Virtual machine(VM) is another computer running on your desktop. That is, it’s as if a second (virtual) monitor is launched in the window, and another computer is loaded on it.
This computer has its own virtual hardware and you can install any real operating system (OS) on it, for example, virtual Windows. You can work fully on such a “computer” and I really like this topic.
What can you use virtual machines for?
- for tests or training on other operating systems (Windows, Linux, MacOS, etc.)
- development of programs for other operating systems
- work in different places with the same software environment
- for anonymity
I think you can come up with other ways to use it, this is the first thing that came to my mind. For example, on former job I couldn’t install the programs I needed on my computer, even though I was an administrator. This was due to security and licensing issues. Then I installed a virtual machine, installed Windows and all the programs I needed on it, and worked in it. In the evening I recorded the image on an external hard drive and took it home with me.
In addition, the working Internet was greatly reduced in speed, but there was access to another provider. I put the second one network card and configured it in a virtual machine. That is, in “regular” Windows it didn’t even have drivers, but in a virtual environment fast Internet worked through it.
The virtual hard disk is stored in a single file and its data can be encrypted. That is, if someone comes to you without asking, then you can simply close the virtual operating system and you won’t be able to find anything on your computer except the browser and Excel :)
What virtual machines are there for Windows?
The most popular and used:
- Oracle VM VirtualBox is free and can do almost everything that an average user needs
- Hyper-V is free, built into Windows 8/8.1/10 Pro and Enterprise versions
- – paid, maximum functionality, for professional developers
VMware is quite a massive package software, costs a lot, and is designed for commercial use. For the purposes I described, the first two will suffice. But if you know how to download from torrents, you can install it too. The operating principle and plus/minus settings are the same everywhere.
How to install a virtual machine on VirtualBox
The whole process takes place in several simple steps:
- Download and install VirtualBox
- Create a VM using the wizard
- Connect the installation image with the operating system
- Install the OS as on a regular computer
Actually, I made a video:
To download the program you need to click here:
During installation, windows will pop up asking you to install additional drivers. virtual devices, you need to agree to everything.
In the main program window, click the “Create” button and get into the virtual machine wizard. To see all the options, you also need to click on the “Expert Mode” button:
Name: any name
Type: select the future operating system (Windows, Linux, BSD, etc.)
Version: exact version of the installed OS (seven, ten, ).
There may not be a choice of x64 versions in the list if there is no hardware virtualization, but this will be discussed below.
RAM
The amount of memory is the RAM that will be available in virtual Windows. For example, if your computer has 8 GB RAM, then up to 4 GB can be allocated for the VM. And after starting the VM, these 4 gigabytes will be taken away from your Windows, because... will be used by the virtual OS. Therefore, you need to choose this volume based on the following considerations:
- For Windows 7/8/10 x86 you need at least 1 GB of memory, and for more or less normal operation from 2 GB
- For Windows x64 you will need at least 2 GB of memory, and for everything to work somehow - at least 3 GB
Accordingly, we choose this volume virtual memory, so that the installed virtual Windows is enough, and your Windows also has as much left as it needs. In general, if you have 4 gigabytes of memory, then set here 1024 MB, and if you have 8 GB or more, then choose 3000-4000 megabytes here.
Hard drive
I suspect that you don’t have a virtual hard disk, so let’s move on to creating one in the next step:
The first important thing is “ Location" Change to a folder on the disk with more space. For example, many people have a C: drive that is not very large and is designed for one operating system, and a D: drive for other files. Now, if this is the case for you too, then select there and create some folder on drive D:
Size– for the Windows family, set it to 40 GB.
Type– leave the default “VDI”. It is unlikely that you will need to connect this “disk” to other virtual systems.
Storage format– “Dynamic”. In this case, the file size of such a disk will grow as it fills up. If you set “Fixed”, then all 40 GB will immediately take up space on the D: drive, for example.
This completes the creation of the virtual machine.
Setting up VM VirtualBox
Now you can start the virtual machine, but it is empty, without operating system. You need to insert a “disk” into the virtual drive. The installation “DVD” is an ISO image, the same one that we burn to a real DVD or flash drive.
