Virtualization technology allows one physical computer to create several virtual ones with their own operating systems. The guest OS will use the real PC resources allocated to it within the specified limits. There is no need to partition the disk and there is no danger of damaging the bootloader. The user's personal data is not affected and is safe. If you are interested in these opportunities, stay with us. Today we are going to show you how to enable virtualization in Windows 10.
A Microsoft-developed hypervisor called Hyper-V is included as an add-on to the system. It can be used only in x64 bit OS Windows 10 Enterprise or Pro. In a corporate environment, Microsoft even recommends specific HP and Lenovo laptops. This option is not available to users of the Home edition and all x32 bit systems.
- Quickly find out the parameters installed Windows you can use the keyboard shortcut Win + X. In the expanded menu, select the item marked with a frame.
- The window that opens contains two blocks of information. In the first, we look at the amount of installed memory and bit depth. Hyper V requires at least 4 Gb RAM. In the second block, we pay attention to the OS release.
- According to the system parameters, the computer is suitable for installing and running Microsoft VMs. Additionally, Hyper-V requires the processor to support nested SLAT paging. Intel has implemented it in the Core i3 / 5/7 line, and AMD since the first 64-bit Opterons. The processor model is indicated in the characteristics of the device, so there is no need to check it in BIOS or UEFI. We will be able to make sure that Hyper technology is supported using the command line. We enter the command "systeminfo" and look for the data block indicated in the screenshot.
As you can see, all necessary requirements completed and we performed the check without access to the BIOS. After making sure that the hardware configuration is suitable for using the virtual machine, we can proceed to the installation.
Installation
Hyper-V is a component operating system... It cannot be downloaded and installed separately. You can only enable use in Windows environment... Consider several connection options Microsoft Virtual Machine.
Graphics mode
Let's start with using the graphical mode, as the most familiar to users.
- Using the Win + R keyboard shortcut, open the Run dialog box and enter the control command in the text field as shown in the screenshot.
- The result of our actions will be the appearance of the classic Windows control panel. We are looking for the specified item and open it.
- In this window, we will use the navigation menu, which is responsible for working with the components of the operating system.
- Turn on Hyper-V. Expand the "Hyper" branch and make sure that the checkboxes are set in front of all its components. We finish the work in this section by clicking the "OK" button.
- Windows searches and installs ordered components internally.
- After completing the changes to the software configuration, the system will prompt you to reboot.
This completes the installation and the PC is ready to use the built-in virtualization tools.
Command line
You can also install hypervisor components using command line capabilities.
- Open the Power User menu and launch PowerShell or CMD shell as administrator.
- Enter the following line in the window that opens:
- Windows processes the received command to install additional components.
- Finally, we will be prompted to confirm the changes and reboot. We enter the English letter "Y" in any case.
The computer will immediately exit graphics mode and display the standard update window. The system starts with Hyper-V enabled.
The latter method involves using the Windows Image Deployment and Management Tool.
- Launch command line with administrative rights. We enter the following line:
- After completing the component installation, DISM asks for confirmation.
Typing the letter "Y" causes the PC to restart immediately, during which the initial Hyper-V configuration is performed.
Using
Once the installation is complete, you can start creating a new virtual machine.
- The new component is located in the "Administration Tools" section of the "Start" menu.
- Hyper-V Manager is a standard Windows management console. Operations are enabled and configured in the Action area. We select the marked item to start the wizard.
- A three-item selection menu expands. Select the one indicated by the frame.
- The first window is informational. By putting a check mark in the indicated place, you will no longer see it on subsequent launches. To create a car with your own configuration, select the button marked with a frame.
- Here we set the name of the created machine and can change the storage location of its files.
- The generation should be selected based on the bit capacity expected to install the OS. For 32-bit versions we leave the former, while modern distributions belong to the latter.
- We will agree with the proposal to install the guest system later. This can be done using DVD media or ISO image.
The virtual machine is ready. To disable Hyper-V and remove guest systems, you must deselect the use of this Windows component in Control Panel.
