Hyper-V is a virtualization technology that allows Windows 8 and 10 users to run multiple operating systems on one computer. Hyper-V also allows users to create custom virtual machines that are isolated from the rest of the computer. This article will show you how to install or enable Hyper-V in Windows 8 or 10. To begin, open the Start screen and type “hyperv” into the search bar. Once you have found hyperv, click on it to open the Hyper-V Manager. The Hyper-V Manager will show you a list of all your current virtual machines. You can right-click on any of these virtual machines and select “Enable Hyper V.” If you are not using a Windows 10 computer, then you can skip this step and continue reading later. If you are using a Windows 8 computer, then open the charms bar and type “hyperv” into the charms bar search box. Once you have found hyperv, click on it to open the Hyper-V Settings charm. The Hyper-V Settings charm will show you a list of all your current virtual machines. You can right-click on any of these virtual machines and select “Disable Hyper V.” If you are not using a Windows 10 computer, then you can skip this step and continue reading later. Now that your hyperv settings are set up, it is time to create your first virtual machine! To create a new virtual machine, click on the “New Virtual Machine” button in the top left corner of the Hyper-V Manager screen. The New Virtual Machine dialog will appear. In this dialog, enter an name for your newvirtual machine and click on OK to create your new VM!
Windows 8 and 10 includes Hyper-V as a virtualization platform, but since not everybody will use this feature, it’s not enabled by default. Here’s how to enable it on your Windows 8 or Windows 10 PC.
Confusion
Hyper-V only allows you to create a new virtual machine on 64-bit versions of Windows 10 or 8, but the client tools are available on both versions. If you are running 32-bit, you’ll be able to do the installation, but you won’t be able to actually use it to create a new VM.
Installing or Enabling Hyper-V
Hyper-V is installed in the add features section of the add or remove programs dialog. To get there we need to open a run box by pressing Win+R, now type appwiz.cpl and press enter. You could also get to the Programs and Features box through Control Panel or the Start search, but this is easy and geeky.
Once the Programs and Features dialog opens, select the Turn Windows features on or off link on the left hand side.
When the Windows Features open, check the Hyper-V option. Then click Ok.
Windows will now add the Hyper-V binaries to your Windows installation.
You can now launch the Hyper-V manager from the Metro dashboard, or from the Start Menu in Windows 10.
