💻 1️⃣ Minimum System Requirements for Virtualization

 

📌 Processor (CPU)

  • 64-bit processor (Intel or AMD)
  • Must support hardware virtualization:
    • Intel → VT-x
    • AMD → AMD-V

👉 Without CPU virtualization support, virtual machines will not run properly.

📌 RAM (Memory)

Minimum:

  • 4GB (Basic use)

Recommended:

  • 8GB or more

Why?
Because:

  • Host OS needs RAM
  • Each VM needs separate RAM

Example:

  • Host uses 4GB
  • Windows 10 VM needs 4GB
  • Total required at least 8GB

 

📌 Storage

Minimum:

  • 50GB free disk space

Recommended:

  • SSD (for better performance)

Windows 10 VM alone requires:

  • 20–30GB minimum

 

📌 BIOS/UEFI Support

System must allow:

  • Hardware virtualization
  • VT-x / AMD-V enabled

 

🧠 2️⃣ What is Hardware Virtualization?

Hardware virtualization allows CPU to:

  • Create isolated virtual environments
  • Run multiple OS securely
  • Improve VM performance

Modern CPUs have built-in virtualization extensions.

 

⚙️ 3️⃣ BIOS vs UEFI

 

🔹 BIOS (Basic Input Output System)

Older firmware system.
Text-based interface.
Used to:

  • Boot system
  • Enable virtualization

 

🔹 UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)

Modern version of BIOS.
Graphical interface.
More secure.
Faster boot.

Most modern systems use UEFI.

 

🔧 4️⃣ How to Check If Virtualization is Supported

Method 1 – Task Manager

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
  2. Go to Performance tab
  3. Click CPU
  4. Check: Virtualization → Enabled / Disabled

 

Method 2 – Command Prompt

systeminfo

Check:

  • Hyper-V Requirements
  • Virtualization Enabled in Firmware

 

Method 3 – Third Party Tools

  • CPU-Z
  • Speccy

 

🔑 5️⃣ How to Enable Virtualization in BIOS/UEFI

Step-by-Step Process:

1️⃣ Restart computer
2️⃣ Press BIOS key during boot:

  • F2
  • F10
  • Delete
  • Esc (depends on manufacturer)

3️⃣ Go to:

  • Advanced
  • Advanced BIOS Features
  • CPU Configuration

4️⃣ Find:

  • Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x)
    OR
  • SVM Mode (for AMD)

5️⃣ Set to:
Enabled

6️⃣ Save & Exit (F10)

 

 

🖥 6️⃣ Common BIOS Virtualization Names

CPU TypeOption Name
IntelIntel VT-x
IntelIntel Virtualization Technology
AMDSVM Mode
AMDAMD-V

 

⚠️ 7️⃣ Common Issues

❌ Virtualization option not visible

Possible reasons:

  • CPU does not support virtualization
  • BIOS outdated
  • Disabled by manufacturer

 

❌ Virtualization disabled in Task Manager

Solution:

  • Enable from BIOS
  • Update BIOS
  • Disable Hyper-V (if conflict exists)

 

🧪 8️⃣ Real Practical Scenario

If VMware shows error:

"This host supports Intel VT-x, but VT-x is disabled."

👉 Go to BIOS and enable virtualization.

 

📊 9️⃣ Recommended System Specs for Smooth VM Usage

ComponentRecommended
CPUQuad-core or higher
RAM16GB
StorageSSD
OS64-bit Windows/Linux

 

🖥 1️⃣ What is VMware Workstation - Wikipedia VMware Workstation?

📖 Definition

VMware Workstation is a desktop virtualization software that allows users to create and run multiple virtual machines (VMs) on a single physical computer.

It is a Type 2 (Hosted) Hypervisor because it runs on top of an existing operating system.

 

🧠 Simple Meaning

👉 VMware Workstation lets you run multiple operating systems on your PC.

Example:

  • Windows host
  • Run Ubuntu VM
  • Run Windows Server VM
  • Run Kali Linux VM

All simultaneously.

