efficient Data Transfer: Enables block-level access to virtual disks for faster backups.
Snapshot Management: Allows applications to create and manage VMware snapshots programmatically.
Compatibility: Each VDDK version has specific support for vSphere releases (e.g., VDDK 7.0 supports ESXi 7.0 and 6.7).
📍 Note: You must have a Broadcom/VMware account to access the downloads on the official portal. If you haven't migrated your old VMware account yet, you may need to complete that process on the Broadcom site first. Installing on VMware vSphere - IBM
The VMware Virtual Disk Development Kit (VDDK) is a collection of C libraries and utilities designed to help developers create applications that access and manage VMware virtual disk files. 📥 Where to Download
Following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware, the primary location for these downloads has transitioned to the Broadcom Support Portal.
Broadcom Support Portal: Log in and search for "VDDK" or navigate to the VMware Cloud Foundation/vSphere section.
Alternative Download Link: Due to recent portal transitions, Broadcom has provided a temporary public box folder containing various VDDK versions for easier access.
Third-Party Managed Links: Specific backup vendors like Acronis provide direct mirror links for specific versions used by their agents, such as VDDK 7.0.1 for Windows. 🛠️ Key Installation Notes
Version Matching: The VDDK version you need is typically determined by the utility using it (e.g., your backup software) rather than the version of vSphere you are running.
Manual Extraction: Most modern VDDK releases (5.5.x and newer) are provided as .zip or .tar.gz archives rather than installers. You must manually extract the files to a directory recognized by your application.
System Requirements: Current VDDK versions generally require 64-bit operating systems. 📂 Common Use Cases
Backups: Applications use VDDK to create snapshots and back up data from virtual disks without interfering with running VMs.
Migrations: Tools like Nutanix Move require specific VDDK versions (e.g., 6.0.3 or 7.0.3.1) to move workloads from VMware to other platforms.
Disk Management: Developers use it to create, mount, and manage VMDK files programmatically. How to manually download VMware VDDK in Windows
There is no formal user rating or consumer review for the phrase "download vmware vddk" because it is a developer resource, not a commercial product. The VMware Virtual Disk Development Kit (VDDK) download vmware vddk
is a specialized collection of C libraries, code samples, and documentation designed for developers and backup software vendors. Broadcom Developer Portal
Instead of reviews, here is a technical overview of what it is, why users download it, and important considerations. ⚙️ What is VMware VDDK?
The Virtual Disk Development Kit (VDDK) is an SDK (Software Development Kit) provided by VMware (now part of Broadcom). It allows third-party applications to interact directly with VMware virtual machine disks ( files). It is the foundation for the VMware vSphere Storage APIs - Data Protection (VADP) , which almost all modern VM backup solutions use. Broadcom Developer Portal 👥 Who Needs to Download It? Backup Administrators:
Many backup solutions (such as Acronis, Veeam, or Thinware vBackup) require you to manually download and point to the VDDK binaries to enable advanced, agentless block-level backups. Software Developers:
Programmers building applications that need to create, manage, or read data directly from VMware virtual disks without powering on the virtual machine. Broadcom Developer Portal ⚖️ Technical "Review" & Breakdown Assessment Functionality ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent)
It is the industry standard. It enables features like Changed Block Tracking (CBT), which allows for lightning-fast incremental backups by only saving modified data blocks. Ease of Use ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Complex)
This is not a consumer app with a GUI. It is a package of libraries. Installation often requires moving zip files and occasionally running command-line registry scripts. Documentation ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Good)
Broadcom provides extensive programming guides and API documentation for integration. Availability ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Restricted)
To download it, you must have a registered Broadcom/VMware account. Finding the exact version required by your backup software can sometimes be confusing. ⚠️ Critical Notes for Users Downloading VDDK Check Version Compatibility:
You should not automatically download the newest version of VDDK. The version you need is strictly dictated by the specific third-party backup software or utility you are using, not necessarily the version of ESXi you are running. Broadcom Account Required:
Since Broadcom acquired VMware, these developer kits are hosted on the Broadcom Support Portal . You will need to log in to access the downloads. www.thinware.net
Are you attempting to install the VDDK to resolve a specific backup software error , or are you looking for a direct download link for a particular version? VMware Virtual Disk Development Kit (VDDK)
VMware Virtual Disk Development Kit (VDDK) is an essential software development kit (SDK) designed for storage and backup vendors to create applications that interact with VMware virtual disk files (VMDK) and vSphere storage. Following the acquisition of VMware by Broadcom, the primary location for these downloads is the Broadcom Developer Portal Latest Versions and Availability (April 2026) As of early 2026, the VDDK has moved to version 9.0.x , aligning with the latest vSphere releases. developer.broadcom.com VDDK 9.0.1.0
: The current stable release for both Windows and Linux environments. VDDK 8.0.x
: Remains widely used for legacy compatibility, particularly for migrations where older vSphere versions (6.5/6.7) are involved. Legacy Support
: Versions prior to 6.7 are largely deprecated and may not be available through official Broadcom channels without specialized partner access. documentation.commvault.com Key Use Cases The VDDK provides a collection of C/C++ libraries ( VixDiskLib ) and utilities that allow developers to: github.com Direct VMDK Access
: Perform random read/write operations on virtual disk data without needing the virtual machine to be powered on. Backup & Restore : Work in tandem with the vStorage APIs for Data Protection (VADP)
to create agentless backup solutions that use snapshots and Changed Block Tracking (CBT). Disk Management
: Programmatically create, expand, shrink, or convert VMDK files and manage parent-child disk chaining (delta links). Advanced Transports : Utilize high-performance data transfer modes like
(Network Block Device) to bypass standard LAN traffic during backups. developer.broadcom.com Download and Licensing Requirements
To download the VDDK, users generally must adhere to the following: VMware Virtual Disk Development Kit (VDDK)
The VMware Virtual Disk Development Kit (VDDK) is a critical, yet often overlooked, software package for any IT professional managing a vSphere environment. If you are involved in backup automation, disaster recovery, storage management, or custom vSphere integrations, you have likely needed to download VMware VDDK at some point.