Alternative
Windows Home owners who don't have Hyper-V access can use a free alternative solution from Oracle. Unlike the product Microsoft application VirtualBox runs on 32-bit systems, has more features and is less resource intensive. It does not require a special set of processor instructions.
Almost all existing operating systems will run in VirtualBox, which cannot be said about Hyper-V. In it, the choice is limited to a few versions of Windows, and more recently also Linux.
Finally
For a comfortable use of virtual machines, do not forget that they consume the physical resources of the computer. Ideally, the PC should have 8 GB of memory to allow the current and guest OS to run concurrently with applications running.
Video
To help users who want to better understand the Windows 10 virtualization settings, below are the video links.
Hyper-V is a virtualization system in Windows that comes by default in the set of system components. It is present in all versions of the dozen except for Home, and its purpose is to work with virtual machines... Due to certain conflicts with third-party virtualization mechanisms, Hyper-V may need to be disabled. This is very easy to do.
There are several options for disabling the technology at once, and the user in any case can easily turn it back on when needed. And although Hyper-V is usually disabled by default, it could have been activated by the user earlier, including accidentally, or when installing modified OS assemblies, after configuring Windows by another person. Here are 2 convenient ways to disable Hyper-V.
Method 1: Windows Components
Since the element in question is part of the system components, you can disable it in the corresponding window.
IN latest versions Windows 10 does not require a reboot, but you can do this if necessary.
Method 2: PowerShell / Command Line
A similar action can be performed using "Cmd" or its alternative PowerShell... However, the commands will be different for both applications.
PowerShell
IN "Command line" disconnection occurs by using the DISM system component store.
Hyper-V won't shutdown
In some cases, users have a problem with the deactivation of a component: it receives a notification "We were unable to complete the components" or Hyper-V becomes active again when it is turned on again. You can fix this problem by checking system files and storage in particular. Scanning is performed through the command line by running the SFC and DISM tools. In our other article, we have already considered in more detail how to check the OS, so in order not to repeat ourselves, we attach a link to full version of this article. In it, you will need to alternately execute Method 2 then Method 3.
As a rule, after this, the shutdown problem disappears, if not, then the reasons should be looked for in the stability of the OS, but since the range of errors can be huge and this does not fit into the framework and topic of the article.
We've covered how to disable Hyper-V hypervisor, as well as the root reason why it can't be deactivated. If you still have problems, write about it in the comments.
Hyper-V is an operating system component that is disabled by default. To include a component Hyper-V production 64-bit processor required Intel or AMD with support for NX and SSE2 instructions. The processor must support virtualization technologies ( Intel VT-x or AMD-V), as well as Second Level Address Translation (SLAT) technology. You can check the processor for the presence of the necessary technologies using the Coreinfo utility from Sysinternals, the verification procedure is described in detail
Also before enabling Hyper-V you need to check if these technologies are enabled in BIOS / UEFI.
graphical interface
To enable the Hyper-V component in the graphical interface, press the key combination + R and in the window that opens, enter OptionalFeatures and press the key Enter↵
In the opened window Windows components find item Hyper-V... In addition to the Hyper-V platform itself, this includes tools for managing it - graphical snap-in Hyper-V Manager and module Hyper-V for PowerShell... We open it, mark all the components and press the button OK
To disable Hyper-V, uncheck the box next to Hyper-V
You must restart your computer to complete the installation and make the requested changes.
Enable or disable Hyper-V using
Windows PowerShell
Hyper-V component can be enabled using Windows PowerShell console
As administrator and run the following command:
Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Hyper-V –All
Y
To disable the Hyper-V component using Windows PowerShell, run the command:
Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Hyper-V-All
To complete the operation, restart Windows by pressing the key Y
Enable or disable Hyper-V using DISM
To enable the Hyper-V component using DISM, run Command Prompt as administrator and run the command:
dism.exe / Online / Enable-Feature: Microsoft-Hyper-V / All
To complete the operation, restart Windows by pressing the key Y
To disable the Hyper-V component using> DISM, run Command Prompt as administrator and run the command:
dism.exe / Online / Disable-Feature: Microsoft-Hyper-V-All
To complete the operation, restart Windows by pressing the key Y
In the operating system virtualization software market, the top three are headed by brands such as VMware, VirtualBox and Hyper-V. However, the latter hypervisor occupies a special place, as it is a regular component of Microsoft server systems.
