Virtualization software for Windows 10

[WyomingKnott]

I'm running WIn10. I am looking for a free (preferably) Vvrtualization platform that will let me create and run VMs while Windows 10 is running as my main operating system. I have some old XP and 7 licenses that are valid and unused, so there's no need to discuss licensing.

A question: I don't know much about virtualization, even though I've googled the term and read a bit. Is there VM software that runs directly on the hardware so that everything you run is on a VM? Does this use hardware features that are available on some processors and not on others? Anyone got a link to a good intro or three?

Thanks.

 

[captaincharisma]

the 2 big ones are virualbox by oracle that is free. also there is vmware player which is another free one.

 

[WyomingKnott]

Thanks. My impression was that vmware player will play VMs for free, but not build them. Was I wrong?

 

[captaincharisma]

yea vmware player will still allow you to make them. it is just a stripped down version of there bigger vmware workstation program which does require a fee. if you are just using it for basic use though vmware player will be enough for you

 

[WyomingKnott]

Thanks. Got any good reading for me to learn what I asked about above?

 

[captaincharisma]

no sorry. but vmware does take you through a wizard when creating a VM so it is pretty user friendly. i haven't used virtualbox much so do not have much experience with that

 

[dominiccoombe]

I'm running WIn10. I am looking for a free (preferably) Vvrtualization platform that will let me create and run VMs while Windows 10 is running as my main operating system. I have some old XP and 7 licenses that are valid and unused, so there's no need to discuss licensing.

A question: I don't know much about virtualization, even though I've googled the term and read a bit. Is there VM software that runs directly on the hardware so that everything you run is on a VM? Does this use hardware features that are available on some processors and not on others? Anyone got a link to a good intro or three?

Thanks.

 

[dominiccoombe]

Since windows 8.1 microsoft has bundled its own virtual machine called Hyper-V.
Yuo needs to goto control panel, programs, turn windows features on and off.
under there you will find hyper-v and you just check it and then windows will enable it.
Its very easy to use and if you are ever planning on working with business related VM's then this is one of the solutions so the skills will be totally transferable

 

[USAFRet]

I use VirtualBox exclusively here at home. I've not used it on WIn 10 yet, but they appear to have worked out the initial issues after the Win 10 rollout.

The native MS HyperV is good, but it does not pass audio.

 

[WyomingKnott]

Using VirtualBox here at work, now. Familiarity breeds a desire to use the same thing at home.