VDDK is a collection of C/C++ libraries, code samples, utilities, and documentation designed to help developers and administrators create applications that can access and manipulate virtual disk files (VMDK) independently of the guest operating system. In simpler terms, VDDK allows third-party backup solutions (like Veeam, Commvault, or Rubrik) to perform image-level backups, file-level restores, and granular recovery without needing an agent inside every virtual machine. To download the VMware Virtual Disk Development Kit
Despite its importance, finding the correct version and understanding the licensing can be confusing. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to download VMware VDDK, explains which version you need, and covers installation best practices.
Read and accept the VMware End User License Agreement (EULA). Then click the "Download Now" button for the .exe (Windows) or .tar.gz (Linux) package.
Direct URL pattern (example – will change over time):
https://developer.vmware.com/web/sdk/ (VMware often redirects legacy VDDK pages to the Developer Portal. As of 2025, the primary link is through Customer Connect or VMware Developer Center at developer.vmware.com).
Pro Tip: Bookmark the official VMware Developer SDKs page for future updates.
When you download VMware VDDK, treat it as sensitive infrastructure software.
Virtual Machine Backup role in vCenter.The download VMware VDDK process has changed over the years. VMware has moved away from scattered developer downloads and now consolidates everything under the VMware Customer Connect portal (formerly My VMware). Here is the exact procedure:
The ability to download VMware VDDK and deploy it correctly is a foundational skill for vSphere administrators who value efficient backup, fast restore, and automation. While the download process itself is simple (requiring only a free VMware Customer Connect account), the real challenge lies in selecting the correct version and installing it on the right proxy host.
To summarize:
By following this guide, you can ensure that your backup and disaster recovery tools leverage the full power of VMware’s virtual disk APIs safely and efficiently. Now that you know exactly how to download VMware VDDK, go ahead, grab the right version, and optimize your vSphere data protection strategy.
Next Steps:
esxcli system version getvdiskmanager.exe -ws.Last updated: May 2026. This article reflects VDDK versions up to 8.0.3. Always refer to VMware’s official documentation for real-time compatibility updates.
The VMware Virtual Disk Development Kit (VDDK) is an essential SDK for developers and IT professionals building backup, restore, and storage management solutions for VMware environments. Core Functionality
The kit provides a collection of C libraries, code samples, and utilities designed to help you create, manage, and access VMware virtual disk storage (VMDK files). It is primarily used by third-party backup software—such as Acronis Cyber Protect or IBM Cloud Paks—to perform off-host backup processing without impacting the performance of running virtual machines. Key Strengths
Performance Optimization: Enables efficient data transfer protocols (like HotAdd or NBDSSL) to speed up backup and recovery.
Granular Recovery: Facilitates the recovery of individual files and folders from full virtual disk backups.
Broad Compatibility: Supports a wide range of operating systems, including 64-bit Windows and various Linux distributions. Usage Challenges
Complex Versioning: Choosing the correct version can be confusing. You must match the VDDK version to the requirements of your backup utility, rather than the version of vSphere you are running.
Manual Configuration: Newer versions (like VDDK 5.5 and later) often arrive as ZIP archives instead of automated installers, requiring manual registry edits or path configurations to function correctly.
Integration Hurdles: Tools like Red Hat Migration Toolkit often require users to manually download, extract, and build images from the VDDK because of licensing restrictions preventing direct redistribution. Downloading & Installation
Official downloads are hosted on the Broadcom Developer Portal. Note that most modern installations involve:
Downloading the specific .tar.gz or .zip file required by your software. Extracting the libraries to a specific directory.
