How to Run a Linux Virtual Machine on Windows 11

In the modern computing world, running different operating systems side-by-side has become a common necessity. Windows 11 users often benefit from using Linux for software development, testing, and security purposes. Luckily, running a Linux virtual machine (VM) on Windows 11 is easy. This article walks you through the best methods to achieve that.

Why Run a Linux VM on Windows 11?

Running a Linux VM provides Windows 11 users with flexibility. You can experience the robust, open-source environment of Linux without leaving your primary OS. A Linux VM allows for testing new software, running servers, and learning coding languages specific to Linux-based platforms.

Requirements for Setting Up a Linux VM

Before you begin, ensure you have the following requirements:

• A Powerful PC: Running virtual machines demands sufficient CPU power and memory. Ensure your system has at least 8GB of RAM and a multi-core processor.
• Virtualization Enabled: Confirm that virtualization is enabled in your BIOS settings. This is necessary for running virtual machines smoothly.
• Hyper-V or VirtualBox: Choose a virtual machine software like Hyper-V, which comes pre-installed with Windows 11, or install VirtualBox.

How to Enable Hyper-V on Windows 11

Step 1: Open the Control Panel and navigate to "Programs."

Step 2: Select "Turn Windows features on or off."

Step 3: Scroll down to "Hyper-V" and check the box.

Step 4: Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Once Hyper-V is enabled, you can create and manage virtual machines directly from your Windows 11 system.

Installing Linux on a Virtual Machine Using Hyper-V

Step 1: Download the Linux distribution ISO file. Popular distributions include Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora.

Step 2: Open Hyper-V Manager and click "New" > "Virtual Machine."

Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions to allocate resources (memory, hard drive space) for your VM.

Step 4: When prompted, select the ISO file you downloaded as the bootable image.

Step 5: Complete the installation by following the Linux installation prompts.

Using VirtualBox as an Alternative

If you prefer not to use Hyper-V, VirtualBox is an excellent alternative. Here’s how you can set up Linux using VirtualBox:

Step 1: Download and install VirtualBox from the official website.

Step 2: Open VirtualBox and click "New" to create a new virtual machine.

Step 3: Allocate the necessary resources (RAM, CPU cores, and storage).

Step 4: Choose the Linux ISO file you downloaded earlier as the boot device.

Step 5: Follow the installation instructions to set up Linux inside VirtualBox.

Optimizing Your Linux Virtual Machine

Once your Linux VM is running, it’s essential to optimize its performance. Here are a few tips:

• Allocate More Resources: Adjust the allocated RAM and CPU cores to meet your Linux tasks' requirements.
• Install Guest Additions (VirtualBox): For better integration between Linux and Windows, install VirtualBox Guest Additions to enable features like seamless mouse and clipboard sharing.
• Keep It Updated: Regularly update both your Linux VM and virtual machine software to maintain smooth operations and security.

Running Linux Apps Using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

An alternative to running a full Linux VM is using the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). This allows you to run Linux commands and applications without the overhead of a virtual machine. Here’s how to set up WSL:

Step 1: Open PowerShell as an administrator and type the command:

wsl --install

Step 2: After installation, restart your computer and open PowerShell again. Enter:

wsl --set-default-version 2

Step 3: You can now download your preferred Linux distribution from the Microsoft Store.

Bonus tips: How to fix disk & drive issues caused by Linux VM on Windows 11

You can try AOMEI Partition Assistant to rapidly manage your disks should any disks and partition issues arise while Linux VM on Windows 11 is under use. Powerful disk management tool AOMEI Partition Assistant can fully solve built-in disk partition manager shortcomings in Windows 10. It works with Windows 7, 8, 10, 11.

For Windows, the AOMEI Partition Assistant lets you extend a partition independent of whether there is unallocated space immediately adjacent to the extended partition. The Resize/Move Partition Feature of AOMEI Partition Assistant can help to enlarge the partition by using the unallocated space only if it exists adjacent to the partition, on the left or the right side.

Furthermore, one can extend a partition using the AOMEI Partition Assistant without using any unallocated space on the hard disk.

Key Features of AOMEI Partition Assistant:

• Monitor Disk Health: Keep an eye on your drives' performance and health, ensuring they remain in good working condition. This helps prevent errors that can arise from failing disks or SSDs.
• Optimize Storage: Manage your disk partitions, resize them, or create new ones to optimize the performance of your storage drives. An efficiently managed disk can contribute to a more stable system.
• Fix Disk Errors: AOMEI Partition Assistant includes tools to check and fix disk errors that might lead to issues like Windows Update failures. The tool can also help defragment your drives and clean up unnecessary files.
• Migrate OS: If you are upgrading your storage or want to clone your system to a new disk, AOMEI Partition Assistant makes it easy to migrate your OS without data loss.

Conclusion

Running a Linux virtual machine on Windows 11 opens up a world of possibilities for developers and tech enthusiasts. Whether you use Hyper-V, VirtualBox, or WSL, Windows 11 makes it easy to integrate Linux into your workflow. With the steps outlined above, you can start running a Linux VM on your Windows 11 machine in no time.

FAQs: Running a Linux Virtual Machine on Windows 11

1. What is a Linux virtual machine, and why would I need it on Windows 11?

A Linux virtual machine (VM) is an emulation of the Linux operating system that runs within Windows 11. You might need it for software development, testing, running Linux-specific applications, or learning Linux without leaving your Windows environment.

2. What are the system requirements for running a Linux VM on Windows 11?

To run a Linux VM, your system should have at least 8GB of RAM, a multi-core processor, and virtualization enabled in the BIOS. More powerful hardware may improve performance.

3. How do I enable Hyper-V on Windows 11?

To enable Hyper-V, go to the Control Panel, select "Programs," then "Turn Windows features on or off." Scroll down to find "Hyper-V," check the box, and restart your computer.

4. Can I use VirtualBox instead of Hyper-V for running Linux on Windows 11?

Yes, you can use VirtualBox as an alternative to Hyper-V. VirtualBox is a free virtualization software that allows you to install and run Linux VMs on Windows 11.

5. What Linux distributions can I run on a virtual machine?

Popular Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, CentOS, and many others can be installed and run on virtual machines. The process typically involves downloading the ISO file of the distribution you prefer.