Windows 10 comes with many advanced features that are turned off by default. In the past, we have discussed such a feature called Sandbox, which allows users to run a virtual instance of Windows 10. Hyper-V (a feature that enables virtualization) is another feature that is often compared to Sandbox and even thought to be the same as Sandbox.
Hyper-V and Sandbox share some key features, but there are subtle differences that are important enough to understand. We will discover what virtualization is, how to enable it and why you can use it.
Let’s start.
What is Virtualization?
Virtualization allows you to run other operating systems (OS) on the same machine running one operating system. These are called virtual machines (VMs), and Hyper-V’s job is to create virtual environments. This includes virtual hard disks, virtual switches, etc. to save data. are included. This is also called hardware virtualization. You create a completely new computer, or even multiple computers, and run them on the same machine. For example, you can now run Windows and Linux simultaneously on the same computer.
Sandbox and Virtualization
Sandbox also creates a sandbox, but you can only install and test apps and software. It does 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 dependent on the primary machine’s hardware, any apps you install, files you create, and settings you change are lost as soon as you turn the sandbox off. Turning off the computer will give the same result. Just like an application, it depends on the hardware resources of the primary installation. This makes it the perfect place to test apps and settings without risking breaking your primary setup.
The VM acts and behaves like a real computer and whatever you do inside the VM stays in the VM. You can’t access it outside of the primary installation. However, a VM is not transient. It will recover itself when you put the computer to sleep or even shut it down. This means it’s more persistent and lets you do much more than just test apps. You can work on it, create and save files in it and test it, troubleshoot and even build something. My friend used to implement Oracle modules inside a VM on his laptop.
Leo from Ask Leo has done an excellent job of explaining the difference using flowchart and diagrams.
Why Use Virtualization?
There are several scenarios where it can be useful:
- Install Linux or another non-Windows operating system
- Run old versions of Windows like 7, XP
- Build/remove OS instantly without footprint
- Build and test applications in different environments
Not all applications will work in virtualization. For example, hardware-dependent games such as graphics cards will not run in the virtual environment.
system requirements
System resources will depend on the number of virtual instances you run and what you do inside them. These are the minimum requirements:
- Windows Pro or Enterprise license
- At least 4GB of RAM
- 64-bit processor with SLAT and VM Monitor Mode Extension
- Enable Virtualization Technology in BIOS – name may vary depending on motherboard make and model
- Enable Hardware Enforced Data Execution Prevention in BIOS
Getting into the BIOS in Windows 10 is easy, so you don’t have to worry about that.
Now, open CMD and type system information command to make sure your system meets all hardware requirements. You should see Yes in front of all the entries next to Hyper-V Requirements.
How to Enable Virtualization
The steps to enable virtualization in Windows 10 are pretty much the same as enabling sandbox mode. You need to tick the correct box and you are done.
Stage 1: Open Control Panel from the start menu.
Step 2: Search for and open Turn Windows features on or off.
Stage 3: Select Hyper-V in the following popup. As you will notice in the screenshot below, it should have two subfolders.
Save everything. In the same menu you will find the Windows Sandbox option. You can enable it at the same time. This is not an either/or feature.
You can also enable Hyper-V using Command Prompt or PowerShell.
Life in a Simulation
Virtualization, or Hyper-V capability, was designed with professional users, enthusiasts, developers, and programmers in mind. This is one reason why it cannot be used by home users. Enabling the feature itself is pretty easy and takes less than a few minutes. Even though the system requirements are pretty low, I recommend boosting your computer with an extra stick of RAM. This will keep both primary and virtual installations happy and running smoothly. So what are you using it for?
Next: Windows Sandbox and Sandboxie offer a risk-free way to test programs. Look how they stack up against each other.