Hyper-V virtualization requirements (SharePoint Server 2010)
This article provides hardware and software requirements for using hardware-based virtualization. Although Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V technology is the focal point of this document, the basic hardware requirements for enabling hardware-based virtualization also apply to third-party virtualization technologies that are certified by Microsoft.
Hardware
The requirements for hardware-based virtualization are as follows:
Hardware-assisted virtualization, which is available in processors that include a virtualization option—specifically processors with Intel Virtualization Technology (Intel VT) or AMD Virtualization (AMD-V) technology.
Hardware-enforced Data Execution Prevention (DEP) is available and enabled.
You can use one of the following tools to determine if the processor on an existing server supports Hyper-V:
AMD Hyper-V Compatibility Check Utility (.zip file) (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=150561)
Intel Processor Identification Utility (Windows Version) (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=150562)
Software
One of the following Microsoft products is required for Hyper-V:
Windows Server 2008 (all editions of Windows Server 2008, except for Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-Based Systems, Windows Web Server 2008, and Windows Server 2008 Foundation)
Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008
Windows Server 2008 R2 (all editions of Windows Server 2008 R2, except for Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-Based Systems, Windows Web Server 2008 R2, and Windows Server 2008 R2 Foundation)
Hyper-V Server R2
We recommend Windows Server 2008 R2 for virtualization servers because of the many improvements introduced for Hyper-V, such as:
Live migration to move a running virtual machine from one cluster node to another
Significant gains in performance and scalability
Enhanced processor support
Enhanced virtual machine storage
Enhanced networking support
For more information, see What's New in Hyper-V in Windows Server 2008 R2 (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkID=155234).
See Also
Concepts
Virtualization support and licensing (SharePoint Server 2010)