How to Create a Windows Server VM on HyperV

If you’re running Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or any version of Windows Server, you’ve already got a powerful virtualization tool built-in: Hyper-V. Setting up a Windows Server virtual machine (VM) on Hyper-V is straightforward if you know the steps. Here’s how to do it from start to finish.

What You’ll Need

• A PC with Hyper-V enabled
• An ISO file for Windows Server (2016, 2019, or 2022)
• At least 8GB of RAM (16GB recommended)
• Adequate disk space (at least 40GB free)

Step 1: Enable Hyper-V

If you haven’t already enabled Hyper-V:

1. Press Win + R, type optionalfeatures.exe, and press Enter.
2. In the Windows Features window, check Hyper-V and all sub-options.
3. Click OK and restart your PC when prompted.

Tip: You must have virtualization enabled in your BIOS/UEFI for this to work.

Step 2: Launch Hyper-V Manager

1. Press Win, type Hyper-V Manager, and open it.
2. On the right panel, click New > Virtual Machine.

This launches the New Virtual Machine Wizard.

Step 3: Configure Your VM

Walk through the wizard with the following settings:

• Name: Choose something like “WinServer2022”
• Location: Optional, but you can specify a different storage path
• Generation: Choose Generation 2 (unless you’re using an older ISO)
• Memory: Assign at least 4096 MB (4 GB)
• Networking: Choose an existing virtual switch or leave it unconnected for now
• Virtual Hard Disk: Create a new VHDX, minimum 40 GB
• Installation Options: Point to your Windows Server ISO

Click Finish.

Step 4: Install Windows Server

1. Right-click your new VM in Hyper-V Manager and click Connect.
2. Click the green Start button.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows Server.

Choose your edition (Standard, Datacenter, etc.), set up the administrator password, and you’re good to go.

Step 5: Install Integration Services (if needed)

For Windows Server 2016 and up, Integration Services are built-in. If you’re using an older version, go to:

Action > Insert Integration Services Setup Disk inside the VM window.

Step 6: Networking & Configuration

Once your VM is up and running:

• Configure IP settings as needed (DHCP or static)
• Join a domain if applicable
• Install roles and features via Server Manager or PowerShell

Wrapping Up

Hyper-V makes it easy to spin up a test or production-ready Windows Server VM. Whether you’re building a domain controller, a file server, or just a sandbox environment, this process sets the foundation.

If you want to go deeper—like setting up checkpoints, using PowerShell for automation, or connecting to other VMs—check back here for more guides coming soon.

Need help configuring your virtual network or tuning performance? Drop a comment below or contact us—happy to help.