What is the difference in Hyper-V generation 1 and generation 2?
Here you will find out:
- about Hyper-V generation 1 and generation 2
- Hyper-V generation 1 vs generation 2 difference
- when DiskInternals can help you
Are you ready? Let's read!
About Hyper-V generation 1 vs generation 2
There are currently two generations of Hyper-V virtual machines.
The first generation is still in use, but the second generation of Hyper-V VMs is already active. In general, the choice between these two generations depends on many factors: the OS of the guest operating system, the OS of the host operating system, boot methods, etc. This article will give you a clear understanding of the existing generations of Hyper-V VMs, and will help you make a choice between them by comparing Hyper-V generation 1 vs generation 2.
Comparing Hyper-V generation 1 vs generation 2
Let's go through the main characteristics of generation 1 and generation 2 of Hyper-V and identify the main differences between them:
- BIOS.
This software is responsible for startup and hardware configuration. First-generation Hyper-V runs only under BIOS control. Such virtual machines can be booted from MBR virtual hard disks. Second-generation Hyper-V has UEFI BIOS and GPT support, resulting in increased support for devices and features. It should be noted that the GPT partitioning scheme overcomes the 2 TB disk limit. Also, UEFI provides the ability to perform the Secure Boot function, which protects bootloaders and basic system files from being changed.
- IDE Virtual Disks.
Generation 1 Hyper-V only has an IDE virtual controller, as the BIOS does not support other controllers. As for the virtual SCSI controllers, they can only be recognized after installing Hyper-V in the guest OS in the virtual machine. And the guest OS cannot boot from the SCSI disk anyway. Generation 2 Hyper-V can boot from SCSI virtual disks without any restrictions or conditions. UEFI gives them this privilege.
- Emulated Hardware.
In order for a VM to work, a physical computer must have certain components that, when combined, provide high compatibility. In generation 1 Hyper-V, these components include the network adapter, virtual disk drive, COM ports, and so on. For generation 2 Hyper-V, this is not so important, since new, faster synthetic equipment is used here. With fewer virtual appliances and tighter hypervisor integration, virtual machine performance is more likely to improve.
- Hardware limitations.
This is more true for first-generation Hyper-V, since there are enough limits there: up to 4 SCSI controllers and up to 64 attached SCSI drives; a maximum of 2 IDE controllers, each of which can hold up to 2 IDE disks; MBR limitation to 2 TB with 4 partitions; support for x86 and x64 guest OSs; etc.
- PXE Boot Option.
This function is available in both Hyper-V generation 1 and generation 2. However, booting through the PXE network for first-generation Hyper-V is somewhat difficult, since only the emulated legacy network adapter supports this boot. Second-generation Hyper-V boots seamlessly over the network due to UEFI support.
- VHDX Virtual Disks.
Both generations of Hyper-V support this format. However, generation 1 Hyper-V also supports the older VHD format. VHDX format is becoming more widespread, as it has greater performance, quality. resistance, etc.
Performance of Hyper-V generation 2 vs generation 1
Generation 2 Hyper-V has a faster boot time compared to generation 1 Hyper-V. The same applies to the installation of the guest OS: generation 2 Hyper-V reduces this time by almost half compared to generation 1 Hyper-V.
As for RAM, here are the numbers:
- Generation 1 Hyper-V: 1 TB
- Generation 2 Hyper-V: 12 TB
Possible number of virtual processors:
- Generation 1 Hyper-V: 64
- Generation 2 Hyper-V: 240
Benefits of Hyper-V generation 2
Technologies are constantly improving and, of course, second-generation virtual machines greatly surpass the first generation. Here are just the main advantages of the second generation of Hyper-V virtual machines:
- Maximum performance
- Reliability and privacy thanks to secure boot
- Option to boot from SCSI disk and PXE boot with synthetic NIC
- VHDX virtual disk compatibility, the benefits of which were mentioned above
- UEFI support with GPT
Requirements for Hyper-V generation 2
Usage of Generation 2 Hyper-V is for Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows 8.1 or later.
Guest OSs can be Windows 8 x64 or later due to UEFI 2.3.1 support with Secure Boot option, as well as Windows Server 2012 or later.
RAID Recovery for Hyper-V generations 1 & 2
If you have lost some important or even all of your data from an array, do not panic. You will need an array recovery application as soon as possible (to prevent data overwriting). And the best option is DiskInternals RAID Recovery. The program works with RAID on a professional level, so you should not be afraid of the state of the array or any shortcomings in the recovery process. With this application, each stage of data recovery is maximally automated due to the presence of the Recovery Wizard. You don't need to worry about your skills, and you should be happy with the free file preview.
Read and take note of the instructions for this application:
Download RAID Recovery to your computer or server, install it in Windows 8, 10, 7 or Windows Server 2003-2019.
Open the application and in the appropriate window, be sure to select the target RAID.
Then select the application mode:
- Fast recovery mode
- Full recovery mode
After that, you will have free access to files (preview) in read-only mode.
Finally, to access your files, you need to purchase a license for this product and get unlimited access to your files, as well as the ability to export selected files. Enjoy the results you have achieved and be sure to recommend this application to your friends.