Virtualization
Windows takes advantage of virtualization assistance in hardware that is based on Intel Virtualization Technology (Intel VT) and AMD Virtualization technology (AMD-V).
By doing this, Windows virtualization enables workloads such as server consolidation, efficient software development and testing, resource management for dynamic data centers, application rehosting and compatibility, and high-availability partitions.
In this section
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
Requirements for implementing the Microsoft Hypervisor interface |
This paper provides information about the minimum set of functionality required to support the Microsoft Hypervisor interface. It provides details about the mandatory features in the Microsoft-compatible Hypervisor interface required for virtualizing Microsoft Windows operating systems, and offers guidelines for virtualization solution developers to determine which optional features may be supported, and the effect of these features on Windows operating systems when running virtualized. It assumes that the reader is familiar with the Microsoft Hypervisor Top Level Functional Specification. |
Related topics
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Windows ACPI Emulated Devices Table | This specification contains details of an Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) table that was created for use with Windows operating systems when they are running in guest partitions in a virtual machine environment. |
| Windows SMM Security Mitigations Table (WMST) specification | The Windows SMM Security Mitigations Table (WSMT) specification contains details of an Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) table that was created for use with Windows operating systems that support Windows virtualization-based security (VBS) features. This information applies to the following operating systems: Windows Server 2016 Windows 10, version 1607 |
See also
(Information and announcements from Program Managers, Product Managers, Developers and Testers in the Microsoft Virtualization team.)
AMD Virtualization [AMD]
Hyper-V Technical Information and Resources [TechNet]
Intel Virtualization Technology [Intel]
Virtual Hard Disk Performance [file]
Virtualization [Channel 9]