virtualization software Archives

Winsage

March 12, 2025

6 reasons Hyper-V is the best hypervisor on Windows

Virtualization technology is essential in modern IT infrastructure, allowing the creation of virtual machines (VMs) for various applications. Hyper-V is Microsoft's primary hypervisor for Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Windows Server users. It has been available since Server 2008 and provides tools for efficient VM creation, management, and monitoring. Hyper-V integrates natively with Windows, ensuring compatibility and simplifying VM management through the Hyper-V Manager interface. It is optimized for Windows, enhancing performance and security by utilizing features like Secure Boot and BitLocker. Hyper-V supports large-scale deployments and can configure multiple VMs for demanding workloads. It also allows users to create Linux VMs, such as Ubuntu, easily using the "Quick Create" feature. Hyper-V is a built-in, free hypervisor for Windows, requiring no additional costs beyond the Windows Pro license. Its integration, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness make it a leading choice for virtualization among average users and IT administrators.

Winsage

March 12, 2025

4 features in Parallels that make it the best VM software on Mac

The discontinuation of Boot Camp support for Apple Silicon Macs has led to the rise of virtualization software, with Parallels being a leading solution. Parallels simplifies the installation of Windows 11 by automatically downloading the operating system and creating a local Windows account, avoiding the need for a Microsoft account. It supports high refresh rates, allowing Windows VMs to run at up to 120Hz on compatible monitors. Parallels integrates seamlessly with macOS, enabling users to access files across both operating systems and facilitating a fluid workflow. The Coherence feature allows Windows applications to run within the Mac desktop environment, making them feel like native macOS apps. Parallels is recognized as the premier virtualization choice for running Windows on Apple Silicon Macs, demonstrating strong performance even on entry-level devices.

Winsage

March 10, 2025

Get Windows 11 on Your Mac (Apple Silicon): Here’s How

Parallels Desktop is a Microsoft-authorized virtualization software that allows users to install and run Windows 11 on Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, M4 chips). It is optimized for these processors, ensuring a fast and responsive experience. The installation process is straightforward, requiring users to download and install the software, which automates the Windows 11 setup. Key features include seamless integration between macOS and Windows, allowing file sharing and access to applications across both operating systems without rebooting. Parallels Desktop offers a 14-day free trial, after which users can choose between subscription plans or a one-time purchase. The software is designed to maximize performance for Apple Silicon Macs, making it suitable for various users, including professionals and students.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Windows 11 KB5048685 Update causes Wi-Fi and Start Menu to stop working

The KB5048685 Update for Windows 11 23H2, released on December 10, has caused issues for users, including freezing of the Start Menu and Wi-Fi connectivity problems. The Start Menu may become unresponsive, displaying a white backdrop in dark mode, affecting users of both Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2. A workaround involves modifying the Windows Registry. Additionally, some users with AMD processors have reported installation failures with error code 0x80070002. Solutions suggested include checking the Windows Update service and using recovery options in settings. Personal experiences with the update vary, with some users not encountering issues, while others have faced significant problems.

Winsage

December 16, 2024

Easily Run Windows Apps on Linux Using These Tools

Running Windows applications on Linux can be done using tools like Wine, which is a compatibility layer allowing Windows programs to run without a full Windows installation. Users can utilize Wine through command-line or GUI wrappers such as PlayOnLinux, Bottles, Heroic Launcher, and Lutris. To install Windows applications like Notepad++ using Bottles, users can install Bottles via Flatpak, create a new bottle for the application, and run the installer from within Bottles. For more control, users can install Wine via the command line and execute Windows executables directly. The winecfg command allows users to adjust settings, and Winetricks can be used to install necessary components for certain applications. Virtualization software, such as VirtualBox and VMware Player, can be used to create a virtual Windows environment on Linux, which is beneficial for resource-intensive applications. For gaming, tools like Proton and Lutris can facilitate running Windows games on Linux, with Proton being optimized for Steam. Users can also run a Windows virtual machine for gaming, though it may require more resources. Checking for native Linux versions of games is recommended before using compatibility layers or virtualization.

