Image Current Windows 10 System & Run Over Linux As A VM?
-1
Is it possible for someone to image their current Windows 10 system setup, wipe their OS partition and install a Linux disto, and then run the Windows 10 image as a VM on top of the Linux OS?
I know that in the past this would have been a relatively simple answer but with UEFI-based operating systems and current virtualization technology, as well as the upcoming Windows "Reserved Storage" feature(?) it looks like this type of setup is more complicated than ever before.
If it is possible, what steps would one have to take to ensure a successful transition?
windows-7 linux virtual-machine
asked Jan 28 at 3:32
BradyBrady
1116
add a comment |
-1
Is it possible for someone to image their current Windows 10 system setup, wipe their OS partition and install a Linux disto, and then run the Windows 10 image as a VM on top of the Linux OS?
I know that in the past this would have been a relatively simple answer but with UEFI-based operating systems and current virtualization technology, as well as the upcoming Windows "Reserved Storage" feature(?) it looks like this type of setup is more complicated than ever before.
If it is possible, what steps would one have to take to ensure a successful transition?
windows-7 linux virtual-machine
asked Jan 28 at 3:32
BradyBrady
1116
I was pleasantly surprised within the past year how easy it is to shrink windows partitions so one has space to install Linux. I've been running Linux on at least one of my personal computers ever since 1996, and before this, I never had such an easy time of getting dual boot set up. But I have not looked into virtual machines on my home computers at all, and at work, someone else does the initial config. The sad news for you is probably somebody's going to come along here and say you haven't done enough research and vote to close. Just saying, so you know.
– Ed Grimm
Jan 28 at 4:30
A few things you need to understand: 1) The Windows license isn't transferable to a VM (unless it's retail or corporate - OEM licenses are tied to the machine they came with and cannot be used in a VM even if running in the same hardware. 2. Even if you can do what you want, Windows will NOT boot and will require extensive troubleshooting. So, dumb idea. If you want a Windows VM just obtain the usual installation media (the ISO file is enough), boot from it (inside the hypervisor) and install as usual. Also obtain a new valid Windows license, of course.
– GabrielaGarcia
Jan 28 at 18:52
@EdGrimm Fair point, and one that I had considered before posting. I still figured it was a legitimate question though due to how rapidly, and extensively, Microsoft has been changing the Windows environment since Windows 8. Because of this it's also quite difficult to find an official KB article for a particular build that A) isn't already depreciated or B) has actually even been written yet. Just as a quick example, searching for information regarding the "Enable Hypervisor Platform" or "Virtual Machine Platform" for build 17763, the only relevant result is from a Microsoft dev's blog.
– Brady
Jan 29 at 22:21
@GabrielaGarcia Ignoring the "image my current system" aspect of my question, just so I'm clear, you're saying that licensing is the only limitation? So, for example, if I were to install a Linux distro and then run a Windows ISO over a VM on top of the Linux distro, UEFI-based Windows 10 will "partition" the virtual disk as normal?
– Brady
Jan 29 at 22:22
Depending on the virtualization software both UEFI and BIOS boot modes are supported. Virtualbox, for example, has both but defaults to BIOS but yes, the Windows installer will manage the drive the same way it would a real one. Virtualization support is other thing and needs to be enabled at UEFI (or BIOS in old machines).
– GabrielaGarcia
Jan 29 at 22:50
add a comment |
-1
-1
-1
Is it possible for someone to image their current Windows 10 system setup, wipe their OS partition and install a Linux disto, and then run the Windows 10 image as a VM on top of the Linux OS?
I know that in the past this would have been a relatively simple answer but with UEFI-based operating systems and current virtualization technology, as well as the upcoming Windows "Reserved Storage" feature(?) it looks like this type of setup is more complicated than ever before.
