10/7/2020 How to get started with Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2016 - TechRepublic

How to get started with Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2016

by Jesus Vigo in Virtualization on March 27, 2017, 2:22 PM PST

Ready to implement Microsoft's Hyper-V server but aren't quite sure where to begin? This
walk-through will show you how to set up the hypervisor and get your servers virtualized in no
time.

Image: iStockphoto.com/porpeller

Virtualization has been a hot item since it was introduced several years ago. The fact that it
has been available commercially on many user desktops--such as being a native feature since
Windows 8--only solidifies the real-life issues this technology resolves, from virtualizing entire
servers to individual desktops and even single applications. Clearly, virtualization is here to
stay.

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Since its introduction in Windows Server 2008, Microsoft's hypervisor, known as Hyper-V, has
played catch-up with some of the more robust offerings from VMware and other competitors.
But being included as part of the server and desktop OSes, along with a steady increase in
features and usability, has made Hyper-V and its standalone offering, Hyper-V Server, a major
player when it comes to virtualization in the enterprise and at home.

The latest iteration, Hyper-V Server 2016, is free for all to use and does not adhere to
Microsoft licensing terms. Though its use does not guarantee you free use of Windows Server
or client OS offerings, what is included is the hypervisor, which acts as the foundation for the
virtualized environment in a stripped down manner. It includes all the necessary management
tools to add and manage virtual machines (VM) to the server in one UI-less package with a
small footprint and minimal requirements.

Before diving into the setup process, let's review the requirements to bear in mind when
designing your server-to-host VMs.

SEE: What to expect from the Windows 10 Creators Update (http://www.zdnet.com/article/what-to-

expect-from-the-windows-10-creators-update/)

General requirements
64-bit CPU with second-level address translation (SLAT)
VM Monitor Mode extensions
4GB RAM
Virtualization support-enabled BIOS or UEFI
Data Execution Prevention (DEP) support-enabled BIOS or UEFI

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Network access (optional for VM use; required if VMs must communicate with the
network/internet)
Hyper-V Server 2016 ISO or bootable media

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One word about these requirements: They are general for a reason. You should consider
them the minimum requirements to get the hypervisor up and running. However, your
environment's needs may require additional and/or specific requirements to be included when
you prepare to deploy certain services. Also keep in mind the RAM usage in particular, as the
4GB suggested applies only to the hypervisor. Any VMs you wish to add will draw from the
existing pool of hardware resources when they are powered on and in use, so the more
resources available to all VMs the better the performance will be for both hypervisor and
client VMs.

Installing Hyper-V Server 2016

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Boot Hyper-V Server 2016 installation media from either a USB flash drive or DVD media, as
needed to begin the installation process (Figure A).

Figure A

Once the wizard loads, select your desired language and keyboard settings, then click Next to
proceed with the initial setup (Figure B)(Figure C).

Figure B

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Figure C

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Agree to the licensing terms by checking the checkbox and clicking Next (Figure D).

Figure D

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When performing a fresh install on a server, selecting the Custom method will allow you to
configure additional storage settings, partition drives, and format, if necessary. The upgrade
method is intended for those wishing to upgrade only the version of Hyper-V Server already
in use on that server, while leaving the existing settings and configuration as is. Select Custom
to configure storage settings for your environment (Figure E)(Figure F)(Figure G).

Figure E

Figure F

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Figure G

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The last phase copies the files to the server and installs the hypervisor locally. Depending on
the specifications of the server and the chosen installation method, this method can take 10 to
30 minutes or longer to complete. Once finished, the server will reboot itself and load the
hypervisor for the first time (Figure H)(Figure I)(Figure J).

Figure H

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Figure I

Figure J

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Initial configuration of Hyper-V Server settings

After the initial reboot, Hyper-V Server will get the server ready by scanning the available
hardware and load Windows drivers (Figure K).

Figure K

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To keep resource utilization at a minimum to ensure that the lion's share of system resources
are available to the hosted VMs, Hyper-V Server runs in a UI-less state, identical to Windows
Server Core Mode. This loads only the services and features required by the OS to function
out of the box and keeps unnecessary ones from view until an administrator executes a
command to load any additional services, roles, and features that are required. With that said,
upon first boot you'll be treated to a command-line interface (CLI) that prompts the user to
change the default administrator password by default. Enter your new password and
confirmation, then proceed to the configuration prompt (Figure L)(Figure M)(Figure N).

Figure L

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Figure M

Figure N

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Next, you will find two screens loaded: Server Configuration and a CLI behind it. The Server
Configuration screen allows the administrator to make changes to the most common and
necessary settings to ensure the server runs properly. Since it is scripted via the CLI, it is
rudimentary yet easy to understand and follow. You make changes by entering the
corresponding number next to the setting you wish to modify. You'll be prompted to enter the
change to be made. Depending on the change, a reboot may be triggered, which you must
either accept to reboot the server immediately or decline to make the change but postpone
the reboot until later (Figure O).

Figure O

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In the example below, choosing 14 and pressing Enter will cause the Server Configuration
script to exit and load the standard CLI (Figure P).

Figure P

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Note: To enter the Server Configuration screen, execute the following command from the CLI
at any time:

C:\Windows\System32\Sconfig.cmd

To enable Hyper-V Server remote management--that is, configuring the server to allow itself to
communicate with administrative workstations remotely--make sure that selection 4 and 7 are
both enabled. Additional changes should be made in accordance with your organizations
specific needs (Figure Q).

Figure Q

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Rebooting the server will load the CLI in keeping with the secure nature of Core mode (Figure
R).

Figure R

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Hyper-V Server is simply a hypervisor and not an actual VM. It is typically deployed using
Instant money
automation and thus does not require much in the way of direct management as a typical
transfers
Windows Server would. Because of this, management of Hyper-V Server is relegated to
scripting, PowerShell, and/or manual changes made via the Server Configuration. However,
Send money globally
VMs running on Hyper-V Server can
in 40 be managed remotely using the Server Manager app
currencies
found in Windows 8 or later and Windows Server 2012 or later. More on this in a future article.
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Your take
What obstacles have you encountered while getting started with Hyper-V Server 2016? Share
your experiences and advice with fellow TechRepublic members.

Also read...
System requirements for Hyper-V on Windows Server 2016
(https://technet.microsoft.com/windows-server-docs/compute/hyper-v/system-requirements-for-hyper-v-on-
windows)(Microsoft)
Set up your first Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V Host (https://www.techrepublic.com/blog/data-
(TechRepublic)
center/set-up-your-first-windows-server-2012-hyper-v-host/)
Three mistakes I made creating a Hyper-V virtual machine
(https://www.techrepublic.com/blog/smb-technologist/the-three-mistakes-i-made-creating-a-hyper-v-virtual-
machine/) (TechRepublic)
Windows Server 2016: The smart person's guide (https://www.techrepublic.com/article/windows-
server-2016-the-smart-persons-guide/) (TechRepublic)

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By Jesus Vigo
Jesus Vigo is a Network Administrator by day and owner of Mac|Jesus, LLC, specializing in
Mac and Windows integration and providing solutions to small- and medium-size
businesses. He brings 19 years of experience and multiple certifications from seve...

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