We go to the settings of our VM on the “Media” tab:
Click on the “drive” with the value “Empty”, then on the DVD disk icon and select “Select image” from the menu optical disk...", where we indicate the path to the iso image. And if you have a physical disk with the installation, then simply insert it into the drive and check the “Live CD/DVD” checkbox. It is important that you need to install the version that you chose at the stage of creating the machine, especially regarding the bit capacity.
Now everything is ready to start the virtual machine. Click the “Run” button
The virtual computer will start loading and the same process will begin. Windows installations, as if you did it on your computer or laptop. After installing Windows, you will launch the VM and your virtual Windows will boot.
Host key
An important detail is the host key. When you click on the virtual machine window, all the “attention” from pressing the keyboard buttons and mouse movements will go to the virtual machine (guest operating system). To “free up” the keyboard and mouse, i.e. return them to their native Windows, you need to click right Ctrl. This button can be changed in the settings. By the way, the clipboard of your system and the virtual one is, as it were, common. That is, if you copy text to the clipboard on a real computer, you can paste it in a virtual one, very convenient.
Hardware virtualization
In order for VMs to work faster and better, and also to be able to install 64-bit (x64) versions of operating systems, hardware virtualization must be enabled. This support itself is built into processors and all modern processors have it (only ancient dual-core processors and older ones may not have it).
The technologies are called Intel VT-x and VT-d (in expensive processors) and AMD-V. Its meaning is that commands are sent directly to the processor, bypassing the operating system drivers. Hardware virtualization is enabled in the VM settings on the “ tab System -> Acceleration»
But this may not work for you, because this option is disabled by default in the BIOS for security reasons. The error “VT-x/AMD-V hardware virtualization features are enabled but not functioning” may appear. Therefore, we need to restart the computer and .
If you don’t know how, and are too lazy to read the article, then in a nutshell: immediately after turning on the computer, press the F1, F2, Delete buttons for 10 seconds, or if it is written on the screen, then read which button to press. Let's look at what BIOS you have from the photos and look for a similar setting:
With GUI
Click Advanced, enter advanced mode, then “CPU Configuration”
We look for the “Intel Virtualization Technology” setting and change it to the “On” position. (On)
If you have an AMD processor, then the setting will be called “Secure Virtual Machine s". Save the changes with the “F10” button.
With text interface:
Go to “Security -> Virtualization"
Turn on hardware virtualization technology to the “Enabled” position
Save the settings F10, a reboot will occur. If you do not use virtual machines, then for security reasons it is better to turn off virtualization, because viruses can create their own spaces.
The second reason why hardware virtualization may not work in Windows 8/10 is the enabled built-in Hyper-V virtual machine.
Computer users are sometimes faced with a situation where they need to work with old programs that worked successfully on previous versions of Windows. Managing two computers at once is not always convenient. But it is possible to install another edition of the operating system on a work laptop. Parallel operation of two systems can be ensured by a virtual machine for Windows 7 (VM). From this article you can learn:
- what is VM;
- what programs exist for this purpose;
- How to install and configure Windows 7 in a VM.
A second computer is real
Virtual machine- software. With its help, a copy of a real computer is created with:
- hard virtual disks;
- optical software drive;
- analogue of network adapters;
- BIOS, etc.
A virtual laptop with its own operating system runs in a separate window and occupies a certain amount of space on the physical hard drive. It looks like this:
The example shows how in a real operating system with installed Windows 7 Professional, the program runs with the virtual Windows XP operating system. And it performs the same actions as on a real device.
VM tasks
Almost everyone is faced with a situation where downloaded from the network and installed program pulls a trail of unnecessary applications. That is why more advanced users prefer to install the downloaded application in a virtual system and test it both for functionality and for unexpected surprises.
In addition to this, other problems are solved:
- Possibility to test the program.
- Avoid harmful effects from suspicious programs.
- Emulate a second computer network.
- Check the consequences of changing settings in the system.
- Safely perform autosurfing over the network.
- Reduce the likelihood of a real laptop becoming infected with computer viruses.
- Running programs that are incompatible with the real operating system.
Most popular emulators
You can find many programs with which you can create a virtual Windows. But it’s best to familiarize yourself with the most popular ones.
This is the most common demon paid program, with which you can emulate the most popular operating systems:
- Windows(with support for different versions).
- MacOS.