 

🏗 2️⃣ Types of VMware Workstation

🔹 VMware Workstation Pro

  • Advanced features
  • Snapshots
  • Cloning
  • Network customization

🔹 VMware Workstation Player

  • Basic version
  • Limited features
  • Free for personal use

 

⚙️ 3️⃣ Features of VMware Workstation

✅ Create multiple VMs
✅ Support for Windows & Linux guests
✅ Snapshot & cloning
✅ Virtual networking (NAT, Bridged, Host-only)
✅ Shared folders
✅ USB passthrough
✅ 3D graphics support

 

💻 4️⃣ System Requirements for VMware Workstation

Minimum:

  • 64-bit processor
  • Virtualization enabled in BIOS
  • 4GB RAM
  • 2GB free disk space for software

Recommended:

  • 8GB+ RAM
  • SSD storage
  • Multi-core CPU

 

📥 5️⃣ Steps to Download VMware Workstation

Link - https://support.broadcom.com/web/ecx

STEP 1- Go to the Broadcom website

STEP 2- Login to the account/ Register first if you are a new user

STEP 3- Select the option "VMware cloud Foundation"

STEP 4- Go to "My downloads" - 'Free downloads available here'

STEP 5- Search for VMware workstation pro

STEP 6- Click on that

STEP 7- Then click on the option "VMware workstation pro 25h2 for windows (Personal Use)"

STEP 8- Then select the updated version

STEP 9- Check the box "I accept license and Terms"

STEP 10- Then click on the icon (like a cloud)

STEP 11- It will start downloading

 

🛠 6️⃣ Installation Steps (Windows Host)

Step 1️⃣ – Run Installer

Double-click downloaded .exe file.

 

Step 2️⃣ – Accept License Agreement

Click "I accept".

 

Step 3️⃣ – Choose Installation Location

Default path is fine.

 

Step 4️⃣ – Install

Click Next-Next until you get the Install option , click on install and wait.

 

Step 5️⃣ – Finish

Click Finish and restart system if required.

 

🔑 6️⃣ Post Installation Setup

After installation:

  • Open VMware Workstation
  • Enter license key (if Pro version)
  • Or use trial mode

 

🧪7️⃣ Checking Virtualization Compatibility

If installation fails:

  • Check BIOS virtualization enabled
  • Disable Hyper-V (if conflict occurs)
  • Update system drivers

 

⚠️ 8️⃣ Common Installation Issues

❌ VT-x not enabled

Enable from BIOS.

 

❌ Hyper-V conflict

Disable Hyper-V using:

bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off

Restart system.

 

❌ Not enough RAM

Upgrade memory.

 

🌍 9️⃣Real Practical Example

A student installs VMware on laptop:

  • 16GB RAM
  • i5 Processor

Creates:

  • Windows Server VM
  • Ubuntu VM
  • Kali Linux VM

Uses for networking practice.

 

🔐 1️⃣0️⃣ Why VMware Workstation is Important

Used for:

  • Learning networking
  • Practicing Windows Server
  • Ethical hacking labs
  • Software testing
  • IT training

Most IT professionals use VMware for lab environment.

 

📊 1️⃣1️⃣ VMware vs VirtualBox

FeatureVMwareVirtualBox
PerformanceHighMedium
Enterprise FeaturesYesLimited
Snapshot SupportAdvancedBasic
StabilityVery StableStable

 

🎯 Virtualization & VMware –  Interview Questions

 

1️⃣ What are the minimum system requirements for running virtual machines?

 

The minimum system requirements include:

  • 64-bit processor with virtualization support (Intel VT-x or AMD-V)
  • Minimum 4GB RAM (8GB recommended)
  • 50GB free disk space
  • Virtualization enabled in BIOS/UEFI

These resources are required because both the host OS and virtual machines need separate system resources.

 

2️⃣ What is Hardware Virtualization?

 

Hardware virtualization is a technology that allows the CPU to create multiple isolated virtual environments, enabling several operating systems to run simultaneously on a single physical machine with improved performance and security.

 

3️⃣ What is VMware Workstation?

 

VMware Workstation is a desktop virtualization software that allows users to create and run multiple virtual machines on a single physical computer.

It is a Type-2 (Hosted) Hypervisor, meaning it runs on top of an existing operating system like Windows or Linux.

🔗 Click the link below to continue learning more about Virtualization and VMware concepts.

https://www.evisiontechnoserve.com/internships/it/45-days-job-internship-program-live

 

🛠 Steps to Create a New Virtual Machine

 

🔹 Step 1: Open VMware Workstation

Click:
File → New Virtual Machine

 

🔹 Step 2: Choose Configuration Type

Select:

Typical (Recommended)

Click Next.

