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+--- Thread: What are the differences between Generation 1 and Generation 2 VMs? (/showthread.php?tid=137)
What are the differences between Generation 1 and Generation 2 VMs? - savas - 01-18-2020
When comparing Generation 1 and Generation 2 VMs, the differences really stand out, especially when you consider how each is designed to function. Generation 1 VMs are built on the older BIOS framework. This means they rely on traditional hardware emulation, which can sometimes limit how efficiently they run or what features support. Take the booting process, for example—it uses a legacy method that can be a bit clunky, especially when you’re trying to leverage some of the newer capabilities in your virtual environment.
In contrast, Generation 2 VMs use a more modern architecture that is based on UEFI firmware. UEFI has a ton of advantages, like supporting a larger boot volume and allowing for a more secure boot process. This means that with Gen 2 VMs, you can enable features like Secure Boot, which helps protect your system from malicious software when it starts up. If you’re in a cloud environment or dealing with sensitive data, this added security can be a game changer.
Another big difference is in the virtual hardware capabilities. Generation 2 VMs support features such as booting from a virtual hard disk in the VHDX format, which offers better performance and resilience compared to the older VHD format used by Generation 1. This is especially useful if your workload demands more from the disk or if you’re working with larger data sets. Gen 2 machines also have better support for dynamic memory, which optimizes resource allocation based on demand, making your operations more efficient.
When it comes to operating system compatibility, those running on Gen 2 VMs must be a bit more modern. They typically support Windows Server 2012 and higher, as well as newer Linux distributions. If you’re still relying on legacy systems, you’d still need to use Generation 1 VMs, which might not be the most ideal option considering the advancements in newer software.
There’s also the matters of devices and functionality we should touch on. Generation 2 VMs allow for features like virtualized graphics adapters and other integration components, which can give you a better performance experience when running applications. This is something that’s becoming increasingly important with the rise of graphics-intensive applications in various sectors.
In practice, if you’re setting up a new environment and don’t have legacy needs, it’s hard to argue against picking Generation 2 VMs. The enhancements in security, performance, and capability make them more future-proof, which is something we all look for in IT. While there are scenarios where Generation 1 certainly still has its place, particularly in maintaining older applications, it’s definitely worth considering how the newer architecture could benefit your setup.
I hope my post was useful. Are you new to Hyper-V and do you have a good Hyper-V backup solution? See my other post