If it is possible, what steps would one have to take to ensure a successful transition?
windows-7 linux virtual-machine
asked Jan 28 at 3:32
BradyBrady
1116
Is it possible for someone to image their current Windows 10 system setup, wipe their OS partition and install a Linux disto, and then run the Windows 10 image as a VM on top of the Linux OS?
I know that in the past this would have been a relatively simple answer but with UEFI-based operating systems and current virtualization technology, as well as the upcoming Windows "Reserved Storage" feature(?) it looks like this type of setup is more complicated than ever before.
If it is possible, what steps would one have to take to ensure a successful transition?
windows-7 linux virtual-machine
windows-7 linux virtual-machine
asked Jan 28 at 3:32
BradyBrady
1116
asked Jan 28 at 3:32
BradyBrady
1116
asked Jan 28 at 3:32
BradyBrady
1116
asked Jan 28 at 3:32
BradyBrady
1116
asked Jan 28 at 3:32
BradyBrady
1116
1116
I was pleasantly surprised within the past year how easy it is to shrink windows partitions so one has space to install Linux. I've been running Linux on at least one of my personal computers ever since 1996, and before this, I never had such an easy time of getting dual boot set up. But I have not looked into virtual machines on my home computers at all, and at work, someone else does the initial config. The sad news for you is probably somebody's going to come along here and say you haven't done enough research and vote to close. Just saying, so you know.
– Ed Grimm
Jan 28 at 4:30
A few things you need to understand: 1) The Windows license isn't transferable to a VM (unless it's retail or corporate - OEM licenses are tied to the machine they came with and cannot be used in a VM even if running in the same hardware. 2. Even if you can do what you want, Windows will NOT boot and will require extensive troubleshooting. So, dumb idea. If you want a Windows VM just obtain the usual installation media (the ISO file is enough), boot from it (inside the hypervisor) and install as usual. Also obtain a new valid Windows license, of course.
– GabrielaGarcia
Jan 28 at 18:52
@EdGrimm Fair point, and one that I had considered before posting. I still figured it was a legitimate question though due to how rapidly, and extensively, Microsoft has been changing the Windows environment since Windows 8. Because of this it's also quite difficult to find an official KB article for a particular build that A) isn't already depreciated or B) has actually even been written yet. Just as a quick example, searching for information regarding the "Enable Hypervisor Platform" or "Virtual Machine Platform" for build 17763, the only relevant result is from a Microsoft dev's blog.
– Brady
Jan 29 at 22:21
@GabrielaGarcia Ignoring the "image my current system" aspect of my question, just so I'm clear, you're saying that licensing is the only limitation? So, for example, if I were to install a Linux distro and then run a Windows ISO over a VM on top of the Linux distro, UEFI-based Windows 10 will "partition" the virtual disk as normal?
– Brady
Jan 29 at 22:22
Depending on the virtualization software both UEFI and BIOS boot modes are supported. Virtualbox, for example, has both but defaults to BIOS but yes, the Windows installer will manage the drive the same way it would a real one. Virtualization support is other thing and needs to be enabled at UEFI (or BIOS in old machines).
– GabrielaGarcia
Jan 29 at 22:50
add a comment |
I was pleasantly surprised within the past year how easy it is to shrink windows partitions so one has space to install Linux. I've been running Linux on at least one of my personal computers ever since 1996, and before this, I never had such an easy time of getting dual boot set up. But I have not looked into virtual machines on my home computers at all, and at work, someone else does the initial config. The sad news for you is probably somebody's going to come along here and say you haven't done enough research and vote to close. Just saying, so you know.
– Ed Grimm
Jan 28 at 4:30
A few things you need to understand: 1) The Windows license isn't transferable to a VM (unless it's retail or corporate - OEM licenses are tied to the machine they came with and cannot be used in a VM even if running in the same hardware. 2. Even if you can do what you want, Windows will NOT boot and will require extensive troubleshooting. So, dumb idea. If you want a Windows VM just obtain the usual installation media (the ISO file is enough), boot from it (inside the hypervisor) and install as usual. Also obtain a new valid Windows license, of course.
