What Is Virtualization in Windows 10 and How to Enable It

Windows 10 comes with a lot of advanced features that are turned off by default. We have discussed such a feature in the past called Sandbox that allows users to run a virtual instance of Windows 10. Hyper-V (a feature that allows virtualization) is another such feature that is often compared or even confused with Sandbox.

Hyper-V and Sandbox share some basic attributes, but there are subtle differences that are important enough to be understood. We’ll explore what virtualization is, how to enable it, and why you can use it.

Let’s start.

What is virtualization

Virtualization will allow you to run other operating systems (OS) on the same machine, which is running an operating system. These are called virtual machines (VMs) and Hyper-V’s job is to create a virtual environment. This includes virtual hard disks to save data, virtual switches, etc. This is also called hardware virtualization. You create a whole new computer, even multiple computers, and run them on the same machine. For example, you can now run Windows and Linux on the same computer at the same time.

Sandbox vs virtualization

A sandbox will also create a virtual space, but you can only install and test apps and software. It will not create virtual hardware. It doesn’t simulate an entirely new computing environment, but shares the same hardware and drivers as your primary installation.

Because the sandbox is hardware dependent on the primary machine, any applications you install, files you create, and settings you change disappear the moment you close the sandbox. Shutting down the computer will give the same result. It depends on the hardware resources of the main installation to exist, just like an application. This makes it a great place to test apps and settings without running the risk of messing up your primary install.

The VM acts and behaves like a real computer, and everything you do inside the VM stays in the VM. You cannot access it outside of this one in the main installation. But, a VM is not temporary. It saves itself automatically when you put the computer to sleep or even when you shut it down. This means it’s more permanent, allowing you to do a lot more than just test apps. You can work on it, create and save files inside, and test or troubleshoot or even create something. My friend was practicing the Oracle modules in a VM on his laptop.

Leo from Ask Leo did a great job of explaining the difference using a flowchart and diagrams.

Why use virtualization

There are a few scenarios where this can be useful like:

• Install Linux or another operating system that is not Windows
• Run old versions of Windows like 7, XP
• Create / remove OS on the fly without clutter
• Build and test applications in different environments

Not all applications will work in virtualization. For example, games that depend on hardware like a graphics card will not work in a virtual environment.

Required configuration

System resources depend on the number of virtual instances you are running and what you are doing inside them. Here are the minimum requirements:

• Windows Pro or Enterprise license
• At least 4 GB of RAM
• 64-bit processor with SLAT and VM Monitor mode extension
• Enable virtualization technology in BIOS – the name may differ depending on the make and model of the motherboard
• Enable hardware data execution prevention in BIOS

It is easy to enter BIOS in Windows 10 so you don’t have to worry about it.

Now open CMD and type system information to make sure your system meets all hardware requirements. You should display Yes in front of all entries next to Hyper-V requirements.

How to enable virtualization

The steps for enabling virtualization in Windows 10 are pretty much the same as for enabling sandbox mode. You must check the correct box and you are done.

Step 1: Open the Control Panel from the Start menu.

2nd step: Find and open Turn Windows features on or off.

Step 3: Select Hyper-V from the pop-up window that follows. It should have two subfolders as you would notice in the screenshot below.

Save everything. You will find the Windows Sandbox option in the same menu. You can also activate it at the same time. It is not a neither / nor feature.

You can also enable Hyper-V using Command Prompt or PowerShell.

Life in a simulation

The Virtualization or Hyper-V feature is designed for business users, enthusiasts, developers and programmers. This is one of the reasons it is not available for home users. Activating the feature itself is fairly straightforward and takes less than a few moments. Although the system requirements are quite low, I recommend that you harden your computer with an additional RAM stick. This will allow the main and virtual installation (s) to function correctly and to function correctly. So what do you use it for?