6 reasons Hyper-V is the best hypervisor on Windows

Virtualization technology is invaluable in modern IT infrastructure. It’s also essential to create virtual machines or a network of virtual machines (VMs) when running alternate OSes or setting up a home lab. Hyper-V is Microsoft’s hypervisor and arguably the best solution for creating a virtualized environment in Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Windows Server.

A hypervisor is a virtual machine monitor and allows virtualization by using interactions between physical hardware and virtual machines. Hyper-V was first introduced in Server 2008 and has evolved into a strong virtualization platform on Windows.

6

Virtual machine management

Control VMs from a central location

Hyper-V offers tools to create, manage, and monitor VMs efficiently. Admins can manage resources like RAM, CPU, and storage based on usage and work demands. When you launch Hyper-V Manager, you can service your current VMs, delete ones you no longer use, or add additional resources. From a single interface, you can manage actions like editing the virtual disk, network connection, and other settings.

Related

A beginner’s guide to setting up a home lab using Hyper-V

Armed with a battalion of virtualization features, Hyper-V is quite useful when you’re building a Windows-powered home lab

5

Easily Manage VMs

Straightforward VM management and creation

Hyper-V includes native integration with Windows. Since it is built directly into the OS, it ensures seamless compatibility and no need for third-party software solutions like other hypervisors. Because of its integrated nature, creating and managing your VMs with Hyper-V Manager is straightforward. It doesn’t require additional steps and complications from other virtualization methods.

Related

Hyper-V will soon let you run a Windows 11 VM on Arm

Microsoft is enabling support for virtual TPM on Windows 11 Arm-based devices.

4

Performance and Security

Optimized for Windows

Microsoft optimizes Hyper-V for the Windows guest operating system and includes direct hardware access for improved performance. Hyper-V also uses Windows security features like Secure Boot, BitLocker, and isolated partitions for enhanced security. By leveraging Windows features, Hyper-V benefits your VM’s security and performance. You can use the native security and performance functionality to your benefit when creating a network of Windows VMs.

Related

5 reasons you should be using Controlled Folder Access in Windows 11 for increased data security

If you want to keep your data secure from ransomware attacks, you should use Controlled Folder Access on your Windows system

3

Scalable

Supports large-scale deployments

Hyper-V isn’t just for hobbyists or users who want to run and test other versions of Windows. It supports configuring multiple VMs with multiple processors and GBs of memory. It is a good solution for large and demanding workloads like online transaction processing. Hyper-V can expand support for host processors and memory and VHDX virtual disks for larger deployments.

Related

Should you use Proxmox, Hyper-V, or ESXi in your home lab?

A three-way battle between popular virtualization platforms

2

Run Linux

Quickly create an Ubuntu VM

We’ve discussed the benefits of creating a Windows VM with Hyper-V, but it doesn’t stop there. You can create an Ubuntu machine with the “Quick Create” feature in Hyper-V Manager. Back in the day, you needed to run Linux as a dual boot setup or use software like VMware or VirtualBox.

However, Linux and Windows have become more friendly over the years, and you can run Hyper-V on your PC. While it is easy to get an Ubuntu desktop running in Hyper-V, there are likely some tweaks you will need to make. For instance, you’ll likely want to choose the connected virtual switch, specify host resources for it to run optimally, and specify a name. You manage that and more from the Edit settings button.

1

Hyper-V is free on Windows

It’s a built-in free hypervisor

Since Hyper-V is a built-in Windows product, the only cost is for the license of Windows Pro on your PC. This opens the advanced virtualization features so you can easily create VMs and run different operating systems and apps simultaneously on your existing PC. Even if you have a home lab or are IT for a small business, Hyper-V is more cost-effective than buying physical servers and updating hardware to run different OSes.

It’s always a good idea to reduce costs if you can. With Hyper-V, you can create as many VMs as you need to put your networking together and do testing for when you want to make the investment in another machine or server. Hyper-V gives you a lot of latitude in creating the specific and robust production environment you need to get things done.

Related

Proxmox vs. Hyper-V: Clash of the best virtualization platforms

Can Microsoft’s Hyper-V beat the community-favorite Proxmox Virtual Environment?

Microsoft’s Hyper-V hypervisor can’t be beat

There are many reasons why Hyper-V is the best hypervisor for virtualization on Windows. It’s native to the OS, allows easy VM creation, tools and settings, and it’s free. It’s also important to note that you can run various versions of Windows using Hyper-V as well as Ubuntu Linux for a change of pace. You might want to learn how to get started with Linux or add it to your chain of connected VMs for various networking solutions.

With Hyper-V, you can create quick VMs and build upon the machine or install one from scratch using an ISO file and simulate a clean installation. Some enthusiasts prefer alternative solutions for their hypervisor, like Proxmox, for specific features that don’t come easily for Hyper-V users. However, for the average user and IT admins, Hyper-V wins the day since it is built in and includes native features from the host machine. Unless you need specific functionality from your hypervisor, Hyper-V does the trick.