Virtualization has always been an efficient way to test and run different operating systems without dedicating an entire physical machine to the task. Hyper-V, Microsoft’s virtualization platform, is a fantastic tool for this. If you’re interested in testing Windows 11 without disturbing your main OS, then installing it on a Hyper-V virtual machine (VM) is a good option. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Be sure to check the prerequisites below the post before proceeding.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Enable Hyper-V
- If you haven’t already enabled Hyper-V on your system, go to “Turn Windows features on or off” in Control Panel.
- Check “Hyper-V” and click OK. After installation, reboot your system.
2. Open Hyper-V Manager
- Press
Windows + Xand select “Hyper-V Manager” from the list.
3. Create a New Virtual Machine
- In the Hyper-V Manager, right-click on your host machine (usually your computer’s name) and select
New > Virtual Machine. - The ‘New Virtual Machine Wizard’ will open. Click ‘Next’.
- Name your VM (e.g., “Windows 11 Test”) and choose a location to store it. Click ‘Next’.
4. Assign Memory
- Decide how much RAM to allocate. For Windows 11, it’s recommended to allocate at least 4GB. Click ‘Next’.
5. Configure Networking
- Choose the connection you want for the VM. If you have set up a Virtual Switch already, select it. Otherwise, you’ll need to set one up. Click ‘Next’.
6. Connect Virtual Hard Disk
- Create a new virtual hard disk where Windows 11 will be installed. We recommend at least 50GB to ensure there’s enough space for the OS and additional files. Click ‘Next’.
7. Select Installation Options
- Choose “Install an operating system from a bootable CD/DVD-ROM” and select the “Image file (.iso)” option.
- Browse to the location where you saved your Windows 11 ISO and select it. Click ‘Next’.
8. Complete the Setup
- Review your settings and click ‘Finish’.
9. Install Windows 11
- Start the VM by right-clicking on your newly created VM (from the list) and selecting ‘Connect’. This will open a new window.
- Power on the VM by clicking the ‘Start’ button on the bottom.
- The VM should boot from the ISO. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 11.
10. Install Integration Services
Once Windows 11 is installed, ensure that Integration Services are set up. This will make your VM more responsive and offer a better user experience.
Conclusion
Now you’ve got Windows 11 running in a virtual environment, thanks to Hyper-V! This is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the new OS, test software, or configure settings without risking your primary system.
Requirements
- Windows 10/11 Pro or Enterprise: Hyper-V is only available on these versions. If you have access to Windows Server, even better.
- A system that supports virtualization: Ensure virtualization is enabled in the BIOS or UEFI settings.
- Windows 11 ISO: Download the ISO file from the official Microsoft website or another legitimate source.