– GabrielaGarcia
Jan 28 at 18:52
@EdGrimm Fair point, and one that I had considered before posting. I still figured it was a legitimate question though due to how rapidly, and extensively, Microsoft has been changing the Windows environment since Windows 8. Because of this it's also quite difficult to find an official KB article for a particular build that A) isn't already depreciated or B) has actually even been written yet. Just as a quick example, searching for information regarding the "Enable Hypervisor Platform" or "Virtual Machine Platform" for build 17763, the only relevant result is from a Microsoft dev's blog.
– Brady
Jan 29 at 22:21
@GabrielaGarcia Ignoring the "image my current system" aspect of my question, just so I'm clear, you're saying that licensing is the only limitation? So, for example, if I were to install a Linux distro and then run a Windows ISO over a VM on top of the Linux distro, UEFI-based Windows 10 will "partition" the virtual disk as normal?
– Brady
Jan 29 at 22:22
Depending on the virtualization software both UEFI and BIOS boot modes are supported. Virtualbox, for example, has both but defaults to BIOS but yes, the Windows installer will manage the drive the same way it would a real one. Virtualization support is other thing and needs to be enabled at UEFI (or BIOS in old machines).
– GabrielaGarcia
Jan 29 at 22:50
I was pleasantly surprised within the past year how easy it is to shrink windows partitions so one has space to install Linux. I've been running Linux on at least one of my personal computers ever since 1996, and before this, I never had such an easy time of getting dual boot set up. But I have not looked into virtual machines on my home computers at all, and at work, someone else does the initial config. The sad news for you is probably somebody's going to come along here and say you haven't done enough research and vote to close. Just saying, so you know.
– Ed Grimm
Jan 28 at 4:30
I was pleasantly surprised within the past year how easy it is to shrink windows partitions so one has space to install Linux. I've been running Linux on at least one of my personal computers ever since 1996, and before this, I never had such an easy time of getting dual boot set up. But I have not looked into virtual machines on my home computers at all, and at work, someone else does the initial config. The sad news for you is probably somebody's going to come along here and say you haven't done enough research and vote to close. Just saying, so you know.
– Ed Grimm
Jan 28 at 4:30
A few things you need to understand: 1) The Windows license isn't transferable to a VM (unless it's retail or corporate - OEM licenses are tied to the machine they came with and cannot be used in a VM even if running in the same hardware. 2. Even if you can do what you want, Windows will NOT boot and will require extensive troubleshooting. So, dumb idea. If you want a Windows VM just obtain the usual installation media (the ISO file is enough), boot from it (inside the hypervisor) and install as usual. Also obtain a new valid Windows license, of course.
– GabrielaGarcia
Jan 28 at 18:52
A few things you need to understand: 1) The Windows license isn't transferable to a VM (unless it's retail or corporate - OEM licenses are tied to the machine they came with and cannot be used in a VM even if running in the same hardware. 2. Even if you can do what you want, Windows will NOT boot and will require extensive troubleshooting. So, dumb idea. If you want a Windows VM just obtain the usual installation media (the ISO file is enough), boot from it (inside the hypervisor) and install as usual. Also obtain a new valid Windows license, of course.
– GabrielaGarcia
Jan 28 at 18:52
@EdGrimm Fair point, and one that I had considered before posting. I still figured it was a legitimate question though due to how rapidly, and extensively, Microsoft has been changing the Windows environment since Windows 8. Because of this it's also quite difficult to find an official KB article for a particular build that A) isn't already depreciated or B) has actually even been written yet. Just as a quick example, searching for information regarding the "Enable Hypervisor Platform" or "Virtual Machine Platform" for build 17763, the only relevant result is from a Microsoft dev's blog.
