Windows 8 Bible

Client Hyper-V

Although not enabled by default, Windows 8 includes the Hyper-V client, enabling you to run virtual machines (VMs) within the Hyper-V platform. For example, you might run a VM of Windows XP to support an application that isn’t compatible with later versions of Windows. Or, maybe you need to run Linux but don’t want to dual-boot between them. Hyper-V on Windows 8 is a great solution.

Client Hyper-V on Windows 8 offers more capabilities and power than its predecessor, Virtual PC. Client Hyper-V supports both 32- and 64-bit client operating systems, although Client Hyper-V only runs on 64-bit PCs running the 64-bit version of Windows 8. It requires a minimum of 4GB of RAM on the host PC and processors that support Second Level Address Translation (SLAT), although most of today’s PCs provide that support.

Tip

To enable Hyper-V on your computer, open the Programs And Features object in the Control Panel and click Turn Windows Features On or Off.