best free virtual machine for running linux on windows

Linux distributions or FreeBSD releases that require the download and installation of LIS or BIS drivers. The goal of this content is to provide information that helps facilitate your Linux or FreeBSD deployment on Hyper-V.

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For newer FreeBSD releases, BIS is built in to the FreeBSD operating system, and no separate download or installation is required except for a KVP ports download that is needed for FreeBSD 10.0. Because distribution vendors include versions of Linux Integration Services, it is best to install the latest downloadable version of LIS, if applicable, for your installation.įor other Linux distributions LIS changes are regularly integrated into the operating system kernel and applications so no separate download or installation is required.įor older FreeBSD releases (before 10.0), Microsoft provides ports that contain the installable BIS drivers and corresponding daemons for FreeBSD virtual machines. Microsoft provides a download containing installable LIS drivers for some Linux installations based on these older kernels.

But Linux distributions based on older kernels may not have the latest enhancements or fixes. LIS has been added to the Linux kernel and is updated for new releases. The collection of drivers that are required to run Hyper-V-specific devices are known as Linux Integration Services (LIS) or FreeBSD Integration Services (BIS). In order to make full use of all benefits that Hyper-V provides, it is best to use Hyper-V-specific devices for Linux and FreeBSD.

However emulated devices do not provide high performance and cannot leverage the rich virtual machine management infrastructure that the Hyper-V technology offers. When running with emulated devices, no additional software is required to be installed. Hyper-V supports both emulated and Hyper-V-specific devices for Linux and FreeBSD virtual machines. Applies to: Windows Server 2022, Azure Stack HCI, version 20H2 Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Hyper-V Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2, Hyper-V Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012, Hyper-V Server 2012, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7.1, Windows 7

Best free virtual machine for running linux on windows