Running Linux on Hyper-V: Steps and Benefits

With the continuous development of Internet and computer technology, virtualization has become one of the important technologies in the field of computing today. Hyper-V, developed by Microsoft, is widely used in enterprise-level servers, and its powerful features and performance bring tangible benefits to businesses. On the other hand, Linux, as an open-source operating system, is recognized for its stability, high reliability, and flexibility. This article will introduce the relevant knowledge of running Linux on Hyper-V.

Introduction to Hyper-V

Hyper-V is a virtualization infrastructure component of Microsoft Windows Server that provides computing and storage resources for multiple virtual machines on the Windows Server operating system. Hyper-V technology is primarily used in enterprise environments and allows for server hardware cost savings, simplified management, and optimized resource utilization through virtualization. Hyper-V virtualization technology is widely applied in terms of performance, reliability, and security.

Introduction to Linux

Linux is a free and open-source Unix-like operating system developed by Linus Torvalds in Finland. It is known for its stability, high reliability, and flexibility. Linux is widely used in enterprise, personal, and embedded domains. Due to its open-source nature and customizability, Linux can be configured according to specific user requirements and can run on various hardware platforms. Linux has a rich ecosystem of applications and tools, supporting multiple programming languages and development environments. It is commonly used in servers, workstations, mobile devices, and embedded systems.

Advantages of running Linux on Hyper-V

1. Easy deployment

2. No impact on the host machine

3. Efficient resource sharing

4. Improved multitasking experience

5. Convenient for software development and testing

6. Easy replication and migration

7. Ability to try different Linux distributions

8. Convenient for debugging

9. Reduce server hardware costs

Application scenarios of running Linux on Hyper-V 

1. Enterprise server virtualization: While using Hyper-V virtualization, enterprises can use the Linux operating system to run various applications and services, thereby reducing server hardware costs and improving the stability and reliability of enterprise systems.

2. Virtual development environments: For developers, virtual machines are one of the most important development tools, which can realize rapid construction and replication of system environments, greatly improving development efficiency. As an open source operating system, Linux has a wide range of application scenarios.

3. Cloud computing environments: With the popularity of cloud computing, virtualization has become one of the important technologies in the cloud computing environment. Running the Linux on a Hyper-V can convert a physical machine into a virtual machine, thereby optimizing resource utilization and improving the reliability and performance of the cloud computing platform.

Precautions before running Linux in a virtual environment

1. Consider the host machine's performance: The performance of a virtual machine depends on the performance of the host machine. If you do not allocate sufficient system resources to the virtual machine, the user experience within the virtual machine may be compromised.

2. Some features may only work on bare-metal (physical) machines: Certain features, such as hardware acceleration and graphics drivers, may only be available when running Linux on a physical machine.

3. Performance limitations with intensive disk I/O tasks: Virtual machines may have limited performance when it comes to intensive disk I/O tasks, such as gaming or other scenarios that require high disk throughput.

4. User experience may vary based on the virtualization program: The experience of using a Linux virtual machine can vary depending on the virtualization program you choose, such as VMware, VirtualBox or Hyper-V. Each program has its own features, performance characteristics, and compatibility with Linux.

So, it is important to assess your specific needs and select the virtualization program that best suits your requirements for running Linux instances. By considering these precautions, you can better manage your expectations and make informed decisions when running Linux in a virtual environment.

How to run Linux on a Hyper-V virtual machine?

Through Hyper-V virtualization technology, you can create a Linux virtual machine on the Windows Server operating system and use it as if it were a physical machine. Here are the steps required to run Linux on Hyper-V:

1. Install Hyper-V Virtualization Role:

You need to install the Hyper-V virtualization role on Windows Server. You can refer to the official Microsoft documentation for specific steps.

2. Create a Linux Virtual Machine:

Using the Hyper-V management tool, click on "New Virtual Machine" to start the virtual machine creation wizard. Follow the wizard to allocate memory, create a virtual hard disk, configure network adapters, etc., and specify the Linux operating system's ISO file. Then finish creating the Linux virtual machine.

3. Install Linux Operating System:

After creating the Linux virtual machine, you need to install the Linux operating system. Start the virtual machine and follow the installation process to complete the installation.

4. Configure the Linux Virtual Machine:

After the Linux installation is complete, you need to configure the Linux virtual machine. This includes network configuration, software installation and optimization, etc.

5. Run the Linux Virtual Machine:

Once the configuration is complete, you can start the Linux virtual machine and begin using it.

Protecting your Hyper-V environment with a professional solution

Although there are many benefits of running Linux on Hyper-V, there is also the risk of data loss. So it is better to choose a virtual machine backup and disaster recovery solution to better protect your Hyper-V environment.

Vinchin Backup & Recovery is a professional solution which supports data backup of VM like VMware vSphere, Hyper-V, XenServer, XCP-ng, oVirt, RHV, OpenStack, etc. and other data like database, NAS, file server, Linux & Windows Server, etc.

Vinchin Backup & Recovery performs robust Hyper-V backup and recovery functionality including agentless incremental backup, effective data reduction, backup node expansion, offsite backup copy and more, to comprehensively secure Hyper-V environments.

To backup Hyper-V VM, you just need to:

 1. Select Hyper-V VM

2. Select backup storage

3. Select backup strategies

4. Submit the job

Vinchin Backup & Recovery has been selected by thousands of companies and you can also start to use this powerful system with a 60-day full-featured trial! Also, contact us and leave your needs, and then you will receive a solution according to your IT environment.

Conclusion 

Running Linux on Hyper-V is an effective technological approach that offers a variety of excellent application scenarios for both enterprises and individuals. The stability and performance of Hyper-V, coupled with the high reliability and flexibility of Linux , can provide users with a great experience.

To efficiently protect Hyper-V environment, you can choose Vinchin Backup & Recovery to easily backup and recover your VMs. Don’t miss the free trial.