Step-by-Step Guide to Install Debian on Hyper-V

2024/11/14

Recognized as one of the top Linux distributions, Debian offers a flexible installation method that does not require partitioning your disk. Instead, you can run it as a guest operating system using virtualization tools such as VirtualBox, VMware Workstation, or Hyper-V. This article will guide you through the process of installing Debian on Hyper-V.

Steps to Install Debian on Hyper-V

To successfully install Debian on Hyper-V, follow these outlined steps:

Obtain the Debian ISO file
Set up Hyper-V Manager
Create a new virtual machine
Configure your virtual machine settings
Execute the Debian installation on the virtual machine

Let’s explore each step in detail.

1] Obtain the Debian ISO File

Start by downloading the Debian ISO file onto your computer. Visit debian.org and click on the link for debian-12.7.0-amd64-netinst.iso. Once the download completes, you can proceed to the next step.

2] Set up Hyper-V Manager

Hyper-V is integrated into Windows but requires activation. Follow these instructions to enable Hyper-V on your system:

Access the Control Panel from the Start Menu.
Change the View by option to Large icons.
Navigate to Programs and Features > Turn Windows features on or off.
Locate Hyper-V, tick the checkbox, expand the option, and ensure both Hyper-V Management Tools and Hyper-V Platform are selected.
Click Ok, and a prompt will indicate that Windows is installing these features.

After installation, restart your computer and look for “Hyper-V Manager” in the Start Menu.

3] Create a New Virtual Machine

With the necessary tools in place, you can now create a virtual machine to host Debian. Follow these steps:

Open Hyper-V Manager from the Start Menu.
Go to New > Virtual Machine.
When prompted, click Next.
Assign a name to your virtual machine and click Next.
Choose Generation 2 (Generation 1 can be selected as an alternative) for enhanced features.
Allocate startup memory based on your system specifications, with the option to enable Dynamic Memory; then click Next.
Select a virtual switch to use; you can also create new switches and click Next.
Keep Create a virtual hard disk checked and click Next.
Select Install an operating system later and click Next.

This will successfully create your virtual machine, but further configuration is required.

4] Configure Your Virtual Machine

Next, you’ll need to configure your virtual machine for Debian. Right-click the newly created VM and select Settings, then adjust the following:

Under the Memory tab, enable Dynamic Memory and specify your minimum and maximum RAM according to your system.
In the Processor tab, ensure at least 2 virtual processors are allocated.
Go to the SCSI Controller tab, choose DVD Drive, and click Add.
Select the DVD Drive, then in the Media section, select Image file, browse for your saved ISO, and click Apply > Ok. Access the settings again.
In the Firmware tab, prioritize the DVD Drive by moving it to the top of the boot order.
In the Security settings, deactivate Secure Boot.
Under Automatic Start, choose to always start the VM automatically.
Set the Automatic Stop Action to Shut down the guest operating system.

Finally, click Apply > Ok.

5] Execute Debian Installation

Having completed the configurations, your virtual machine is now ready for the Debian installation. Right-click on the VM and select Start. Then, right-click the VM again and choose Connect. With the virtual machine running, follow the prompts using your keyboard to navigate through the installation process.

This guide should help you successfully set up Debian on Hyper-V.

Can I Run Debian on Hyper-V?

How to Install Debian from the Microsoft Store?

You can install Debian for the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) directly from the Microsoft Store. Visit apps.microsoft.com or open the Microsoft Store, search for “Debian,” and proceed with the installation on your device.