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What Is Virtual Machine Manager? - Hypervisors Explained
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Published onAugust 15, 2024
published onAugust 15, 2024
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Wondering what is a virtual machine manager? Keep reading!
Virtual computing devices, like Windows, Mac, Linux, etc., have become highly popular among IT professionals, businesses, developers, and content creators. This technology allows you to set up and use multiple types of computers from the local PC or an online server.
That’s where a virtual machine manager (VMM) steps in. It’s at the core of operating system and hardware virtualization.
If you’re new to virtual computers, read the article until the end to learn all about them and their benefits.
What Is a Virtual Machine Manager?
A virtual machine manager supplies the necessary virtualization programs and interfaces for virtual computers. It’s likea central control systemfrom which you cancontrol many local andvirtual desktops.Also, a VMM tool efficiently partitions system drives, CPU, RAM, GPU, network card, audio system, etc., and distributes these resources.
You might come across the following alternative names:
A VMM also lets you customize the allocated resources of an existing virtual PC for performance tweaking and troubleshooting. Moreover, you can encrypt your virtual devices to prevent unauthorized access to hardware and software.
Types of VMMs or Hypervisors
Primarily, there are two types. I’ve outlined their description and examples below:
These run directly on the computation hardware, similar to a Windows 11 OS. The only difference is a Windows OS sets up only one computer whereasa Type 1 Hypervisor sets up an environment where you can configure more than one operating system.
Moreover, Type 1 virtual machine managers are extremely fast and highly reliable since they can access system hardware directly without the intervention of a host operating system. For this reason,you’ll mostly find such a VMM in data centers, managed virtual desktop service-providing platforms, large organizations, etc.
Here are some examples of Type 1 VMMs:
Installing and managing them has a steep learning curve. Often, businesses hire highly skilled professionals for this job.
Type 2 VMMsrun on top of an operating system, like Windows, Mac, Linux, etc. Hence, their performance is poorer than Type 1 Hypervisors.
However,configuring them is much easier.It’s just like installing any other third-party app. Also, these tools mainly contain a graphical user interface with adequate instructions so anyone with basic computer knowledge can set up a virtual computer in less than an hour.
Here are some popular examples:
Example of a Windows VMM
Hyper-V Manager on Windows is the built-in virtualization software for Windows 11 and 10 PCs. It’savailable for free for Windows Pro and Enterprise OS editionsusers.
Since Microsoft ships the tool as embedded in select editions, you don’t need to license your individual or commercial use cases.
However, you might not find the tool readily in the installed programs list. You’ll need to enable it from theWindows Features tool.
It has a fairly simple graphical user interface with adequate instructions. However, the virtual hardware customization options are limited. Find below the major features ofHyper-V Manager:
How Does a Virtual Machine Manager Work?
A VMMcreates a virtualization layeron top of the host operating system. Then, itutilizes the host device’s hardware resourcesand partially distributes those to one or many virtual PCs. For it to work seamlessly, you must enable the IntelVirtualization Technology (VT-x) featurefor your host CPU. You can do so from the UEFI or BIOS interface.
A modern tool like VMware Workstation comes with many functionalities so you can create a wide variety of virtual machines. Find some of the common VMM components of this leading hypervisor tool below:
Virtual Machine Wizard
It guides you through all the steps of virtual machine configuration from start to end. You can choose betweenTypical and Custom modesdepending on your VM requirements. For most users, Typical is the best option since it configures most of the complicated virtual layers in the backend.
It also asks you for the ISO image of the OS disc andtests the bootable media automatically for errors. You can also choose to install the OS later. The best thing about the setup wizard is that you can choose from the following guest operating system types:
They all include many editions so you won’t come across any problems for backward compatibility.
A Library of VMs
You’ll find a virtual machine librarylisting all the virtual desktops you’ve addedto the VMM. If you’ve created them on top of the local PC, they’ll show below the My Computer header.
If you’ve imported VMs from remote servers, those will also show up below the server IP address trees. You can quickly open a VM by clicking on the library.
Advanced VM Settings
The VM Settings dialog allows you to customize hardware and software options at the granular levels.
In theHardwaretab, you can personalize the values and preferences forMemory,Processors,Hard Disk,CD/DVD,Network Adapter,USB Controller,Sound Card,Printer,Display, andTPM.
From theOptionstab, you can customize the preferences forPower management,Shared Folders,Snapshots,AutoProtect,Guest Isolation,Access Control,VMware Tools,VNC Connections,Autologin, etc.
You can adjust these settings for a new or existing VM whenever you want.
Ad Hoc VM Controls
Often VMs get stuck when processing complex problems. However, you don’t have the privilege to manually press any physical power button to restart or shut down the system. To overcome this bottleneck, modern VMMs like VMware include ad hoc power management tools.
For instance, you can use the following commands in VMware Workstation:
If you need to access the BIOS of the VM, you can use thePower On to Firmwarecommand.
Virtual Machine Backup and Restore
Premium VMMs like Vmware Workstation offer built-in backup and restore tools. You cantake manual snapshots of a VMevery day.
Alternatively, you canset up a schedule of snapshots for automatic backup.You can use these to revert to a previous version if the latest VM gets corrupted.
Advanced Display Settings
Modern VMMs include various display settings. For example, the VMware Workstation comes withdisplay scaling commands, like the following to modify the display area:
Interface for Device Connectivity and Data Transfer
Modern VMMs canroute the connections of external devicesto the virtual machine. For this, the manager will show a dialog box to select whether you want to interface the external device to the host physical device or the guest OS.
You can also use VMware Workstation toset up shared drivesfrom and to guest operating systems. Also, you can easily copy and paste data from the host device to the virtual device usingCtrl+CandCtrl+Vcommands.
Why Should You Use a VMM?
A virtual machine manager helps you with the following tasks:
Summary
If you’re here, congratulations! Now, you should be able to answer the question “What is a virtual machine manager?”
You might also want to learnwhat is CPU Virtualization & how to enable it in BIOSandhow to fix VT-xto troubleshoot problems.
More about the topics:virtual machine,VirtualBox,windows 10,Windows 11
Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Passionate about technology,Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, with a complete expertise in touch-based devices, he is constantly keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest!
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Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.
