How to Create a Windows Server VM on HyperV

Windows Server’s virtualisation is a key foundational technology essential for establishing your software-defined infrastructure. Alongside networking and storage capabilities, virtualisation features provide the agility required to support workloads effectively for your customers. In this article, I will how to Create a Windows Server VM on HyperV. Please see How to run Windows 11 on HyperV, “Enable HyperV on Windows: How to install Windows 11 on HyperV, and Generation 2 VM: Set up a HyperV VM through PXE boot.
The Hyper-V role in Windows Server enables the creation and management of a virtualized computing environment, allowing the running of multiple operating systems on one physical computer. This technology isolates the operating systems from each other, improving the efficiency of computing resources and freeing up hardware resources.
Also, see “PXE BOOT Windows Deployment Service: How to deploy images to computers or virtual machines using WDS“, Why does the legacy PXE not does work on Generation 2 VM, and
Create Windows Server Virtual Machine on HyperV
Launch HyperV Manager, from the Action pane, click New, and then click Virtual Machine.

From the New Virtual Machine Wizard. Click Next on the Before you Begin page. Here is the System requirements for Hyper-V on Windows Server.

Choose a name and location for your virtual machine. Click “Next” to proceed.

Select the generation for your virtual machine (Generation 1 or Generation 2) and click on Generation ” and then on “Next.”

Allocate memory to the virtual machine and click “Next.”

Configure network settings for your virtual machine. Select External vSwitch or your desired network connection setting and click “Next.”

Create a Virtual Hard Disk
Create or use an existing virtual hard disk for your virtual machine. I will select the first option to create a virtual disk. Specify the disk size and click “Next.”

Choose the installation options. You can either install an operating system later or use an installation disc/image. Browse to the ISO image and Click “Next.”

Review the settings on the summary page and click “Finish” to create the virtual machine.

Connect to your VM
Select the VM and click start.

Now that the VM is running, click on connect to access the VM.

Note: Secure Boot is enabled by default. Ensure the Trusted Platform Module is also enabled. Else, you will not be able to run Windows Server 2022.

By the way, you can connect to the VM on the fly by clicking on connect. Now, click Start to initiate the boot process.

Navigate through the Microsoft Server Operating System System Setup installation wizard. Select your language preferences, Time and currency format and the keyboard and click Next.

Click on Install now.

Enter the license information. If you do not have a key, click on “I don’t have a product key”.

I will be selecting Windows Server Datacenter (Desktop Experience) and click Next.

Accept the license terms and click Next

Choose the second option to perform a custom installation.

Click Next to install the Operating System as shown below.

The OS is currently being installed.

Set your Administrator Password when prompted and click Finish.

Connect to the VM on HyperV
To connect to the VM, click on Action and select Ctrl+Alt+Delete

Enter the password

When the right password is entered. You will be able to access your Windows Server VM as shown below.

FAQs
Hyper-V supports two types of VM generations: Generation 1 and Generation 2.
– Generation 1: Provides compatibility with a wider range of operating systems but has limitations in terms of performance and security features.
– Generation 2: This newer generation offers UEFI firmware, secure boot, and improved performance. It is recommended for Windows Server 2012 and later, as well as modern Linux distributions.
To ensure that your Hyper-V host is configured for remote management
– Open Hyper-V Manager on your local machine.
– Right-click on the Hyper-V Manager node.
– Select “Connect to Server” and enter the name or IP address of the remote Hyper-V host.
– Once connected, you can manage VMs on the remote host.
Hyper-V is a role that can be installed on Windows Server operating systems. To install it, follow these steps:
– Open Server Manager.
– Click on “Manage” and then select “Add Roles and Features.”
– In the Roles and Features Wizard, select the “Hyper-V” role.
. Follow the wizard to complete the installation.
I hope you found this guide on how to Create a Windows Server VM on HyperV useful. Please feel free to leave a comment below.