Winsage

October 11, 2024

Chromebooks’ Windows compatibility could be on the chopping block

Parallels for ChromeOS, a service allowing Chromebooks to run Windows applications, has not received significant updates in the past eighteen months, indicating a decline in interest from Google. The last major update was in mid-2022, aimed at improving performance for budget Intel and AMD chipsets. Google's acquisition of Cameyo suggests a strategic shift towards virtual Windows apps on ChromeOS, potentially sidelining Parallels. Users need high-performance Chromebooks to effectively use the virtual desktop feature, conflicting with the budget-friendly image of Chromebooks. Speculation exists that Google may announce the discontinuation of Parallels for ChromeOS before the end of the year, with indications that the service could be phased out entirely by then.

Winsage

October 10, 2024

VMware Workstation 17.6.1 is out with fixes for Windows 11 24H2 and more

VMware has released Workstation Pro 17.6.1, which includes several key improvements: - The software now correctly recognizes Windows 11 version 24H2 ISO images, fixing a previous issue where these were misidentified as Windows Server 2025. - An unrecoverable error (svga) that occurred when powering on a virtual machine with 3D graphics enabled has been resolved. - Installation issues on non-English host systems, specifically an MSI pop-up error during installation or upgrades, have been addressed. - CentOS 9 Stream with kernel versions later than 5.14.0-432 is not supported as a host on Workstation Pro 17.6. There are known issues with the multi-monitor feature not functioning correctly across certain hardware configurations, with no available workaround. Users can update the software via the application or download it from VMware's website.

Winsage

October 5, 2024

Parallels debuts AI virtual machine platform that bundles 14 tools including small language models — and promises faster performance on Windows and Linux

Parallels Desktop 20 introduces advanced AI capabilities for virtualization, compatible with macOS Sequoia and Windows 11 24H2. It is the only virtualization software authorized by Microsoft to run Windows on Apple silicon. The AI Package includes a virtual machine with 14 AI development toolsets, allowing users to download a pre-configured VM easily. Performance enhancements include up to an 80% increase in efficiency for certain workloads and improved shared folder technology, making operations on Mac files in Linux VMs four times faster. The Enterprise Edition features a Management Portal for monitoring and managing VMs, enhanced security policies, and compliance with SOC 2 Type 2. Enhanced DevOps services and integration with Microsoft Copilot are also included. Parallels Desktop 20 is available in Standard, Pro, and Business editions, with the AI Package included at no extra cost in the Pro, Business, and Enterprise editions for 2024.

Winsage

August 27, 2024

How to dual-boot Windows 11 on a Mac

Dual-booting on a Mac allows users to switch between macOS and Windows 11, providing access to Windows-exclusive applications and gaming. To dual-boot using Boot Camp on Intel Macs, users need: - An Intel-based Mac with at least 64GB free storage (128GB recommended) - A USB flash drive with at least 16GB capacity - A 64-bit Windows 11 ISO file The process involves: 1. Opening Boot Camp Assistant and preparing the Mac. 2. Creating a Windows 11 installation drive using the ISO file. 3. Partitioning the hard drive for Windows. 4. Installing the Windows OS. 5. Installing Boot Camp drivers. Alternatively, users can run Windows 11 using Parallels Desktop, which allows for simultaneous use of macOS and Windows applications without rebooting. Requirements for Parallels include: - A Mac with Intel or Apple M1/M2 processor - At least 8GB of RAM (16GB recommended) - At least 256GB of storage The steps for Parallels include: 1. Downloading and installing Parallels Desktop. 2. Creating a new virtual machine for Windows 11. 3. Configuring the virtual machine settings. 4. Installing Parallels Tools to use Windows 11 alongside macOS.

Winsage

July 18, 2024

Windows 11 Update 23H2 is now in broad deployment after fixing critical bugs | Tom’s Hardware

The Windows 11 Version 23H2 update is now available to all users, addressing initial issues with crashing and boot loops. The update includes new features and security enhancements compared to the previous year's update. Future feature additions are expected in the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 release, which will only be available on PCs with Copilot+ features enabled. Microsoft aims for a smoother rollout of the 24H2 release compared to the challenges faced with the 23H2 release.