How To Create a Secure Software Testing Environment with Hyper-V in Windows 10

1. Introduction: The Risks of Software Exploration and the Solution.

In the digital age, software is constantly evolving at a rapid pace. For those who are enthusiastic about exploring new software, it’s understandable to be cautious when installing new applications in the main system. The threat of malware looms large. A single misstep, such as downloading a malicious software, can lead to disastrous consequences like system crashes and data loss. Just as the friend mentioned earlier, simply trying out a new image – processing software caused the computer to become inexplicably sluggish and even experience file loss. However, the Hyper – V virtualization technology offers a safe haven. By properly utilizing Hyper – V in Windows 10, we can create an isolated software testing environment. In this environment, we can freely test various new software. Even if there are problems with the software, it will not affect the main system in the slightest. Next, we will introduce in detail how to use Hyper – V to achieve this goal.

2. Enabling the Hyper – V Feature

2.1 Opening the Command Window and Control Panel

1. First of all, we need to open a command window. This operation is very simple. We can find and open the Command Prompt through the system search bar or shortcut keys.
2. In the command window, type “control“, and then the system’s Control Panel will appear in front of us.

2.2 Locating the Relevant Option in the Control Panel

1. After entering the Control Panel, since there are numerous interface elements, to find the option we need more conveniently, we change the view mode to large icons.
2. At this time, many function options become clear at a glance. We find the option named “Programs and Features” and click on it.

2.3 Enabling Hyper – V

1. On the left side of the “Programs and Features” interface, there is an option called “Turn Windows features on or off“.
2. Clicking on it will pop up the Windows Features window. In this window, we can see a checkbox for Hyper – V. Make sure to select all related items, and then click OK.
3. After completing this series of operations, the Windows system is now capable of using the Hyper – V Manager to create virtual machines.
4. It should be noted that the Hyper – V feature is not available in all Windows versions by default. It comes pre – installed in Windows Enterprise and Professional editions, but not in Windows Home edition. If you are using Windows Home edition and want to activate the Hyper – V function, you can refer to relevant tutorial.

3. Starting the Hyper – V Manager

3.1 Restarting the Computer

1. After enabling the Hyper – V feature in Windows, we need to restart the computer.
2. This step is crucial because only after restarting can the system make the newly enabled Hyper – V feature take effect.

3.2 Finding and Opening the Hyper – V Manager

1. After restarting the computer, we simply enter “Hyper – V” in the Windows search box. At this time, an icon for the Hyper – V Manager will appear in the search results. We click on this icon to successfully open the Hyper – V Manager.
2. The Hyper – V Manager is a very powerful tool. It can manage multiple physical hosts. For example, after selecting Hyper – V Manager on the left side of the manager interface, an option “Connect to Server” will appear on the right side.
3. Through this option, we can connect to any computer. Here, we take the local computer as an example to demonstrate how to create a Windows 10 virtual machine on it. We select the local computer and click OK.

4. Creating a Windows 10 Virtual Machine

4.1 When You Have a Windows 10 ISO File

4.1.1 Starting the New Virtual Machine Wizard

1. If we have a Windows 10 ISO file (that is, an image file) at hand, then in the Hyper – V Manager, we click “New“, and then select “Virtual Machine“.
2. At this time, the New Virtual Machine Wizard window will pop up, and we click Next.

4.1.2 Setting the Virtual Machine Name and Storage Path

1. On the new page that pops up, we need to give this virtual machine a name, such as “Win10”. This name can be set according to personal preferences, as long as it is convenient for us to identify later.
2. If we want to change the storage path of this virtual machine, we just need to check the corresponding checkbox, and then click Browse.
3. In the file path selection window that pops up, find the location where we want the virtual machine files to be stored. If there are no special requirements, we can also use the default path. After setting, click Next.

4.1.3 Selecting the Virtual Machine Generation

1. On the next page, we need to select the generation of the virtual machine. Here, there are two options: Generation 1 and Generation 2.
2. If we want to install Windows 10, we need to choose Generation 2 because Generation 2 supports Windows 10 and Windows 11, while Generation 1 mainly supports Windows 7 and earlier versions. After selecting Generation 2, click Next.

4.1.4 Setting the Startup Memory

1. On this page, we can set the startup memory size of this virtual machine according to actual needs.
2. The setting of the startup memory needs to comprehensively consider factors such as the hardware configuration of the host and the resource requirements of the software that the virtual machine is expected to run. After setting, click Next.

