How to Use Hyper-V (Virtualization)

Hyper-V is Microsoft’s virtualization platform that lets you create and manage virtual machines (VMs) on Windows. It’s a powerful tool for running multiple operating systems on a single physical machine, testing software, or setting up isolated environments. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Here’s a detailed guide on How to Use Hyper-V (Virtualization) effectively:

🔧 1. Setting Up Hyper-V

Check System Requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education.
• Virtualization Enabled: Enable it in BIOS/UEFI settings (look for Intel VT-x or AMD-V).
• RAM: Minimum 4 GB (8 GB or more recommended).

Enable Hyper-V:

• Via Windows Features:
  • Go to Control Panel → Programs → Turn Windows features on or off.
  • Select Hyper-V → Click OK → Restart.
• Using PowerShell (Run as Administrator):Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Hyper-V -All
  • Restart your PC after enabling.

💻 2. Creating a Virtual Machine (VM)

Step 1: Open Hyper-V Manager

• Search for Hyper-V Manager in the Start Menu and open it.

Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine

• Click New → Virtual Machine (on the right panel).
• Follow the wizard:
  • Name your VM (e.g., “Ubuntu Test”).
  • Assign memory (e.g., 2048 MB for light use).
  • Choose a network adapter (Default Switch for internet access).
  • Create a virtual hard disk (VHDX, minimum 20 GB for most OS).
  • Attach an ISO file for the OS installation (e.g., Ubuntu, Windows).

Step 3: Start and Install OS

• Right-click the VM → Connect → Start.
• Install the OS like you would on a regular PC.

⚙️ 3. Managing Virtual Machines

Power Management:

• Start a VM: Start-VM -Name "VMName"
• Shut Down a VM: Stop-VM -Name "VMName"

Create a Checkpoint (Snapshot):

• Save the current state of a VM to roll back later: Checkpoint-VM -Name "VMName" -SnapshotName "Before Update"

Revert to a Previous State:

• Right-click the VM → Checkpoint → Apply.

🌐 4. Configuring Networking for VMs

1. Virtual Switch Manager (for networking):
   • External: Connects to physical network.
   • Internal: Communication between host and VMs only.
   • Private: Communication between VMs only.
2. Set up NAT (for VMs to share host internet):
   • Open PowerShell and run: New-VMSwitch -SwitchName "NATSwitch" -SwitchType Internal New-NetIPAddress -IPAddress 192.168.100.1 -PrefixLength 24 -InterfaceAlias "vEthernet (NATSwitch)" New-NetNat -Name "NATNetwork" -InternalIPInterfaceAddressPrefix 192.168.100.0/24

📂 5. Importing/Exporting VMs

• Export: Right-click VM → Export → Choose location.
• Import: In Hyper-V Manager → Import Virtual Machine → Select exported folder.

🔒 6. Advanced Features

• Nested Virtualization: Enable running Hyper-V inside a VM. Set-VMProcessor -VMName "VMName" -ExposeVirtualizationExtensions $true
• Dynamic Memory Allocation: Automatically adjusts RAM usage based on VM needs.

❓ 7. Troubleshooting Hyper-V

• VM won’t start? Ensure virtualization is enabled in BIOS.
• No internet on VM? Recreate or update the virtual switch.
• Performance issues? Allocate more CPU cores or RAM.