As technology is improving, the workload is also increasing. So, often we find a need for multiple operating systems. Especially for those who are associated with software development and IT sectors. Hyper-V can help you in this case.
Windows 10 comes with a built-in virtualization platform that enables you to create virtual machines. It is known as Hyper-V. So, by using it you can easily evaluate software and service. Moreover, it can protect the integrity and security of your PC.
Also Read: How to Upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7 for Free
The Virtual Machine on Windows 10
A virtual machine is like another computer or laptop that runs inside the operating system. Here, you take a part of physical resources like RAM, hard drive space, CPU to create one separate system. Since you are creating a partition within Windows, it is termed as a virtual machine.
On the virtual machine, you can run any operating system. You can run Windows 10, Linux, or an older version of Windows. Moreover, you can also try a new OS, install and test apps without affecting your files, and do Windows 10 installation.
To create a virtual machine, you do not need to use any kind of third-party tool. Windows 10 comes with a built-in virtualization platform known as Hyper-V. However, before utilizing, make sure your computer fulfills the following requirements.
- Windows 10 home does not support Hyper-v. So, you need Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and education version
- It requires a 64-bit processor having Second Level Address Translation.
- Your PC should have 4 GB of installed RAM. Moreover, for the full installation of Windows, apps you will need more storage.
Note:– You can upgrade to Windows 10 pro by visiting Setting > Update and Security > Activation. Now open the store and purchase the upgrade.
Also Read: How to Install Linux on VirtualBox in Windows 10
Enable Hyper-V on Windows 10
Hyper-V first introduced as a built-in part of the Windows server 2008 and later. Remember that, since Hyper-V is not active by default you have you enable it. You can do it by using Power Shell, using the Deployment Imaging Servicing and Management Tool (DISM) or using Windows 10 Control Panel. Here we will demonstrate the process of enabling it using the Control panel.
But before that, check if virtualization is enabled on your computer BIOS or not. Simply follow the steps to activate virtualization as well as Hyper-V.
Step 1: First of all, restart your computer and boot into BIOS. Now, you have to enable the “Virtualization” option and save the changes by pressing the F10 key. Mostly, in the System Configuration or Advanced tab, you would find the option. After that, restart your computer normally.
Note:- Usually, the boot key is F10 or F9, but if you are not sure, you can look for it on the internet depending on your PC manufacturer.
Step 2: To enable Hyper-V, type “Turn Windows Features on or off ” in the search box and open it. It will open the Control Panel dialog box.
Step 3: Scroll down and enable all the checkboxes under Hyper-V and click the OK button
Step 4: Now, once the installation is done, you will be asked to restart the computer. Do so and finally you are ready to create your virtual machine.
Also Read: How to Transfer Windows 10 License to a New Computer
Create New Virtual Machine on Windows 10
Here we have described two different methods. The first one is with Hyper-V quick create and the second one is with Hyper-V manager. So, here we go:
It is the easier and quickest method to create a virtual machine. It enables you to install two Linux builds, the Windows 10 Development Environment, and the MSIX Packaging Tool Environment.
Step 1: Search for Hyper-V Quick Create and open it.
Step 2: Select an operating system among the four listed installers and then select Create Virtual Machine.
Step 3: If you want to use different operating systems, click on the local installation source to choose your own.
Step 4: Now, select Change Installation Source and pick the ISO image stored on your PC and open it.
Step 5: Finally, click Create Virtual machine. Next click connect and your virtual machine is ready to use.
Note:- For more help follow the Microsoft support page and document.
Wrapped Up
Hope you have liked the article and found it useful. However, a program that relies on specific hardware may not work properly in the virtual machine. For instance, games and applications that are relying on GPUs may not work properly in the virtual machine. Besides that, the tool is easy to use. Moreover, It comes with features that are missing on other third-party tools.