 

🔹 Step 3: Select Installation Media

Choose:

Installer disc image file (ISO)

Browse and select Windows 10 ISO file.

Click Next.

 

🔹 Step 4: Select Guest OS

Choose:

Microsoft Windows
Version: Windows 10

Click Next.

 

🔹 Step 5: Name Virtual Machine

Enter:

Name: Windows 10
Location: Default folder (recommended)

Click Next.

 

💾 Configure Virtual Disk

 

🔹 Step 6: Specify Disk Capacity

Recommended:

  • 60GB (Minimum 40GB)

Choose:

Store virtual disk as a single file

Click Next.

 

⚙️ 5️⃣ Customize Hardware (Very Important)

Before finishing, click: Customize Hardware

 

🔹 Memory (RAM)

Recommended:

  • Minimum: 4GB
  • Better: 6GB–8GB

 

🔹 Processors (CPU)

Recommended:

  • 2 cores minimum
  • 4 cores if available

 

🔹 Network Adapter

Choose:

NAT (Recommended for beginners)

 

🔹 Display

Enable:

Accelerate 3D Graphics

Click Close → Finish.

 

🚀 6️⃣ Installing Windows 10

 

🔹 Phase 1: Configure Virtual Machine Settings

 

🟢 Step 1: Open VMware Workstation

  • Launch VMware Workstation
  • Select the virtual machine where you want to install Windows 10
    (or create a new VM if not already created)

 

⚙️ Step 2: Edit Virtual Machine Settings

Click:

👉 Edit Virtual Machine Settings

A settings window will appear. Make the following changes:

 

🧠 2.1 Set Memory (RAM)

  • Change Memory to 4 GB (4096 MB) minimum
    (Recommended: 6–8 GB if your system supports it)

 

💿 2.2 Configure ISO File

  • Go to CD/DVD (SATA)
  • Change from Auto Detect to:

Use ISO image file

  • Click Browse
  • Select your saved Windows 10 ISO file
  • Click Open

 

🖥 2.3 (Optional but Recommended)

  • Assign 2 Processor cores
  • Set Network Adapter to NAT (Recommended)

 

✅ Step 3: Save Settings

Click OK

 

🔹 Phase 2: Start Installation

 

▶️ Step 4: Power On the Virtual Machine

Click:

👉 Power on this virtual machine

 

⌨️ Step 5: Boot From ISO

When you see:

🖥 VMware Logo
Then message:

👉 “Press any key to boot from CD or DVD”

⚠️ Press any key quickly.

If you miss it:

  • Restart the VM
  • Try again

 

📝 Important Note

Your keyboard and mouse will work inside VM only after you click inside the VM screen.

When cursor disappears → VM has captured input.

To release cursor:
Press Ctrl + Alt

 

🔹 Phase 3: Windows Setup Process

 

🌍 Step 6: Language Selection Screen

  • Select Language → English
  • Time & Currency → English (India)
  • Keyboard → English (India)
  • Click Next

 

🟦 Step 7: Install Now

Click:

👉 Install Now

 

🔑 Step 8: Product Key

Click:

👉 I don’t have a product key

 

🏷 Step 9: Select Windows Edition

Choose:

Windows 10 Pro

(Recommended for lab and enterprise practice)

Click Next

 

📜 Step 10: Accept License Terms

  • Tick: I accept the license terms
  • Click Next

 

💾 Step 11: Choose Installation Type

Select:

👉 Custom: Install Windows only (Advanced)

 

🔹 Phase 4: Disk Partitioning

 

💽 Step 12: Partition Disk

You will see:

👉 Unallocated Space

 

🛠 Option A (Simple & Recommended for Beginners)

  • Select Unallocated Space
  • Click Next
  • Windows will create required partitions automatically

 

🛠 Option B (Manual Partitioning)

If you want custom partitions:

1️⃣ Select Unallocated Space
2️⃣ Click New
3️⃣ Enter size in MB
Example:

  • 20 GB = 20 × 1024 = 20480 MB
    4️⃣ Click Apply
    5️⃣ Click OK (system reserved partition will be created)

Repeat if more partitions are required.