- Any operating system from the family Linux.
- Interaction with VMs from the paid version of the emulator is supported VMware Workstation.
Windows 7 and the created virtual machine can be easily configured by the average user. The program differs in both performance and stability. In addition, despite its free nature, it has extensive capabilities and a clear interface. It is better adapted than others for home use.
VMware
Also a well-known and popular program. It found its main application in large corporations.
There are two versions of this product:
- Workstation;
- Player.
Version Workstation will be able to fully satisfy the user's needs, but this is a paid program. Regular users can use a free analogue Workstation - VMware Player.
The paid version supports work with 32- and 64-x systems, sees USB 3.0, and various operating systems work quite successfully. VMware Workstation- an advanced version of a computer emulator, but due to its cost, it has found its use mainly among large companies, and not among ordinary users.
Microsoft Virtual PC
A similar virtual machine for working in Windows 7. It has wide functionality and a clear, convenient and practical interface. But there is also a significant drawback - it can only work with operating systems of the Windows family. Other operating systems, such as Linux or Mac OS, cannot be run on it.
This brief overview describes three of the most popular virtual machines. Now you can see that for home needs it is best to use the program. Next, the procedure for installing and configuring it will be discussed.
Installing Windows 7 in a VirtualBox virtual machine
The installation process of a virtual operating system can be divided into several stages:
- Install the program.
- Download the file with the Windows 7 image for the VM.
- Installation virtual Windows 7.
Let's consider all these processes separately.
Install VirtualBox
First of all, you need the virtual machine itself. As already mentioned, there are several of them. We are interested. You can download it from the official website https://www.virtualbox.org. From the proposed list, select VirtualBox 5.1.14 for Windows hosts.
The process of how to install a virtual machine is described in other articles, but there are a few points:
After the Internet connection is restored, you can begin downloading and installing the finished VM file in Windows 7.
Finding a ready VM
Microsoft for testing purposes different versions Internet Explorer(8, 9, 10, 11) has specially prepared several options for downloading VMs with pre-installed Windows versions(7; 8.1; 10) https://developer.microsoft.com/ru-ru/microsoft-edge/tools/vms/ . If this link is not available, the browser will automatically redirect to the English version of the site https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/tools/vms/
So first you need to choose Windows image 7 with any version of IE (8, 9, 10, 11).
From the drop-down list, select the item which virtual machine will undoubtedly be used. In our case it is .
And click on the Download .zip button. The zip file download process will begin.
All that remains is to install and run the virtual machine on Windows 7.
Adjusting virtual Windows 7
The virtual Windows file itself is extracted from the archive “IE10.Win7.For.Windows.VirtualBox.zip”. 
After the file is extracted, click on it right click mice 
and from the drop-down list we select “ Open with».
In principle, nothing needs to be changed in the import parameters. You can leave it as is and click the Import button.
The configuration process will start. The "" window looks like this:
After the process is completed, the new seven and VM will appear in the program list. To launch it, just double-click on the VM itself, or click on the arrow button “ Launch" The operating system startup process will begin immediately. If you install it for the first time, it will take a little longer, however, the same thing happens when installing a real OS. Once the installer has completed all the necessary steps, the desktop will appear with the working Windows system 7.
Windows 7 on English and the created virtual machine are ready to launch.
Set up a virtual system
All VM controls are intuitive. But if you have any questions, you should carefully read the pop-up tips in Russian. You can turn to help for help, where you can find answers to all your questions.
Typically, both the mouse and keyboard only work in the VM and are blocked in real Windows. But it is possible to switch between the two systems using the Right Control host key.
Now that the virtual machine is installed and running, you can configure Windows. The first step is to install software components (drivers) for all virtual devices. This process is quite simple. You need to go to the main menu and in the line “ Devices» click on « Install guest OS additions».
After installation is completed, the VM is rebooted. Now the picture has become clearer, the VM window can be dynamically changed, support for mouse integration will be enabled, and access to the Internet will open.
It is also possible to expand the display functions. In this mode, windows that open in the VM will be displayed on the real desktop, and not in a separate program window. This makes it possible to facilitate access to all controls and installed VM programs.
Shutdown virtual Windows 7
Just like in a real laptop, Windows installed in a VM requires a certain order to be completed. You can complete the job by pressing the button to stop the job. A menu will open offering three options for closing the VM.
