Do you want to install Windows 8 or 8.1 on a new virtual computer using Microsoft Hyper-V software? You’re in luck!
This article will show you exactly how to accomplish it, step by step. It doesn’t matter if you’re starting out or if you know a lot about computers; this guide will make it easy for you. Let’s begin!
Credit: Microsoft
Discovering the Enhanced Features of Windows 8.1
Windows 8.1 is a suitable type of Microsoft Windows for computers we use at home, work, or on tablets. It’s designed to run on both older and newer computers.
One cool thing about this OS is that it’s made to be easy to use with touchscreens as well as with a regular mouse and keyboard. This means you can tap and swipe on your device just like on a smartphone or tablet.
A significant change in Windows 8 was getting rid of the start menu, which lots of people didn’t like. However, in version 8.1, Microsoft brought it back because people wanted it. The start menu makes it easier to find your favorite apps and stuff, which makes using your computer more straightforward and more fun.
Installing Windows 8 in Hyper-V
To put Microsoft OS 8 or 8.1 on a pretend computer using Microsoft’s virtual software, you’ve got two choices. You must either read the steps below or watch this video guide. This lets you make a fake computer inside your real one for testing or trying stuff out.
- To add Hyper-V VM software to your Windows 10 PC, go to Windows Features, check Hyper-V, and hit OK. Then, please restart your computer after it finishes installing.
- Look for Hyper-V software in the start menu and open it. Once you’re in Hyper-V Manager, make an External Switch that you’ll need for guest machines before installing Windows. The Default Switch connects virtual computers to your local network, but sometimes it can mess up your network. So, go to Virtual Switch Manager in the Actions section to make an External Switch instead.
- To make an outside virtual switch, open Virtual Switch Manager and pick “External.” Then, press “Create Virtual Switch” to make the external adapter. Once that’s done, go to its settings and select “External Network.” After that, choose your computer’s Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter and hit OK to finish. That’s all you need to do to create an outside virtual switch on your PC.
- To make a pretend computer, do these steps: Click on the Actions tab, then pick New. Choose Virtual Machine from the list that pops up. This will form a wizard where you can set up your pretend computer however you want.
- When you see the “Before You Begin” window, don’t worry. Just click the “Next” button and start making your VM step by step.
- In the “Specify Name and Location” window, type the name of the Windows OS you’re putting in the “Name” box. If you want to save the virtual PC somewhere else, click Browse and pick where on your external storage you want it.
- When you’re choosing the generation type in the “Specify Generation” window, remember it’s up to you. You can go with the trustworthy Generation 1 or try out the newer Generation 2. Just pick what you think is best for you and keep going!
- To give the right amount of memory to your VM in Hyper-V, you’ll use the “Assign Memory” window. If you’re running lots of PCs at once, you can turn on Dynamic Memory to use your computer’s resources better. But if you’re using one, it’s better to turn off Dynamic Memory and give it 4 GB of memory.
- In the “Configure Networking” window, choose the External Switch you made before with the Virtual Switch Manager. After you’ve picked the right switch, click on the “Next” button to keep going.
- In the “Connect Virtual Hard Disk” window, you can change how big the pretend hard drive is depending on what you’re installing. Hyper-V usually sets it to 127GB for Windows 8/8.1, but you can lower it to the smallest size of 50GB.
- In the “Installation Options” area, tick the box that says “Install an operating system from a bootable image file” to put a Windows 8/8.1 ISO file into the VM. Then, click on the Browse section to find the image file you downloaded on your PC.
- Have a look at your choices in the Summary window. You picked them carefully. If you need to modify anything, go back. When you’re ready, click “Finish” to finish making your virtual PC.
- Make your Windows 8/8.1 with Hyper-V even better by going into its settings and changing the number of pretend processors to 4 or more, depending on how strong your PC is. This small change can make your virtual experience much faster and help you get more done than ever!
- Take the next step and connect to Microsoft 8/8.1 VM. The installation process is just one click away – go ahead and hit that Start button to begin.
Conclusion
Exploring new technology can be a fun journey, especially when you’re diving into all the cool stuff Windows 8.1 has to offer. Now, with Hyper-V software, you can install this system on a virtual machine and start checking out all its neat features. Our easy guide walks you through setting up your pretend computer, so even if you’re new to this, you’ll feel like a pro in no time.
Whether you’re using a touchscreen or a regular mouse and keyboard, Windows 8.1 is made to be easy and fun to use. So why not give it a shot and see what amazing things you can do with Hyper-V?
If you want to install Windows Vista using Hyper-V, we’ve got the perfect guide for you! Check out our easy step-by-step instructions. With this guide, you can make a virtual system on your Windows 10 or 11 PC without any trouble. Whether you’re just starting with virtualization or you’re really good at it, this guide has all the information you need to begin.
In addition, are you looking to run Windows XP on Hyper-V? Our guide walks you through setting up a virtual machine on a host PC and installing it hassle-free. Explore legacy apps or try out an older OS today!