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+--- Thread: What versions of Windows support Hyper-V? (/showthread.php?tid=495)
What versions of Windows support Hyper-V? - savas - 07-16-2024
If you're looking into the world of virtualization, you’ll definitely want to know about Hyper-V. It’s Microsoft’s built-in hypervisor that lets you run multiple operating systems on a single machine. So, which versions of Windows actually support it? That’s a common question, and it’s pretty straightforward.
First off, Hyper-V is mainly available in the Windows Server variants. If you’re using Windows Server 2008 and newer, you’re in luck. Each version has its own features and tweaks, but as long as you're not on something like Server 2003, you should be set. So, if you're operating in a server environment, Hyper-V is a built-in feature that can really save you on physical hardware costs.
When it comes to client versions, things get a bit more restrictive. You won’t find Hyper-V on every edition of Windows. It’s supported in Windows 10 and Windows 11, but only if you have Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions. If you’re rocking the Home edition, unfortunately, you're out of luck. The same goes for Windows 8.1; Hyper-V is available only in the Pro and Enterprise editions.
Now, running Hyper-V does mean your machine needs to meet certain hardware requirements. The processor should support virtualization technology like Intel VT or AMD-V. You’ll also need enough RAM because virtual machines can be pretty resource-heavy depending on what you're trying to do.
So, overall, if you’re on Windows Server or a Pro/Enterprise edition of Windows 10 or 11, you’re good to go. Just make sure your hardware is up to snuff, and you’ll be all set to create and manage virtual machines like a pro.
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