4.1.5 Selecting the Network Connection Method

1. At this step, we need to choose the network connection method. We choose “Default Switch“.
2. After this setting, the virtual machine can be connected to the Internet.
3. If we do not choose “Default Switch” but choose “Not connected“, then this virtual machine will not be able to access the Internet. After choosing, click Next.

4.1.6 Creating the Virtual Hard Disk

1. At this time, we enter the page for creating a virtual hard disk. We can modify the size of the hard disk according to our own needs.
2. At the same time, the path where the virtual hard disk is saved and the name of the virtual hard disk are also displayed here. After setting the hard disk size and other parameters, click Next.

4.1.7 Associating the ISO File

1. Since we plan to use our own ISO file to install the system, at this step, we need to select the second radio button, and then click Browse. Find the Windows 10 ISO file we prepared in advance, select it, click Open, and then click Next.
2. At this time, a page will appear showing the installation information we set before. After confirming that it is correct, click Finish. So far, the virtual machine has been created.

4.1.8 Starting the Virtual Machine to Install the System

1. After the virtual machine is created, we right – click on this virtual machine and click Connect. A window will pop up. In this window, we can click the Start button to start this virtual machine.
2. After the virtual machine starts, press any key at will, and it will start the Windows 10 installation program.
3. The subsequent installation steps, such as clicking Next and clicking Install Now, are exactly the same as the steps of installing Windows 10 on a physical machine.

4.2 When You Don’t Have a Windows 10 ISO Image File

4.2.1 Using the Quick Create Function

1. If we don’t have a Windows ISO image file, don’t worry. The Hyper – V Manager provides us with another convenient way – Quick Create.
2. We click Quick Create to open the virtual machine creation window.

4.2.2 Selecting the Image and Creating

1. In this window, there are five default images available for us to choose from. The first one is the Windows 10 image.
2. If we choose to install the first Windows 10 image, after selection, click Create Virtual Machine. The Hyper – V Manager will automatically download this Windows 10 image.
3. After the download is completed, it will automatically decompress the image file. When it prompts that the virtual machine has been successfully created, we click Connect.
4. After the connection is successful, click Start, and we can start this Windows 10 virtual machine. The subsequent installation steps are also the same as the normal installation of Windows 10.

5. Subsequent Settings of the Virtual Machine

5.1 Full – Screen Display Settings

5.1.1 Regular Full – Screen Settings

1. When we have successfully created and started the Windows 10 virtual machine, if we want it to be displayed in full – screen mode, the operation is also very simple.
2. We just need to click “View” in the virtual machine window, and then select “Full – Screen Mode“. At this time, the virtual machine will be displayed in full – screen mode in front of us.

5.1.2 Using the Enhanced Session Mode to Solve Special Cases

1. However, sometimes even if we set it as described above, the Windows 10 virtual machine still cannot be displayed in full – screen mode.
2. In such cases, you can click “View” again and select the “Enhanced Session” option.
3. It should be noted that after selecting this option, you need to log in to the virtual machine again. After re – logging in, maximize the virtual machine window, and at this time, it will fill the entire screen with the Windows desktop of the virtual machine.

5.2 Adding Chinese Language Pack

1. Accessing the Settings Interface: If the Windows 10 virtual machine you installed is in English and you want to add Chinese to it, first click the “Start” menu in the virtual machine and then click “Settings“.
2. Adding Chinese Language: In the settings interface, click the “Time and Language” option. Under the “language” column, you can see that the current Windows display language is “English“.
3. Click “Add a Language” to add a language, enter “Chinese” in the search box, then click the first option in the search results, followed by “Next“, and then “Install“. At this point, the system will start installing the Chinese language pack.
4. Setting Chinese as the Preferred Language and Restarting: After the Chinese language pack is installed, select “Chinese” from the language list, then click the upward arrow to move it to the top of the language list. Also, select Chinese in the relevant settings.
5. After completing these operations, you must restart the Windows virtual machine. After restarting, you will be pleasantly surprised to find that the text on the virtual machine interface has all been displayed in Chinese.
6. Through the detailed steps above, we have successfully created a secure software testing environment in Windows 10 using Hyper – V and completed the basic settings of the virtual machine. Now everyone can safely explore various new software in this environment!

6. Demo Video

You can watch the following demo video by select the subtitle to your preferred subtitle language.