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32-bit CPU virtualisation on Hyper-V - possible?

  • 14-06-2016 01:16PM
    #1
    seamus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 68,173 ✭✭✭✭


    Posting here as there may be someone who can answer better than the windows-specific forum.

    I have a need to install a 32-bit OS into a VM on Hyper-V for testing purposes. Easy-peasy. But for a proper test, the underlying virtual hardware needs to be 32-bit as well.

    Installing Windows 8.1, and it recognises that the CPU on the VM is 64-bit, even if the OS is 32-bit.

    The guy who wants the VM for testing insists that the CPU needs to be 32-bit. Am I overthinking this? Can't find any info online about having a 32-bit virtual processor in Hyper-V.


Comments

  • #2
    durtybit
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 384 ✭✭durtybit


    Advanced options in Hyper-V should allow you to select x86 architecture


  • #3
    ED E
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,094 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    Have you tried the "Run as an older operating system such as windows NT" in the processor compatibility section? That may mask the processor model to the guest.


  • #4
    durtybit
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 384 ✭✭durtybit


    Quick Google mentions it was never added due to windows server etc moving away from x86. A question to understand why 32 bit on virtual? I can understand 32 bit OS but why the need for 32 bit hyper-V, can't understand why anyone would invest in 32 bit hyper-v setup with the limitation on ram with x86


  • #5
    seamus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 68,173 ✭✭✭✭seamus


    Thanks for the input guys, I can't see any of those options though.

    Yeah, MS never developed Hyper-V for x86; why would they?

    Though I expected that you might still be able to have a virtual 32-bit processor. What's the point though I suppose; a 32-bit OS will run just fine on a 64-bit processor. Why bother specifically providing for the creation of a virtual 32-bit processor that would make no difference anyway.

    They might just have to image a physical device if they want a true 32-bit environment.


  • #6
    ItHurtsWhenIP
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 2,299 ✭✭✭ItHurtsWhenIP


    Do you have to use Hyper-V?

    VirtualBox seems to allow you to set-up 32-bit OSes:
    388846.jpg


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  • #7
    seamus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 68,173 ✭✭✭✭seamus


    VirtualBox was the other option, but I have a Hyper-V farm there and the PXE server connected to it by fibre, so using Hyper-V was the preferred option.

    I've set up the Hyper-V one anyway, 32-bit OS on 64-bit hardware. If they don't like it, I might tell them to go off and set up their own VirtualBox locally. :)

    Thanks for the input


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