Top 8 Tips for Configuring Hyper V and VMware

Posted by Siam Wrythe on November 2nd, 2019

In addition to VMware’s vSphere, many companies also use Hyper-V for virtualization. This is usually because Windows servers are already in use and Hyper-V is part of the current server system. 

Companies that virtualize with Hyper-V, especially when using operating systems other than Windows, must make sure that all settings have been made correctly. Some issues affect both Hyper V and Vmware while others can help resolve the hyper v vs vmware debate.

I will discuss some tips for smooth configuration and use of Hyper-V and VMware

1. Configure Correct Network Settings

Hyper-V, like VMware vSphere, offers many options for optimizing network settings. Features such as network virtualization, high-availability virtual switches, and other settings enable the fast operation of Hyper-V virtual servers. Here it is important to find the right settings for each server. You need to know the right Network settings for your specific VMs such as Hyper V and vSphere: you need to know! "We also explain important settings that apply equally to Hyper-V and vSphere.

2. Install Antivirus on Hyper V

Anyone installing virus protection on a Hyper-V host should be careful to remove certain system services and directories from the scan area. This also applies to Windows Defender.

This is necessary to prevent your antivirus from deleting system files. By default, the exceptions to Windows Defender are already set. But for other virus scanners, the exceptions should be configured accordingly. 

3. Use the Appropriate Virtualization Setting on Linux

When it comes to the correct virtualization of Linux servers, one or the other setting must be taken into account when using Hyper-V. There are various tutorials on how to use Hyper v and Vmware with Linux on the internet

4. Set up a Secure Hyper-V and Virtual Servers Backup

When backing up virtual servers, make sure the backup solution is optimized for Hyper-V. Most companies rely on additional software for data backup. Many manufacturers now offer support specifically for Hyper-V or VMware. These solutions secure the servers and the host at the hypervisor level. Even virtual servers can be backed up using traditional backup strategies. However, the agents do not use the hypervisor and therefore can not use shadow copies or snapshots (checkpoints) for backup. This increases the amount of data to be backed up and the duration of the backup.

5. Choose Dynamic Memory

Starting with Windows Server 2016, the memory used can be allocated during operation, even if no dynamic working memory is used. However, it is also important to pay attention to whether the server applications support this. Alternatively, the VM must be restarted after the setting. The automatic allocation of memory generally sounds good, but in many cases does not make much sense. 

6. Adjust storage locations in Hyper-V

Data from Hyper-V and VMware hosts is stored in different locations. The locations themselves specify administrators at various points in Hyper-V management, such as in the Hyper-V settings, and in the settings of each virtual server. In addition, it is possible to change the storage location of the virtual hard disks and configuration files during operation. The Hyper-V settings of the Hyper-V host itself set the default location for new virtual servers. However, in most environments, this directory is incorrect. Microsoft recommends that you format the location of virtual disks with ReFS. With this file system, you can create virtual disks much faster. 

7. Use best practices from Microsoft

When it comes to monitoring Windows servers, optimizing server operation, or finding errors, many professionals immediately think of commercial add-on programs that need to be integrated into the server infrastructure. In small and medium-sized enterprises, on the other hand, less is often optimized than is necessary.

With the Best Practices Analyzer (BPA) in Server Manager, Microsoft provides a tool to monitor servers and find incorrect configurations quickly. Although the tool can’t replace comprehensive monitoring tools, it should be included in the control and configuration of the server.

When using Hyper-V, it makes sense to use the BPA after installing a Hyper-V host or cluster. This then displays optimization measures for Hyper-V. Because a Hyper-V host also runs virtual servers, they are, of course, dependent on the performance and configuration of the Hyper-V host. There are also many possibilities for optimization here. 

8. Disable Time Synchronization

By default, virtual servers provide time through the appropriate Hyper-V host but this can also lead to problems with domain controllers. Hyper-V automatically installs the integration services on each virtual machine. On domain computers, care must be taken that synchronization of times through Hyper-V does not affect the synchronization of other computers, especially not the synchronization of the domain controllers.

Following the above tips will help you make the best of your Hyper v or VMware setup. It will also help you prevent common problems that are associated with.