 

🧹 Step 13: Format Primary Partition

  • Select Primary Partition
  • Click Format
  • Click Next

 

🔹 Phase 5: Installation Process

 

⏳ Step 14: Windows Installation Starts

  • Files copying
  • Installing features
  • Installing updates
  • Restarting multiple times

⚠️ Do NOT press any key after restart.

Let system boot normally.

 

🔹 Phase 6: Initial Setup (OOBE Setup)

 

🌎 Step 15: Region

Select:

🇮🇳 India

Click Next

 

⌨️ Step 16: Keyboard Layout

Select:

English (India)

Click Next

 

➕ Step 17: Add Second Keyboard

Click:

👉 Skip

 

🧑‍💻 Step 18: Setup Type

Select:

👉 Set up for personal use

Click Next

 

📧 Step 19: Microsoft Account Page

Instead of email:

1️⃣ Click Offline Account (bottom left)
2️⃣ Click Limited Experience
3️⃣ Enter Username
4️⃣ Set Password
5️⃣ Complete security questions

 

🔐 Step 20: Privacy Settings

Disable unnecessary options if desired.

Click Accept

 

⏳ Step 21: Final Setup

System will display:

👉 “This might take several minutes”

Wait patiently.

 

🎉 Step 22: Windows 10 Desktop Appears

Congratulations!
You have successfully installed Windows 10 on VMware Workstation.

 

🔧 9️⃣ Install VMware Tools (Very Important)

After Windows loads:

Go to:

VM → Install VMware Tools

This will:

  • Improve display resolution
  • Enable copy-paste
  • Improve performance
  • Enable drag & drop

Restart VM after installation.

 

📊 1️⃣0️⃣ Final Result

You now have:

  • Fully working Windows 10 VM
  • Independent operating system
  • Can install software
  • Can practice networking

 

🧪 1️⃣1️⃣ Practical Example

Host:

  • Windows 11
  • 16GB RAM

VM:

  • Windows 10
  • 6GB RAM
  • 2 CPU cores

Both run simultaneously.

 

⚠️ 1️⃣2️⃣ Common Issues

❌ Black screen → Check RAM
❌ Slow VM → Increase RAM / CPU
❌ No internet → Check network adapter
❌ VT-x error → Enable virtualization in BIOS

 

🔄 1️⃣ VM Lifecycle Overview

A Virtual Machine moves through different states:

  • Powered Off
  • Powered On
  • Suspended
  • Reset
  • Snapshot state
  • Deleted

 

⚡ 2️⃣ Starting a Virtual Machine

🔹 How to Start

Select VM → Click:

Power On this virtual machine

OR

VM → Power → Power On

 

🔹 What Happens Internally

  • Virtual CPU is activated
  • Virtual RAM allocated
  • Virtual disk mounted
  • Guest OS boots

 

🔌 3️⃣ Stopping a Virtual Machine

There are multiple ways to stop a VM:

 

🔹 Method 1 – Normal Shutdown (Recommended)

Inside the guest OS:

Start → Shut Down

This is safe and prevents data loss.

 

🔹 Method 2 – Power Off (Force Shutdown)

VM → Power → Power Off

Equivalent to pulling power cable.

⚠️ Not recommended unless system hangs.

 

⏸ 4️⃣ Suspend Virtual Machine

Suspend saves the current running state of VM to disk.

VM → Power → Suspend

Next time you start → VM resumes from same point.

🔹 Difference Between Shutdown and Suspend

FeatureShutdownSuspend
OS StateClosedSaved
Boot TimeFull bootInstant resume
Data SafetySafeSafe

 

🔁 5️⃣ Reset Virtual Machine

VM → Power → Reset

Equivalent to pressing restart button.

Used when:

  • OS freezes
  • System stuck

 

📸 6️⃣ Snapshot (Very Important)

A Snapshot is a saved state of a virtual machine at a specific point in time.

It captures:

  • Current OS state
  • Running applications
  • Memory state (if VM is running)
  • Disk state
  • Configuration

 

🧠 Simple Meaning

👉 Snapshot = “Restore Point” of a Virtual Machine.

 

🔹 Why Snapshot is Used?

