Windows 7 Virtualization – Running Guest OS on Windows 7 Host

Windows 7 Virtualization where Windows 7 is the host, that is if the user wants to run any other Operating System on Windows 7 it can easily be achieved through various Free and Paid Virtualization softwares. For some reason, lot of visitors are searching with Windows 7 Virtualization and landing on some post on Virtualization due to the fact the post Title has Post’s title containing the word Virtualization and Windows 7 has 100% relevance with this domain, unfortunately that is creating a false perception (to Google Search) that the post is on Windows 7 Virtualization. This is the sole reason of writing this post on Windows 7 Virtualization. This is a primer article on Windows 7 Virtualization. We will post on how to run other important operating system on Windows 7.

Prerequisites for Windows 7 Virtualization

First of all, in order to get Windows 7 Virtualization Environment, the user must have some knowledge on Virtualization. Running an Guest OS on a Host OS is not like playing a 3D game. It is a serious matter and without proper knowledge and monitoring, if Windows 7 Virtualization is run on a incapable system without proper cooling, the processor can burn out. So, before going for Windows 7 Virtualization Deployment, if the reader is a newbie, we will request to read our articles on Virtualizaion capable Processors, Monitoring Tools for Virtualization, Free and Paid Softwares for Virtualization.

In brief, in order to deploy Windows 7 Virtualization, the reader will need :

• A desktop (preferably as cooling can be hampered on a laptop and it is quite difficult to open the backside if you face sudden overheating or failure of cooling) with a Virtualization capable Processor.
• Adequate RAM, preferably 2 GB +
• A separate graphics card is a good option than the onboard solution for Windows 7 Virtualization.
• Softwares needed for running the Windows 7 Virtualization.
• The ISO of the Guest Operating System.
• Adequate external cooling, for warm regions an air-conditioned room is preferred with indirect flow of cool air to the cabinet.

Facts about Windows 7 Virtualization

Windows XP Mode is a special case of Windows 7 Virtualization. Windows 7 is capable to monitor the resources properly and practically the end user needs not much care about system monitoring.

Virtual Box, VMware workstation will nicely allow to run almost any Guest OS through Windows 7 Virtualization. You can use two mice, two monitors etc.

Capability of the Hard Disk is important for Windows 7 Virtualization. Probably you will not use a hardware switch for Windows 7 Virtualization, it might happen, the Host OS (Win 7) completely hangs but the Guest OS is still operational. Shut down the guest OS and do as needed for Win 7, double sworded situation can arise in case of Windows 7 Virtualization – if both Guest OS and Host OS hangs.