Part 1 – What is Virtualization?

“Virtualization is the process of creating a virtual version of something inside a real physical computer.

For example – imagine you have one powerful computer. Normally, only one person can use it at a time.
But with virtualization, you can split that one computer into many smaller computers.
Each one looks and feels like a separate computer – but in reality, they all run on the same physical machine.

👉 Example: I can run Windows 10 and Linux on the same laptop at the same time, using virtualization. It feels like I own two computers, but I really have just one.”

Part 2 – What is a Hypervisor?

“A hypervisor is the special software that makes virtualization possible.
Think of it like a manager – it stands between the physical computer and the virtual computers.

It decides:

How much CPU each VM gets
How much memory each VM gets
And it makes sure they don’t fight over resources.

👉 Example: If you have 16 GB RAM, you can tell the hypervisor – give 8 GB to Windows VM and 4 GB to Linux VM. The hypervisor does the job.”

Part 3 – What is a Virtual Machine (VM)?

“A Virtual Machine, or VM, is simply a computer that runs inside another computer.

From inside the VM, it feels like a real PC – it has its own operating system, files, applications, and even its own IP address on the network.

👉 Example: I can install Microsoft Word in my Windows VM, and at the same time install Apache server in my Linux VM. Both run separately, even though they are on the same physical computer.”

Part 4 – Types of Hypervisors

Type 1 Hypervisor (Bare Metal)

“Type 1 Hypervisor runs directly on the hardware. It does not need Windows or Linux as a middle layer.
It talks to the hardware directly and gives resources to the VMs.

👉 Example: VMware ESXi or Microsoft Hyper-V Server in a datacenter.
These are very fast and efficient, so companies use them in servers and datacenters.”

Type 2 Hypervisor (Hosted)

“Type 2 Hypervisor runs on top of a normal operating system like Windows, Linux, or macOS.
It’s easier for beginners because you just install software like VirtualBox, VMware Workstation, or Hyper-V on Windows 10.

But because it has one extra layer – it’s a bit slower compared to Type 1.

👉 Example: On my laptop, I can install VirtualBox and run Linux inside my Windows computer.”

🎯 Recap

“So, let’s quickly recap:

Virtualization = creating virtual computers inside a physical one.
Hypervisor = the software that makes it possible.
VM (Virtual Machine) = the virtual computer itself.
Type 1 Hypervisor = runs directly on hardware (fast, used in servers).
Type 2 Hypervisor = runs on top of an operating system (easy for personal use).

👉 In short, virtualization saves money, space, and allows us to use one physical computer as many virtual computers.”

How to Install Hyper-V and Create a Virtual Machine

What is Hyper-V?

Hyper-V is Microsoft’s virtualization platform. It allows you to create and run virtual machines (VMs) on a Windows computer. A VM behaves like a separate computer with its own operating system and applications.

1. Check Requirements

Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education (not available on Home).
64-bit CPU with Intel VT-x or AMD-V (enabled in BIOS/UEFI).
At least 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended).
SSD storage recommended, with 30 GB+ free for each VM.

How to check support:

Open Task Manager → Performance → CPU → look for Virtualization: Enabled.
Or run in Command Prompt: systeminfo Scroll to Hyper-V Requirements. All must say Yes.

If virtualization is disabled, reboot into BIOS/UEFI and enable Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x) or AMD SVM.

2. Install Hyper-V

Method 1 – Windows Features

Press Win + R → type optionalfeatures → press Enter.
Tick Hyper-V (both Hyper-V Management Tools and Hyper-V Platform).
Click OK → Restart your PC.

Method 2 – PowerShell (Admin)

DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /All /FeatureName:Microsoft-Hyper-V

Restart after installation.

3. Create a Virtual Switch (for network)

Open Hyper-V Manager.
In the right panel, click Virtual Switch Manager.
Choose New virtual network switch → External.
Select your physical network adapter.
Name it (e.g., ExternalSwitch) → Click OK.

4. Create a Virtual Machine

In Hyper-V Manager, right-click your computer → New → Virtual Machine.
Name your VM (e.g., “Ubuntu-22.04” or “Windows 11”).
Generation:
- Generation 2 → for modern OS (Windows 10/11, Ubuntu).
- Generation 1 → only if you need BIOS-based legacy support.
Memory:
- Linux: 2–4 GB.
- Windows: 4–8 GB.
  Tick Use Dynamic Memory.
Networking: Select the virtual switch you created.
Virtual Hard Disk:
- Linux: 20–40 GB.
- Windows: 64–100 GB.
Installation Options: Select Install from ISO → browse to your downloaded ISO.
Click Finish.

5. Install the Guest Operating System

In Hyper-V Manager, right-click the VM → Connect → Start.
The ISO will boot → follow the normal OS installation steps.
After setup, log into your VM like a normal computer.

6. (Optional) Adjust Settings

CPU: Right-click VM → Settings → Processor → assign 2–4 cores.
Checkpoints: Take snapshots before making big changes.
Enhanced Session Mode: Allows copy-paste, drive sharing, and better display for Windows guests.

✅ That’s it! You now have Hyper-V installed, a virtual switch configured, and your first VM running.