« Save machine state» - before turning off, the machine will save everything running applications at the time of shutdown. When the VM is turned on again, work in it can continue from the moment it was turned off.
« Send a shutdown signal"- all applications can be closed, and the machine will turn off automatically.
« Turn off the car" - the same as if a real computer were de-energized.
Conclusion
From this small review It can be seen that working with virtual machines, such as, makes it possible to connect several different operating systems on one device at once. Naturally, the more powerful the real device (RAM and CPU), the faster the virtual computers will work. Disabling the antivirus on your native machine or if it’s on the exception list will also help speed up the work antivirus program add virtual directory.
Video on the topic
Sometimes, for different purposes, the user needs to use several systems at once. There is an option, of course, to use several computers at once or install several systems on one, but this is inconvenient and impractical. In this situation, there is one solution that has long been used among programmers and developers - installing a virtual machine for Windows. In this article you will learn how to install a virtual machine under Windows 7, 8, 10.
Which virtual machine should I choose?
You may not believe it, but there are plenty of virtual machines large selection. Each of them has its own specific functionality and features. Please note that it will not be possible to install a powerful virtual machine on a weak computer, and in general, weak computers are difficult to tolerate programs of this kind. If your PC has less than 2 GB of RAM and less than 100 GB free space on a hard drive, we do not recommend installing a virtual machine. First increase the memory, and only then use it to the maximum.
For everyday tasks and regular use, we recommend using the program VMware Workstation, which is a whole range of applications for working with a virtual OS. You can figure it out even if you have never used such programs. It is easy to use, does not consume a lot of RAM and includes the integration of a virtual system into the main one, which allows you to use them in parallel in the same work environment. We suggest you carefully consider the VMware installation process.
We tested version 11 of this software, it supports everything that both a novice and an experienced user will need.
VMware Workstation installation process
This completes the installation process, now we move on to how to install the OS on a virtual machine for Windows. Please note that any OS that has installation file. Let's look at an example of installing Windows 7 Ultimate on VMware Workstation.
How to install an operating system on VMware Workstation
First, you need to download the OS installation file to your computer. You can use the search and find this file, or maybe just ask someone installation disk(homemade) and download from there.
After downloading Windows to your computer, we will begin the OS installation process.
- We create a new virtual machine. To do this, go to the menu "File - New Virtual Machine";
- The negotiation of the parameters of the future VM will begin. In the first window, you will be asked how you want to install it. We suggest you choose "Selective" configuration type and click "Next";
- In the next window we also click "Next";
- In the next window you will be asked to select the source for installation "guest" OS. If you took the installation disk, specify the drive, and if you downloaded it from the Internet, specify the path to the file using the button "Review". After that click "Next";
- Now you need to provide the product key and OS user details. We only recommend choosing "Windows 7 Ultimate", and skip the rest;
- Enter a name for the new virtual machine or keep the old one, and then define the parameters. Let's start with the type of firmware - leave the BIOS, and the number of processors - 1/4 of those available to you. We have 4, so we set it to 1, but with two cores. With RAM it’s about the same, but 1/3 of the total available memory. We have 4, but about 3 are available, so we set it to 1 GB;
- Now let's figure out the Internet for the virtual machine. We leave everything as is further, where they ask about the controller, the type of virtual disk;
- We recommend put 20-30 GB for the virtual OS hard disk, and then specify the path where the virtual OS file will be stored;
- Check all the installed parameters and the OS installation will begin;
- Next, the standard OS installation will occur. Just follow the progress and, if necessary, enter user information;
- After successful installation, start the virtual machine and check its functionality;
- After the virtual machine has been successfully launched, the system will start. Wait for completion;
- After downloading you will be taken to "Desktop" virtual machines and you can start working;
- To manage a virtual machine for Windows, you need to click on the desktop;
- When work in the guest OS is completed, you need to turn off the virtual machine in the same way as when using a permanent system - “Start - “Shut down”, otherwise you may “break” it. Good luck using VM for Windows 7, 8, 10!
The concept of a virtual machine (from the English Virtual Machine) is understood as a software or hardware system that emulates the hardware of a certain platform (guest platform), executing programs for the guest platform using the host platform.
