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)
If you’ve typed “mount vmfs 6 windows hot” into a search engine, you’re likely looking for a solution that avoids shutting down your ESXi host or copying massive VMDK files over the network. Let’s break down the reality, the available tools, and the limitations.
Several commercial tools can read VMFS 6 partitions on Windows, typically in a mode to protect data integrity.
For the most stable "hot" access without risky third-party drivers, you can use a nested ESXi environment. Experts Exchange VMware Workstation on your Windows PC. Create a virtual machine and install In VM settings, add a Physical Disk and select the drive containing your VMFS partition. Power on the virtual ESXi and use the vSphere Client to browse and download files. Experts Exchange Critical Limitations