  • Before installing software
  • Before system updates
  • Before making major changes
  • For testing purpose

 

🔹 How It Works

When you take a snapshot:

  • VMware freezes current state
  • Creates delta disk file
  • Future changes are stored separately

If you revert:

  • VM returns to exact previous state

 

🔹 Example

1️⃣ Install Windows 10
2️⃣ Take Snapshot
3️⃣ Install risky software
4️⃣ System crashes
5️⃣ Revert Snapshot
6️⃣ System restored instantly

 

🔹 Advantages

✅ Quick recovery
✅ Safe testing
✅ Saves time
✅ Easy rollback

 

⚠️ Limitations

❌ Not full backup
❌ Consumes storage
❌ Too many snapshots reduce performance

 

🔹 How to Take Snapshot

VM → Snapshot → Take Snapshot

Enter name & description → OK

 

🔹 How to Revert Snapshot

VM → Snapshot → Revert

System goes back to saved state.

 

🔹 Why Snapshot is Important

  • Testing software
  • Lab practice
  • Safe experiments
  • Rollback after error

 

📊 Snapshot Example

Before installing risky software:

Take Snapshot

If system crashes:

Revert to Snapshot

Problem solved instantly.

 

📂 7️⃣ Cloning a Virtual Machine

Cloning is the process of creating an exact copy of an existing virtual machine.

The cloned VM works independently.

 

🧠 Simple Meaning

👉 Cloning = Making a duplicate copy of a virtual machine.

 

🔹 Types of Cloning

 

1️⃣ Full Clone

  • Complete independent copy
  • Does not depend on original VM
  • Uses more storage

Best for:

  • Production use
  • Long-term usage

 

2️⃣ Linked Clone

  • Shares base disk with original VM
  • Uses less storage
  • Dependent on parent VM

Best for:

  • Lab practice
  • Testing environment

 

🗑 8️⃣ Deleting a Virtual Machine

Two methods:

 

🔹 Remove from Library

Right click VM → Remove from Library

VM removed from list but files remain on disk.

 

🔹 Delete from Disk (Permanent)

Right click VM → Delete from Disk

All VM files deleted permanently.

 

⚠️ 9️⃣ Important Precautions

❌ Do not delete VM folder manually
❌ Avoid force power off frequently
❌ Avoid too many snapshots (uses storage)

 

💾 1️⃣0️⃣ Exporting a VM

VMware allows:

File → Export to OVF

Used for:

  • Sharing VM
  • Migration
  • Backup

 

🔐 1️⃣1️⃣ Best Practices for VM Management

✅ Allocate proper RAM
✅ Use snapshots wisely
✅ Shutdown properly
✅ Backup important VMs
✅ Monitor disk usage

 

🧠 1️⃣2️⃣ Real Practical Scenario

You are testing Active Directory.

Steps:

1️⃣ Install Windows Server
2️⃣ Take Snapshot
3️⃣ Configure AD
4️⃣ Something breaks
5️⃣ Revert Snapshot

System restored in seconds.

 

📊 1️⃣3️⃣ VM Power States Summary

StateDescription
Powered OnRunning
Powered OffCompletely stopped
SuspendedSaved memory state
ResetForced restart

 

🎯 VMware & Virtualization –  Interview Focus Questions 

 

1️⃣ What is a Virtual Machine (VM)?

A Virtual Machine is a software-based computer that runs an operating system and applications just like a physical computer, using virtualized hardware.

 

2️⃣ What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Hypervisors?

  • Type 1 (Bare Metal): Runs directly on hardware (e.g., ESXi)
  • Type 2 (Hosted): Runs on top of an OS (e.g., VMware Workstation)

 

3️⃣ What is a Snapshot and why is it used?

A Snapshot is a saved state of a VM used to restore the system to a previous point during testing or troubleshooting.

 

4️⃣ What is NAT in VMware networking?

NAT (Network Address Translation) allows a VM to access the internet using the host system’s IP address, without exposing the VM directly to the network.

 

5️⃣ What are the minimum requirements to run virtualization?

  • 64-bit CPU with VT-x / AMD-V support
  • Minimum 4GB RAM (8GB recommended)
  • Sufficient disk space (50GB+)
  • Virtualization enabled in BIOS/UEFI

🔗 Click the link to explore the full VMware practical guide & boost your IT skills 🚀

https://www.evisiontechnoserve.com/internships/it/45-days-job-internship-program-live