Therefore, after installing a new operating system, users often ask the question: how to activate Hyper-V in Windows 10 and create a virtual machine?
What is Hyper-V Hypervisor?
Windows 10 received a standard component of Hyper-V from the previous operating system. However, it is worth noting that the hypervisor is inherent only to 64-bit versions of Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise. This component was not included in the rest of the OS versions. But this does not mean that it cannot be added to your PC. The main thing is that the device meets certain requirements. Among them, we highlight:
- Minimum volume random access memory- 4 GB;
- Processor with support for SLAT technology (most modern processors are adapted to this requirement);
- Processor support for hardware virtualization technology and its active state in BIOS;
- Availability of 4 GB or more free hard disk space.
- The created system image.
How to activate and run Hyper-V on Windows 10?
Originally in any windows 10 standard Hyper-V is disabled. To activate it, you need to follow these steps.
Click "Start" and enter "Programs and Features" in the search box. We open the result of the issue.
Go to the "Programs and Features" section. In the left menu, select "Enable and disable system components."
A new dialog box will open. We mark all the items that relate to Hyper-V and click "OK".
Within a few seconds, the system will activate the hypervisor components, after which a notification will appear on the screen about the need to restart the PC. We press "Restart".
After rebooting, click "Start" and enter "Hyper-V" in the search box. "Hyper-V Manager" appears. Double click to start the service. The hypervisor is now active and ready to use. You can also bring it to the initial screen by right-clicking and selecting the desired item.
How do I configure network access using Hyper-V?
In order to configure network access in Windows 10 using Hyper-V, you need to create a virtual switch - a parameter that is responsible for access to the Internet. Therefore, we launch the "Hyper-V Manager" and on the left side, click on the name of the PC, and on the right side of the screen, select “Virtual Switch Manager ...”.
The "New Virtual Switch Wizard" will start. Here you need to select the type of network.
There are three types:
- An external one that uses Wi-Fi or network card to connect to the network.
- Internal is a type that creates a link between the host PC and the virtual machine, but does not provide them with network access.
- Private is a type for creating a connection between virtual machines.
To connect to the Internet, you must select the first type. Next, click "Create virtual switch".
A window will open. Assign a name to the new switch and select "Connection Type". This can be a connection via a network card or via Wi-Fi. After we click "Apply".
How do I create a virtual machine?
After creating the switch, you can start configuring the virtual machine. Open "Hyper-V Manager". We click on the physical name of the PC. In the right menu, select "Create". Click on "Virtual Machine".
We assign a name to the new virtual machine, indicate its location and click "Next".
We choose the third generation of devices. You can also choose the first generation, but the second has a number of useful features. Click "Next".
Leave everything unchanged in the memory allocation window. If the PC has more than 4 GB of RAM, the figure can be increased. After we click "Next".
In the network settings window, select the previously created switch. Click "Next".
In the next window, enter the name of the virtual machine and indicate its size on the virtual hard disk. Click "Next" again.
If in the previous window you have chosen to create a virtual hard disk, then in this window you need to specify the path to the Windows 10 distribution kit. In the second generation it will be either an ISO image or a network. Select the ISO image and click "Next".
After creating the disc, click "Finish".
How do I connect a virtual machine?
To make a virtual machine active, you need to select it in the list and click "Connect" in the right menu of "Hyper-V Manager".
A new window will open. Click on the green button.
The standard installation process for new components will start. After we reboot the PC and turn on the virtual machine for use.
With release Windows Server 2008, Network OS, also introduced its first Hyper-V virtual machine. This is not a new technology for Microsoft, as Virtual PC and Virtual Server were previously used.
