You must have tried creating virtual machines to try out a new OS you dont want to install directly.

But have you ever tried using Hyper-V inside a virtual machine?

Hyper-V is Windows inbuilt hypervisor that allows you to create virtual machines and run them.

How to create a Linux Virtual Machine Inside Windows Virtual Machine Using Hyper-V

But it is also possible to use Hyper-V inside a VMware Windows virtual machine.

Heres how to do it.

We would suggest Windows 10 or 11 virtual machines for this project.

Enable Virtualization for Windows Virtual Machine in VMware

Moreover, you must pick either Windows Pro or Enterprise edition because Hyper-V isnt available for Windows Home edition.

see to it to dedicate an adequate amount of hardware resources to the virtual machine.

The reason behind this is that you will venture to run a virtual machine inside a virtual machine.

Install Hyper-V on the Windows Virtual Machine

Also, update the VMware Workstation Player to the latest version before you begin the installation method.

Firstly, you must unlock the virtualization features for the Windows virtual machine.

Then you better enable Hyper-V on this virtual machine.

Create a Linux Virtual Machine Using Hyper-V 1

Lastly, you gotta create a Linux virtual machine using Hyper-V.

1.

Next, you better install Hyper-V.

2.

Hyper-V is now active on your Windows virtual machine.

Create a Linux Virtual Machine Using Hyper-V 2

Next, you better create a Linux virtual machine it.

We will go with Ubuntu for this experiment.

You have to download the Ubuntu ISO file inside the virtual machine from theUbuntu websitebefore starting with the steps.

Create a Linux Virtual Machine Using Hyper-V 3

A Few Things to Remember

Creating a virtual machine inside a virtual machine is possible.

So, you gotta use a system that can devote ample hardware resources to the Windows virtual machine.

After you try our Ubuntu using Hyper-V, you could power off the virtual machine.

Create a Linux Virtual Machine Using Hyper-V 4

Or you’re able to take the extra step and delete the virtual machine from Hyper-V Manager.

It will free up a lot of space inside the Windows virtual machine.

Also, uninstall the Hyper-V feature if you dont need it any further in your Windows virtual machine.

Ubuntu Virtual Machine Running Using Hyper-V

Check out our guide onhow to disable or remove Hyper-V in Windows 11for more information.

ensure that you turn off virtualization features for the Windows virtual machine when you no longer need it.