How to Setup Virtualization on Windows 8 Using Hyper V

Windows 8 is the latest feather added to Microsoft’s cap. Unlike the previous versions, the User Interface on the latest operating system is extremely different. People are still getting used to the idea of using a tile-based operating system on their devices. Added to all the new features is the completely new Hyper-V enabled virtualization functionality. The technical name used for this functionality is Client Hyper-V. Though people are not exactly friendly towards the new operating system, nobody can deny the advanced features available in this version. Here is how you setup virtualization on Windows 8 using Hyper-V.

How to Setup Virtualization on Windows 8

1. Go to the search Charm (you can do it by hovering the mouse on the right side).

2. Search for Programs and Features. Choose the Settings option that comes on the drop-down box. Finally, click the item available on the left side.

3. Click the Turn on or off the Windows features link, when the Programs and Settings start to load.

4. Tick the Hyper-V box to enable the functionality. Once you enable it, you are ready to continue with the set-up.

5. Now, go back to the search Charm and type ‘Hyper-V Manager’.

6. Once you launch the Hyper-V manager, click Actions panel option and choose New Virtual Machine command. Click the finish button when the screen appears. It will automatically create virtual machine that comes with built-in configurations.

7. Once the virtual machine appears on the virtual machine list, you can rename it as ‘Virtual Desktop’ or a similar name to it. You can store it wherever you find convenient to access.

· You can also specify the RAM space you wish to allot for the machine.

8. The next screen prompts you to choose a network configuration. Choose a network to which you are connected at present and continue.

9. The next screen prompts you to choose hard disk. You attach the disk you created by attaching the path address. Click Finish.

· Once the process is complete, you can view the number of virtual managers available on your device. The status of the VM will be off. An advantage of installing Hyper-V is that you can start the Virtual Manager, shut down the host and when you re-start again, the VM will begin from where it was left before you shut down.

10. Get back to the Actions option and choose Settings.

11. Once you choose Settings, you will see that there are multiple options to personalize your device.

12. Add all the NCIs that will be required.

13. Before closing the Settings, ensure you update the DVD pointing towards the right ISO image or the drive where you have the Windows 8 installation.

14. If you have multiple Virtual Managers, you can edit all of them at the same place.

15. While the VM is running, mount the controller (IDE) to the drive.

· However, you cannot do any changes to hardware configuration and memory allocation without shutting down the VM.

· You can boot the VM by right clicking the VM option and choosing Start. The booting will not appear. If you want to see the process, you have to click Connect available on the same drop down list.

· You can install the integration services through Action menu once the installation is done.

· The ISO image will be mounted on to your disk drive through which you can run the set-up directly from the OS.

Once you are done and re-boot your system, your VM will be available on the clipboard.

These are the basic steps you have to follow to set-up virtualization on Windows 8 using HyperV.

Author Bio: This guest post has been brought to you by Robin Mckenzie of Centurylink, a site that offers savings and current information on consumers’ broadband internet and cable.