Also, a virtual machine can virtualize a certain platform, creating independent, isolated environments for operating operating systems and programs on it.
Virtual machine for Windows 7 - we offer you an overview of popular programs.
To put it simply, a virtual machine provides the ability to create several virtual computers on one real, physical computer, install various operating systems, programs, etc. on them.
This technology came to the general public from the world of server infrastructure, where virtual machines are used to create maximum server load and reduce equipment downtime.
Virtual machines are used to solve a range of tasks such as:
- Optimizing the use of server resources.
- Information security, as well as limiting the capabilities of some programs, the so-called sandbox idea.
- Research into new computer architecture or software.
- Emulation of various computer architectures(for example, to emulate the PlayStation game console from Sony).
- Creation malicious code.
For example, the SubVirt rootkit created in 2006 by Microsoft Research (MSR), created a virtual work environment in which the user's operating system was placed along with an antivirus, firewall and other software designed to protect the PC.
At the same time, the rootkit itself remained external and therefore did not fall within the scope of antivirus software, providing remote control over the virtual machine to the attacker. - Modeling computer networks.
- Software testing and debugging.
We present to your attention brief overview the most popular virtualization programs.
Virtual machine for Windows 7: Virtual Box
Virtualization program from Oracle, for operating systems Linux, Mac OS X, MS Windows, etc.
The program is quite popular and below we will consider not everything, but only its key advantages:
Free.
Cross-platform.
Support for 64-bit guests on 32-bit host platforms. To do this, the host platform must support virtualization technology at the processor level.
Support for audio devices and various types network interaction.
The ability to create a chain of backup states that you can return to in case of problems with the guest system.
Russian-language interface.
Important! The program's shortcomings are not significant, but for the sake of objectivity in the assessment, they should also be mentioned - VirtualBox is poorly compatible with Win 95/98 (slow system operation) and Mac OS X (sound problems).
As you can see, the program's shortcomings are not significant and are rather nominal.
Virtual machine for Windows 7: Xen
Virtual Machine Monitor (hypervisor), developed at the University of Cambridge and distributed open source source code(GPL license).
Using paravirtualization technology (PV mode), Xen allows you to achieve very high performance by emulating real hardware platforms.
A feature of the PV mode is that there is no initial moment when the computer boots (imitation of BIOS code, boot loader) and the guest OS kernel starts immediately in the desired mode, like regular programs.
It is worth noting that Xen can be compared to enterprise-grade software due to its rich functionality.
Advantages:
Free.
Cross-platform.
High performance of running virtual machines, which is very close to the performance of real systems.
Ability to migrate running virtual machines between physical hosts.
High degree of support for emulated hardware.
There is perhaps only one drawback of the program - its relative complexity, compared to similar software from other companies.
Virtual machine for Windows 7: Virtual PC
Initially this program was developed by Connetix for Mac OS back in 1997. 4 years later, a version for Windows OS was released.
Later, in 2003, the rights to the program were acquired by Microsoft Corporation, and in 2006 the program became free.
Subsequently, Virtual PC was not developed and currently contains functionality from 2007.
Advantages:
Free.
Simple, user-friendly interface.
Flaws:
The program only works in Windows OS, but is not compatible with Windows 8 and higher.
The program, unlike Virtual Box, is not compatible with AMD processors.
Virtual machine for Windows 7: VMware Player
A product from the largest American virtualization software developer Vmware.
Vmware products are primarily aimed at the corporate segment of the market, so the full version of the program - VMware Workstation - is paid.
The license price is about $250. For non-commercial use, the manufacturer offers a program with limited functionality VMware Player.
It is worth noting that the restrictions generally apply to software developers and IT specialists; the program is quite functional for performing the tasks of the average user.
Advantages:
Free.
Fast.
Simple, user-friendly interface.
ThinPrint technology allows you to print any document opened in the guest OS without installing additional drivers.
Working with multiple monitors in a guest OS.
Exchange files between guest systems using Drag&Drop technology.
Flaws:
Limited functionality of the free version.
Installing Windows 7 x64 on VirtualBox (virtual machine)
Virtual machine for Windows 7: multiple operating systems on one machine
Let's take a closer look at what virtual machines for Windows are and what they are needed for. Learn all about the best OS simulators and how to get started using them.
