Azure Virtual Desktop: FSLogix VHD unable to shrink — Profile VHD compaction issue

AdminTai 0 Reputation points
2026-09-28T20:47:49.5433333+00:00

Problem description

I am experiencing an issue where my FSLogix profile VHD/VHDX containers used with Azure Virtual Desktop are not shrinking or compacting as expected after use. The problem was first reported on September 18, 2026, and despite following common troubleshooting steps, the VHDs still do not shrink.

Environment

Azure Virtual Desktop environment using FSLogix profile containers in West US 3 region.

What I've already tried

I have not tried anything yet.

Current status

I am seeking guidance on further troubleshooting steps to resolve the VHD size not decreasing after compaction attempts.

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | User experience | FSLogix
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  1. Allan Solomon Mejia 10,225 Reputation points
    2026-09-28T21:17:20.5533333+00:00

    Hello @AdminTai

    FSLogix doesn’t compact a profile container simply because files were deleted. It evaluates the container during user sign-out and only runs compaction when all documented conditions are met:

    • FSLogix 2210 (2.9.8361.52326) or later
    • Dynamically expanding VHD/VHDX
    • Container size on disk greater than 1 GB
    • Recoverable space at least 20% of the consumed size
    • VHDCompactDisk enabled; it’s enabled by default
    • The Optimize Drives (defragsvc) and Microsoft Storage Spaces SMP (smphost) services aren’t disabled

    After completely signing out the affected user, check:

    C:\ProgramData\FSLogix\Logs\Profile\Profile-yyyyMMdd.log

    Search for WasCompacted, Disk was not compacted, or [ERROR:]. Also review Event Viewer > Applications and Services Logs > FSLogix > Apps for Events 57, 58, and 60-63. These entries identify whether the threshold wasn’t met, the disk is fixed-size, a required service is disabled, or compaction failed.

    If either required service is disabled, set both startup types to Manual from an elevated PowerShell session:

    Set-Service defragsvc -StartupType Manual

    Set-Service smphost -StartupType Manual

    Also verify whether ProfileType = 3 or VHDAccessMode = 1, 2, or 3 is configured. There's an ongoing limitation where differencing disks created by these configurations are often too small to meet the compaction threshold.

    Please share the FSLogix version, whether the container is fixed or dynamic, the applicable configuration values, and the compaction-related log entry. The West US 3 location alone doesn’t establish a regional Azure Virtual Desktop issue.

    References:

    VHD Disk Compaction

    Troubleshoot VHD Disk Compaction


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