Virtualization, Windows Server 2019

Welcome to IT4U! Today, I am going to start the full MCSA course and I will be your MCSA instructor. First of all, we will discuss the course we are starting today. You need to know why this course is necessary. Some people may even advise you to learn Azure instead of MCSA. But let me tell you, you can’t work with Azure without MCSA knowledge. Even if you start learning Azure, you will always need MCSA knowledge.

So, it’s important for you to understand the benefits of MCSA. In this course, I will teach you how to build complete labs, and it will feel just like a real company environment. Now, you may be wondering how to create a company-like environment at home since you need server OS and client OS licenses. Don’t worry, Microsoft provides everything for free for learning purposes, and I will show you how to download server OS and client OS from Microsoft.

Whether you have a laptop or desktop, I will guide you on how to create a virtual company environment on your own machine. I want to assure you that by watching my videos and practicing, you will be ready for a job as a Desktop/Network/System Engineer.

The full form of MCSA is Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate. The MCSA exam has been retired, but this does not mean the course has lost its value. If you’re looking to enter cloud computing or land a job quickly in Microsoft Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud Platform, MCSA knowledge is essential. Even if you don’t enter the cloud domain, if you want to work in IT infrastructure, MCSA knowledge is required.

So, the retirement of the exam simply means it has been upgraded, not that its value is gone. Now, let’s move on to virtualization. I’ll address all your doubts regarding virtualization today. If you want to create a company-like environment at home, you will need to create virtual machines using Hyper-V. If you’re using Windows 10, or 11 Professional or Enterprise edition, Hyper-V is pre-installed. You just need to enable it in the OS settings. I will explain everything step by step in future videos. Let’s dive into Hyper-V and explore how it works.

What is Hyper-V?

Hyper-V is a virtualization feature built into Windows, available on Windows 10 and 11 (Pro and Enterprise editions) as well as Windows Server editions. It enables you to create and manage virtual machines (VMs) that run their own operating systems and applications, independent of your main host system.

Hyper-V allows you to simulate a different environment on your computer, making it ideal for testing new OS configurations, running legacy software, or setting up lab environments for training or development purposes.

Prerequisites for Using Hyper-V

Before diving into the steps, ensure that:

1. Your system supports Hyper-V. Check your CPU for virtualization support (Intel VT-x or AMD-V).
2. You are using a compatible version of Windows. Hyper-V is available on Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions, as well as Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise.
3. Your BIOS/UEFI has virtualization enabled. Access your BIOS/UEFI settings during system boot to ensure virtualization is turned on.
4. You have administrative privileges on your machine.

How to Install Hyper-V on Windows

Step 1: Check System Compatibility

Before installing Hyper-V, make sure your system meets the above requirements. You can check if your system supports Hyper-V by opening Task Manager, going to the Performance tab, and looking for the Virtualization field. If it’s enabled, you’re good to go.

Step 2: Enable Hyper-V via Windows Features

Here’s how you can enable Hyper-V from within Windows:

1. Open Control Panel:
   • Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, then type control and press Enter.
2. Go to Programs and Features:
   • Click on Programs, then select Turn Windows features on or off.
3. Enable Hyper-V:
   • In the Windows Features window, scroll down and check the box for Hyper-V. You may need to enable both the Hyper-V Management Tools and Hyper-V Platform.
   • Click OK to begin the installation. Windows will now add the necessary files and prompts for a restart.
4. Restart Your Computer:
   • After the installation is complete, you’ll need to restart your system for the changes to take effect.

Step 3: Activate Hyper-V

Once your system has restarted, Hyper-V will be activated. You can verify this by:

1. Opening Hyper-V Manager:
   • Press Windows + S, type Hyper-V Manager, and press Enter to launch the management console.
2. Creating a New Virtual Machine:
   • From within the Hyper-V Manager, you can now create and manage virtual machines by clicking on New and selecting Virtual Machine.

Step 4: Configure BIOS/UEFI (if needed)

If Hyper-V is still not working, it could be because virtualization is disabled in your system’s BIOS/UEFI settings. Here’s how to enable it:

1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, Delete, or Esc during startup).
2. Locate the virtualization setting (usually under Advanced, CPU Configuration, or Security) and make sure Intel VT-x or AMD-V is enabled.
3. Also, ensure Data Execution Prevention (DEP) is enabled.
4. Save the changes and exit BIOS/UEFI.

Download Windows 10 VM Evaluation Image

Looking to practice creating virtual machines? Download a Windows 10 VM Evaluation Image for Educational purposes only. This image is time-limited and will expire after the trial period.

👉 Download Windows 10 VM Evaluation Image

Disclaimer: This image is shared for learning/education purposes only. Ensure compliance with Microsoft’s licensing terms.

How to Use Hyper-V to Create a Virtual Machine

For a step-by-step installation guide, be sure to visit my video where I explained each step in detail. If you’re still facing any issues, feel free to comment on the video, and I’ll be happy to help you resolve them.

Once Hyper-V is installed and activated, you can begin creating virtual machines. Here’s a quick guide to get started:

1. Open Hyper-V Manager and click New on the right-hand side to start creating a virtual machine.
2. Choose the virtual machine name and location.
3. Select the generation of the VM (Generation 1 or Generation 2).
4. Assign memory (at least 2 GB for basic usage).
5. Configure networking by selecting a virtual switch or creating a new one.
6. Choose the installation media (ISO file or physical CD/DVD).
7. Complete the setup and start the virtual machine.

For a step-by-step installation guide, be sure to watch my video where I explain each step in detail. If you’re still facing any issues, feel free to comment on the video or below in the blog, and I’ll be happy to help you resolve them.

Troubleshooting Hyper-V Installation

• Error: “Hyper-V is not available on this edition of Windows” This occurs if you’re using Windows 10 Home. Hyper-V is only available on Windows Pro and Enterprise editions, so you’ll need to upgrade your edition to enable this feature.
• Error: “Virtualization is disabled in the firmware” If virtualization is not enabled in the BIOS, follow the steps mentioned earlier to enable it.

Conclusion

Hyper-V is an excellent tool for virtualization and is integrated into Windows for seamless use. With the above steps, you should be able to install and activate Hyper-V without any issues. Make sure your system meets the requirements, follow the steps carefully, and you’ll be running virtual machines in no time!

Don’t forget to check out the video tutorial for a more detailed guide and additional tips.

I hope this blog post gave you a solid introduction to the MCSA course and virtualization concepts. There’s a lot more to learn, and in the video, I go into greater detail, explaining each step along with demonstrations. I highly encourage you to watch the full video for a comprehensive understanding of the topics discussed, including how to create virtual machines, manage configurations, and optimize your hardware for real-world applications.

If you found this blog helpful, don’t forget to like and share the video. Subscribe to the channel to stay updated with all upcoming tutorials. Your journey to mastering MCSA and virtualization starts here, and I’ll guide you every step of the way.

Stay tuned for the next post, where we will dive deeper into configuring virtual machines using Hyper-V!