A virtual machine (VM) is a computer application that allows a user to simulate an operating system. An OS image is installed on the machine for use internally existing system. Very convenient, isn't it? But there are also pitfalls. Read what you will encounter during installation and which virtual machine for Windows versions 7,8 and 10 are better to choose.
Why do we need virtual machines for PCs?
In most cases, VMs are used for testing software in . To work with multiple operating systems, you only need one computer, which significantly speeds up your work.
You can run multiple virtual machines on one computer at the same time. Their number depends on the available RAM and space on the child’s disk, since the virtual OS consumes exactly the same memory resource as a regular copy installed on the computer.
Using virtual machines, you can work with programs and functions that are not available in the main OS. It is also possible to create backup copies VMs, with their subsequent movement and use on other computers.
Viruses, errors and other failures of the virtual OS do not affect the operation of the main system. After closing the machine, the operation of the additional OS stops and the RAM is freed.
During VM operation, the device may slow down, because increased consumption of storage resources leads to increased request processing time.
Reasons for installing a VM:
- You want to get acquainted with the work of other operating systems without fully installing them. If you need to replace your existing OS, first use a virtual simulator to test other software options. This will save you from possible bugs and incompatibility with hardware;
- You are a developer and want to create a comprehensive system for testing the applications you create.
VirtualBox
VirtualBox is a virtual machine for Windows 7,8,10. The virtualization environment is distributed free of charge and can be installed both for working with operating systems and for deploying network infrastructure and website hosting.
VirtualBox main window:
The main feature of this virtual machine is cross-platform. It works great on all versions of Windows. You can also download installers for Mac OS and Debian from the developer’s website. In the virtualization environment itself, you can install any desktop OS.
Using VirtualBox you can get acquainted with the functionality of the OS or in safe mode test the program without harming the main system. Often users prefer to install old games on virtual machines that are incompatible with modern operating systems.
After finishing the simulator, all data and changes will be saved. The next time you turn on, you will be returned to the desktop and can continue performing tasks.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages of VirtualBox:
- Free distribution. 90% of similar software is paid, while VirtualBox can be obtained completely free. The functions and capabilities of the program are not limited to the developer;
- Ability to create screenshots – screenshots of a virtual system. The resulting image will only display the secondary OS window. Creating screenshots using the main OS degrades the resolution and also captures your regular desktop;
- Creating an exact copy of an existing virtual machine;
- Ability to drag folders, shortcuts and other objects inside the simulator;
- Unified file system – from a virtual machine you can access directories that are stored on a PC, and vice versa;
- Simultaneous work with several machines.
Also, distinctive feature The new VirtualBox 4 is a convenient virtualization management system and an intuitive program workspace. Also, the new build offers the ability to capture video from the screen of an additional OS.
VirtualBox supports working with USB drives connected to the computer.
Disadvantages of the program:
- Slowdown of the computer. Even if your PC has good technical specifications, sufficient RAM and storage space, when using a virtual machine, you will experience slower performance of all functions. If during the creation of a VM you allocated too much memory to it, the computer will freeze or shut down severely;
- Insufficient video memory. If you need to achieve the best possible image quality, it will be difficult to do it using VirtualBox. The program allows you to configure the settings for using the video card only at a basic level.
How to install
To install VirtualBox programs download the installer from the official website of the developer - Oracle. The installation process is standard and does not require additional settings:
- Run the EXE file;
- Select Hard drive, which will contain the root folder with the program;
- Wait for the installation to complete. If necessary, the user can view statistics on hard disk usage during the installation process.
In the “Custom Setup” field it is possible to disable support for USB and network services. This allows you to reduce the final size of the application.
Video instructions on how to install two OS using VirtualBox
Once the program is installed, you can begin creating your first virtual machine. Click on the “Create” button in the upper left corner of the window. The VM settings tab will open:
In the setup wizard window, select the type of virtual OS (Windows, Linux, Debian, MacOS) and its version. Set a name for the simulator to be created and click on the “Next” button.
Then, the program will give you the opportunity to independently specify the size of RAM that will be allocated for the additional OS. For novice users, we recommend setting the value indicated in the “Recommended main memory size” field.