Updating system environment variables (like PATH or LD_LIBRARY_PATH) so your application can find the necessary .dll or .so files. How to manually download VMware VDDK in Virtual Appliance
: If the main portal is experiencing issues, Broadcom has provided a backup repository at broadcom.ent.box.com/v/vddkdownloads 2. Download the Package : Download the file (e.g., VDDK 9.0.1.0 Zip for Windows : Download the file (e.g., VDDK 9.0.1.0 tarball for Linux Login Requirement : You will need an active Broadcom account to complete the download from the developer portal. Broadcom Developer Portal 3. Installation Steps Step 5: Accept the Terms and Download Read
The VDDK does not have a traditional "installer" but rather libraries you must place and register. Broadcom TechDocs For Windows: : Unzip the package into a folder, typically under C:\Program Files\VMware\VDDK : Navigate to the subfolder and locate vstor2install.bat (or similar) to install the necessary mount drivers. Environment Variables folder paths to your system's
environment variable so your applications can find the required For Linux: tar -xvzf [filename].tar.gz to extract the files. Move Files : Move the contents to a library directory, such as /usr/lib/vmware-vix-disklib Link Libraries : Update your LD_LIBRARY_PATH to include the VDDK library folder. 4. Verification To verify the installation: VMware Virtual Disk Development Kit (VDDK)
The VMware Virtual Disk Development Kit (VDDK) is a set of C libraries, code samples, and utilities designed to help developers create applications that can access and manage VMware virtual disk storage. Since the acquisition of VMware by Broadcom, the download process has shifted to Broadcom-hosted platforms. Where to Download VDDK
You can access the latest and legacy versions of the VDDK through the following official and verified channels: Primary Portal : The latest releases are available on the Broadcom Developer Portal Broadcom Support
: General product downloads and official documentation can be found at the Broadcom Support Portal Alternative Migration Mirror
: For users specifically needing VDDK for migrations (like Nutanix AHV), an official Broadcom-hosted Box mirror exists at broadcom.ent.box.com/v/vddkdownloads Installation Steps (Windows) Once you have downloaded the
file for your target operating system, follow these general steps to install it on a Windows development system: Extract the Archive : Extract the contents of the file into a dedicated folder, typically under C:\Program Files\ Install the Driver : Navigate to the subfolder within the extracted directory. Locate and run vstor2install.bat
as an Administrator to install the necessary virtual storage driver. Verify Registry
to ensure the driver is correctly registered under the system hardware keys as specified in the VDDK Programming Guide Verify Version
: If you need to confirm which version is installed (e.g., within a third-party backup tool like NetBackup), check the properties of vixdisklib.dll under the "Details" tab to see the Product Version Key Capabilities The VDDK provides the foundational tools for: Direct Disk Access
: Reading and writing to VMDK files directly without needing to power on the VM. Backup & Recovery
: Supporting "HotAdd" and "NBD" (Network Block Device) transport modes for efficient data transfer. Format Management : Tools like the vmware-vdiskmanager
utility allow for shrinking, expanding, or converting virtual disk types. version of the VDDK
The VMware Virtual Disk Development Kit (VDDK) is a foundational SDK for developers and IT professionals who need to manage or back up VMware virtual disk storage. Whether you are building a custom backup solution or integrating storage management into your environment, obtaining and installing the correct VDDK version is critical for performance and compatibility. What is the VMware VDDK?
The VDDK is a collection of C/C++ libraries, utilities, and documentation designed to manipulate virtual machine disk files (VMDK format). It is primarily used with the vStorage APIs for Data Protection (VADP) to enable centralized, agentless backups of vSphere virtual machines. Key capabilities include:
Disk Manipulation: Create, convert, expand, and rename virtual disk files.
Advanced Transport: Connect to remote vSphere storage using high-speed modes like SAN or HotAdd.
Backup & Recovery: Perform incremental and thin-provisioned backups or mount virtual disks for off-line anti-virus scanning and patching. How to Download VMware VDDK
The VDDK is now hosted on the Broadcom Support Portal following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware.
Visit the Official Portal: Navigate to the VMware Virtual Disk Development Kit (VDDK) page on Broadcom’s developer site.
Select the Version: Choose the VDDK version that matches your vSphere environment. For instance, VDDK 8.0.x is generally required for vSphere 8.0 environments. Choose the Operating System: Windows: Download the .zip package (approximately 21 MB). Linux: Download the .tar.gz tarball (approximately 30 MB).
Log In: You will need a valid Broadcom or VMware account to complete the download. If you do not have one, you must create a login ID. Compatibility Matrix
Choosing the wrong VDDK version can lead to failed backup jobs or data corruption. Always align your VDDK version with your vSphere release. VMware vSp0.x VDDK 8.0 or higher vSphere 7.x vSphere 6.5 / 6.7 VDDK 6.7.3 vSphere 5.1 / 5.5 / 6.0 VDDK 6.0.2 Installation and Usage
Once downloaded, the VDDK does not use a traditional "installer" but rather requires manual extraction and configuration. On Windows VMware Virtual Disk Development Kit (VDDK)