Since then, the company has developed a more advanced solution called Hyper-V and integrated it into the Windows platform. With the release of Windows 8 in 2012, Microsoft made Hyper-V available to Windows users, and for the first time targeted the consumer as more reliable. In this article, we will look at using it.
Create a virtual machine with Hyper-V on Windows 10
Let's take a look at creating a virtual machine using built-in Hyper-V technology. Benefits include the ability to run multiple operating systems at the same time as long as you have sufficient hardware resources. Personally, I decided to do this because I need to do some compatibility tests. Hyper-V is also a great way to try and test applications before using them in your main production environment.
Preconditions
- Windows 10 Pro 64-bit or Windows Enterprise (Hyper-V is not available on Windows 10 Home Edition).
- Your processor must support Secondary Level Address Translation technology.
- Virtualization must be enabled in your computer's BIOS or firmware.
Enabling virtualization
Restart your computer and enter BIOS Setup (usually by pressing F2, F10, or the F12 key) on your keyboard before the computer loads the operating system. Windows system... This process may vary by brand, so refer to your computer's user manual for instructions on how to load the BIOS. On my computer, I have to press the F10 key, select my language, select Security >> System Settings and enable Virtualization Technologies.
Configuring Hyper-V
Click on Windows Key + R and enter: OptionalFeatures.exe, press the key Enter.
This action will open Turn them on and off all Windows components... Check all options Hyper-V and press the button OK.
Then wait while Windows searches for the required files, makes changes, installs and configures Hyper-V. You will be asked Reboot to confirm the changes. A series of reboots will take place.
Configuring a network for a virtual machine
In the first step, we will create a Virtual network connection... Right-click in Hyper-V Manager, click on DESKTOP-I1CTS2Q and start Create Switch. In my case, I have highlighted the External Virtual Switch. The "Create virtual switch" button will create access to the Internet. OK.
Create a Hyper-V virtual machine
Next, you need to open the hidden shortcut menu by pressing Windows key + X, go to Control Panel >> Administrative Tools >> Hyper-V Manager. (See article: How to open Control Panel in Windows 10) or type Hyper >> Hyper-V Manager into the search box.
In the left pane of Hyper-V Manager, select DESKTOP-I1CTS2Q. This selection will enable actions in the panel on the right. Click Create a - Virtual machine... New Virtual Machine Creation will start. Click Next and follow the instructions on the screen.
Give the virtual machine a name and storage location. So if you have additional partitions or a disk, then you can view and save it there.
Choose the type of generation you prefer to use. If you are relying on the needs of older applications, Generation 1 is better suited.
Choose how much memory you would like to give to the virtual machine. This choice will depend on how much you have. The bigger, the better. If you are limited in the installed physical memory, 2 GB or less, uncheck "Use dynamic memory for a virtual machine ".
If you created a network for the virtual machine earlier, install it and click Next to continue. If not, you can always adjust the parameters after.
The next window will configure the virtual HDD where you will install the operating system. Assign the size you would like to have in the virtual machine. You can also choose an existing virtual hard disk if you already have one.
Check your customization options. You can click the Back button and make the necessary changes. Once you are satisfied, click the Finish button.
Enabling Hyper-V Virtual Machine
After creation, we just need to start the virtual machine, for this, in the Hyper-V Manager window, find Virtual Machines and double-click, in the window that opens, click the "Start" button.
Installing the operating system
Next, I'll show you how to install Windows 7 Professional in a Hyper-V virtual machine. You have a wide selection of operating systems that include others Windows versions and some Linux distributions. For Windows installations I will use a file ISO image.
In the right pane, under the name of the virtual machine, click Settings. Select the DVD drive from the menu in the hardware tree. In your DVD drive, set the boot options from the DVD or an available ISO file.
As you can see, installing the operating system on the built-in Hyper-V virtual machine in Windows 10 is not difficult. The process is exactly the same as in other programs such as VM VirtualBox or VMware. You don't need to install software third party vendors, and as I said earlier, it's free.