The size of RAM for a VM should be determined depending on technical characteristics your PC. If your computer has 4 GB of RAM available, 512 MB-1 GB will be enough for the simulator to run normally.
Next, the program will ask you to select file system OS image (which corresponds to the previously specified family and version). After completing the setup, a window will appear with a brief listing of all parameters. Click on "Finish".
After the installation of virtual Windows is completed, an icon for launching the OS will appear in the main VirtualBox window. Click on it and wait for the desktop to load. If necessary, install drivers.
For automatic update drivers, open the “devices” tab on the virtual machine toolbar. Then click on the desired media type and in the new window follow the instructions to obtain the new software.
Ready. Now you can start working with the virtual operating system. To exit the program, first turn off the OS and then close VirtualBox.
VMware
VMWare Workstation is the best virtual machine for Windows 10. The developer positions the program as a convenient platform for creating . Compared to other popular analogues, VMWare supports more functions for customizing a virtual machine and allows you to synchronize the simulator with software development tools.
This virtualization environment is popular among programmers, web designers and other specialists who often have to test their projects for cross-platform functionality.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Among the advantages of VMWare are:
- Convenient toolbar;
- Synchronization with Microsoft development tools, in particular the .NET platform and the Visual Studio software environment;
- Security system. Built-in VMWare tools provide a high level of protection for your files in the secondary OS. The simulator can detect attempts by malicious activity to eliminate them;
- Operation of encryption services for created virtual machines.
Disadvantages of the application:
- Paid distribution. The user can download a free trial version utilities, but to obtain full version applications with all available functions will require an annual or monthly subscription;
- Not suitable for beginners. If you have not used operating system simulators before, we recommend starting with simpler options. For example, VirtualBox and the standard Hyper V for Windows. VMWare is suitable for advanced users who prefer to configure the system manually.
How to install
You can download the virtual machine for Windows from the official website of the developer VMWare.com.
During the installation process, it is recommended to turn off Windows Defender or any other running antivirus. This is only necessary for the correct installation of all files and encryption algorithms that the program uses for virtual machines. No harm will be done to your main OS, since the product was downloaded from an official source.
Overview of functionality and first setup of the program
To create your first virtual machine in VMWare, you will need to download the OS distribution kit that you want to use in the emulator to your computer. Then open the window installed application and click on the “Create a new virtual machine” field
Pay attention! The user can create a group of virtual machines, instead of several simulators. This allows you to reduce the resource of consumed RAM and speed up the operation of the computer and the OS simulator.
In the VM Setup Wizard window, specify the path to the operating system image (this can be a file in the computer’s memory or boot disk). It is also possible to configure a virtual machine without installing the OS (it can be installed later).
- In the window that appears, specify the OS name, user name and account access password;
- Specify on which disk of your computer the virtual machine will be stored;
- Select the amount of RAM you need to run the VM;
- Configure the equipment (automatically or manually).
After completing the setup of the virtual machine, wait for the OS image to install and start working:
Microsoft Virtual PC
Microsoft Virtual PC is another popular virtual machine emulator. The program is well compatible with all versions of OS Windows. If you use a Microsoft product as your main OS, we recommend choosing Microsoft Virtual PC for emulation.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Emulator advantages:
- Excellent compatibility with all versions of Windows OS. In most cases, the user does not need to install any additional drivers for the virtual OS. All of them are synchronized with the main system;
- File system sharing. Access files stored on your PC hard drive through a VM window;
- Support for 64-bit Windows OS in “Guest Host” and “Guest Environment” operating modes;
- Support for hardware virtualization.
Flaws:
- There are paid features. The program is distributed free of charge, but to support setting up a group of virtual OSes you will have to buy a subscription;
- There is no support for Linux-like systems.
Overview of functionality and first setup of the program
To install a virtual OS, first download its image into the computer's memory, and then open Microsoft application Virtual PC. Click on the “Create virtual machine” button and configure the following parameters in the new window:
- Set the name of the new OS;
- Make a place for her hard drive and the size of RAM;
- Select what devices the VM will support (network environment, flash drives, etc.).
Bottom line
We told you about the best virtual machines for Windows, but not for everyone. If you think that these are not the best, write in the comments! Help new readers decide which emulator to start with.