Windows 10 Mount Vmfs ((free)) -

Windows background services (like Defrag or Storage Optimizer) may attempt to "fix" the unknown drive.

Mounting VMFS volumes on Windows 10 is a viable, albeit unsupported, method for data recovery and forensic analysis. While Windows lacks native capabilities, the combination of open-source FUSE drivers and commercial utilities fills the gap. However, this process is fraught with risks, primarily from automated Windows formatting prompts and potential file system corruption. windows 10 mount vmfs

For forensic investigators, the integrity of the evidence is paramount. Mounting a file system generally alters metadata (such as "Last Accessed" timestamps). this process is fraught with risks

VMware's free VDDK includes vmware-mount (Windows CLI tool). windows 10 mount vmfs