– Brady
Jan 29 at 22:21
@EdGrimm Fair point, and one that I had considered before posting. I still figured it was a legitimate question though due to how rapidly, and extensively, Microsoft has been changing the Windows environment since Windows 8. Because of this it's also quite difficult to find an official KB article for a particular build that A) isn't already depreciated or B) has actually even been written yet. Just as a quick example, searching for information regarding the "Enable Hypervisor Platform" or "Virtual Machine Platform" for build 17763, the only relevant result is from a Microsoft dev's blog.
– Brady
Jan 29 at 22:21
@GabrielaGarcia Ignoring the "image my current system" aspect of my question, just so I'm clear, you're saying that licensing is the only limitation? So, for example, if I were to install a Linux distro and then run a Windows ISO over a VM on top of the Linux distro, UEFI-based Windows 10 will "partition" the virtual disk as normal?
– Brady
Jan 29 at 22:22
@GabrielaGarcia Ignoring the "image my current system" aspect of my question, just so I'm clear, you're saying that licensing is the only limitation? So, for example, if I were to install a Linux distro and then run a Windows ISO over a VM on top of the Linux distro, UEFI-based Windows 10 will "partition" the virtual disk as normal?
– Brady
Jan 29 at 22:22
Depending on the virtualization software both UEFI and BIOS boot modes are supported. Virtualbox, for example, has both but defaults to BIOS but yes, the Windows installer will manage the drive the same way it would a real one. Virtualization support is other thing and needs to be enabled at UEFI (or BIOS in old machines).
– GabrielaGarcia
Jan 29 at 22:50
Depending on the virtualization software both UEFI and BIOS boot modes are supported. Virtualbox, for example, has both but defaults to BIOS but yes, the Windows installer will manage the drive the same way it would a real one. Virtualization support is other thing and needs to be enabled at UEFI (or BIOS in old machines).
– GabrielaGarcia
Jan 29 at 22:50
add a comment |
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I was pleasantly surprised within the past year how easy it is to shrink windows partitions so one has space to install Linux. I've been running Linux on at least one of my personal computers ever since 1996, and before this, I never had such an easy time of getting dual boot set up. But I have not looked into virtual machines on my home computers at all, and at work, someone else does the initial config. The sad news for you is probably somebody's going to come along here and say you haven't done enough research and vote to close. Just saying, so you know.
– Ed Grimm
Jan 28 at 4:30
A few things you need to understand: 1) The Windows license isn't transferable to a VM (unless it's retail or corporate - OEM licenses are tied to the machine they came with and cannot be used in a VM even if running in the same hardware. 2. Even if you can do what you want, Windows will NOT boot and will require extensive troubleshooting. So, dumb idea. If you want a Windows VM just obtain the usual installation media (the ISO file is enough), boot from it (inside the hypervisor) and install as usual. Also obtain a new valid Windows license, of course.
– GabrielaGarcia
Jan 28 at 18:52
@EdGrimm Fair point, and one that I had considered before posting. I still figured it was a legitimate question though due to how rapidly, and extensively, Microsoft has been changing the Windows environment since Windows 8. Because of this it's also quite difficult to find an official KB article for a particular build that A) isn't already depreciated or B) has actually even been written yet. Just as a quick example, searching for information regarding the "Enable Hypervisor Platform" or "Virtual Machine Platform" for build 17763, the only relevant result is from a Microsoft dev's blog.
– Brady
Jan 29 at 22:21
@GabrielaGarcia Ignoring the "image my current system" aspect of my question, just so I'm clear, you're saying that licensing is the only limitation? So, for example, if I were to install a Linux distro and then run a Windows ISO over a VM on top of the Linux distro, UEFI-based Windows 10 will "partition" the virtual disk as normal?
– Brady
Jan 29 at 22:22
Depending on the virtualization software both UEFI and BIOS boot modes are supported. Virtualbox, for example, has both but defaults to BIOS but yes, the Windows installer will manage the drive the same way it would a real one. Virtualization support is other thing and needs to be enabled at UEFI (or BIOS in old machines).
– GabrielaGarcia
Jan 29 at 22:50